Graunke progressing

Tyler Graunke continued to take steps on the path to returning to action with the Hawaii football team yesterday.

The senior quarterback got into team drills for the first time this season, working behind starter Inoke Funaki during yesterday's practice.

"Inoke's going to start the ballgame and we just wanted to see where Tyler was," UH head coach Greg McMackin said. "We had plenty of reps from Greg (Alexander) and Brent (Rausch) and we know where they're at and Tyler hasn't played for a while.

"I think he's got some things to work on, he needs to continue to get better, but we just wanted to take a look at him."

Graunke backed up Colt Brennan for much of the last three years and started two games last season. But he missed fall camp while he cleared up academic issues. He was reinstated to the team early last week.

He participated in passing drills in practices since his return, and took his first snaps in 7-on-7 and team drills since spring practice yesterday.

Funaki, who continued to take most of the repetitions, and Graunke were the only quarterbacks to work against the scout team.

There were also some extra sprints for Graunke after practice as he works his way back into the fold.

"He's working hard at winning the respect of the football team," McMackin said. "I'm really excited about how he has taken care of things. He's really made a move to improve his life and his academic situation and I'm happy for him. I'm glad he has an opportunity to play his senior year."

Graunke declined comment after practice.

Alexander started last week's 56-10 loss at Florida and Funaki was installed as the starter for this week's game against Weber State following his performance in the fourth quarter against the Gators.

The Warriors (0-1) face the Wildcats (1-0) in their home opener Saturday at Aloha Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:05 p.m.