strong>George Daily-Lyles could soon go from recruit to recruiter.

The linebacker at Long Beach Poly in California committed to join the Hawaii football program this week and another Jackrabbits defender, defensive end Iuta Tepa, is considering joining him in Manoa.

“;I'm going to drop a few hints here and there,”; Daily-Lyles said, “;but in the end it's up to him.”;

Daily-Lyles (5-foot-11, 220 pounds) is a leader in the middle of the Long Beach Poly defense, and recorded 28 tackles in the Jackrabbits' first three games this season.

He committed to UH last Friday, then recorded 10 tackles in a 14-0 win over Carson that night. He also had offers from Arizona and Portland State.

“;He makes all the calls and obviously he's playing real well,”; Long Beach Poly coach Raul Lara said. “;He runs well, very aggressive, intelligent and just makes plays.”;

Daily-Lyles is poised to become the first Long Beach Poly player to sign with Hawaii since offensive lineman Hercules Satele, and said the connection between the schools factored into his decision.

“;It's good to get recruiting out of the way,”; Daily-Lyles said.

As for the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Tepa, Lara said he also has an offer from Arizona.

“;He's just a big, fast, smashmouth defensive end,”; Daily-Lyles said. “;Hit first, ask questions later.”;

Rausch remains diligent

Sophomore quarterback Brent Rausch and junior Greg Alexander took the bulk of the reps backing up Inoke Funaki yesterday. Tyler Graunke participated in passing drills but the junior college transfers split the snaps against the scout team.

UH coach Greg McMackin indicated Rausch and Alexander would get more work in practice during his press conference on Monday.

“;Tyler's hand's bothering him and we've got to get those guys better, so we're going to start repping them,”; McMackin said.

After his increased look, Rausch was one of a half-dozen players handed punishment shoulder rolls across the field at the end of practice. He was poised after executing the grueling drill and explained he was late to a team meeting.

“;We gotta start making some plays at the quarterback spot,”; said the 6-foot-4 Rausch, who saw limited time against Florida in the season-opener but no action since. “;All of us have played, just gotta step it up.

“;I'm still with the team, I'm still working to win, and I'm still with all these guys. We all just want to win. I don't think anyone's fallen off yet.”;

Health update

Running back Kealoha Pilares and receiver Malcolm Lane, both coming off concussions, participated in yesterday's hour-long practice.

Cornerback Ryan Mouton, who suffered a rib injury during the loss to San Jose State, observed practice and left quickly to take an X-ray. Linebacker Adam Leonard also sat out after tweaking his hamstring during the game. McMackin said defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea was going to see a doctor after having an MRI on his injured arm on Monday.

Kajiyama statement

Brian Kajiyama, the Warriors' academic manager, issued a statement after a profile on his role with the team aired on ESPN's E:60 yesterday.

Kajiyama, born with cerebral palsy, was a graduate assistant last year and was shifted to academic manager when McMackin took over.

“;I appreciate the piece that E:60 produced that shared my life story,”; Kajiyama said. “;However, I was disappointed in any instances which coach Greg McMackin and the University of Hawaii program were negatively portrayed. That was not my intention. I appreciate the opportunity that Coach McMackin has provided me to continue being a part of the Warrior ohana. I will continue to remain loyal to the University of Hawaii and will do my best in my new capacity.”;