Warriors Notebook Star-Bulletin staff

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AhSoon, Farmer return

Two veteran Hawaii offensive players have returned from injuries.

Keith AhSoon was back at first-team left guard after recovering from a strained left calf.

Running back Dave Farmer, who returned to action Saturday, continued in position drills and got some time in 7-on-7. He injured his right ankle in the second session of the spring, three weeks ago.

AhSoon, who started at left tackle last year, was anxious to help solidify an O-line that was punished yet again by the Warrior defense in the second team scrimmage on Saturday.

"Man, it feels good being back," the senior said. "Last week, I was hella depressed on the sidelines and stuff like that. Waking up this morning, I was looking forward to it. It's my last spring, and I can't just let it go like that."

AhSoon was first told he'd miss the remainder of spring ball with the first real injury of his career, but extensive rehab allowed an early comeback.

Other injuries to center John Estes (hamstring), tackle Laupepa Letuli (hamstring) and guard Raphael Ieru (ankle) left him mystified but determined.

"Seriously, this spring I think the most O-line got hurt (of any year)," AhSoon said. "But at the same time it's a good thing for the young guys to step in, take some reps and get some experience."

Farmer estimated his ankle between "75 and 85 percent" and is resigned to making a full recovery this summer.

But he wants to use this final week of spring ball as a springboard.

"I had to kind of grit my teeth all throughout practice, but no good player has never done that," Farmer said. "That's how it goes -- it's football."

The still-hobbled Farmer's form is far from graceful as he tries to regain the status that made him a valuable blocker in the run-and-shoot the past three seasons.

"I'm sure it's funny for (running backs coach Alex Gerke), when we do individuals, my footwork is all bad. Messing up, tripping," Farmer said with a wry grin. "I'd rather be the laugher than the laughee. But I like playing football so I'll take it how it comes."

Jeers to cheers for Lane

Receiver Malcolm Lane silenced the critics -- namely, the Warriors defense -- with a nice grab across the middle halfway through team drills yesterday.

The reason the green shirts were on his case? Earlier in the drill, a wide-open Lane was hit dead center with a deep ball from Tyler Graunke, but Lane couldn't get a handle on the ball for a would-be touchdown.

In unison, members of the defense came up with a derisive chant. But Lane redeemed himself with a nice catch against several defenders, earning some kudos from the same sideline.

The mane thing

Junior linebacker Brashton Satele has had a history of being dogged by injuries nearly every fall and spring camp of his UH career. But he's remained healthy this spring and has played impressively.

The difference?

Perhaps it's in the hair. Satele always wore it close-cropped. This spring he let it grow out.

Duck hunting

The Warriors secondary is averaging nearly three interceptions a practice in 7-on-7 and team drills.

Safety Keao Monteilh said great preparation is the key.

"We do ball drills maybe once a week. We got Coach (Rich) Miano throwing us the ball, and he ain't that great," Monteilh said of the defensive backs coach, who was an NFL safety, not quarterback. "Maybe it gives us a better look because he throws ducks and the quarterbacks throw better balls to catch."

When the Warriors do get a pick, they don't pitch the ball four or five times like they did when Jerry Glanville was defensive coordinator.

"It's always fun to pitch the ball. But we don't want to pitch it and fumble," Monteilh said.

Short yardage

Camron Carmona missed last Thursday's practice with a stiff back but has returned to practice. Fellow running backs Alonzo Chopp and Korey Reynolds were not in pads. ... Walk-on slotback Ben Noy is out for the spring and probably beyond with what is likely a torn ACL. ... Defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea said he "feels like a new man" after having the cast removed from his right foot. He still needs a few weeks for his fractured tibia to fully heal, though.