Linebackers banged up

Hawaii's depth in the defensive front seven was expected to be a strength of the team this season.

That strength is being tested a little more than a week into fall camp.

With outside linebacker Adam Leonard already nursing a tight hamstring, junior Blaze Soares - slated to start at the other outside spot - went down with a lower leg injury early in yesterday's practice. He was to have an MRI performed in the afternoon to determine the extent of the injury.

The ensuing shuffle put starting inside linebacker Solomon Elimimian on the edge with Brashton Satele moving into Elimimian's customary position in the middle. R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane has been playing in Leonard's spot outside.

"Whatever coach needs me to do, whatever it is we need to win, I'm ready to do it. If I have to play D-tackle, I'll play D-tackle," said Elimimian, who had worked on the outside last week as the coaches look to get Satele more playing time.

"Being in a game, if someone goes down, you don't have time to look around, you don't have time to ask questions, you have to be ready. Right now guys are getting ready."

The defensive line also had some missing pieces yesterday. With a hamstring keeping John Fonoti sidelined, tackles Fale Laeli (knee) and Rocky Savaiigaea (triceps) also sat out.

"When you get injuries, that's what depth is all about," head coach Greg McMackin said. "Any position that loses somebody, it's unfortunate, but you move on."

Yesterday was also the first of two-a-days for the Warriors. The afternoon portion was devoted mainly to special teams.

"We've got to get our work in," Elimimian said. "We've got Florida (in the opener), so that's something that motivates us."