Hawaii offensive lineman Aaron Kia has a little more reason to try to keep in contact with his brother this week.

Micah Kia, a UCLA lineman, had an up-close look at Fresno State's defensive front last week, although a back injury limited his playing time in the Bruins' 36-31 loss.

Now Aaron Kia is preparing for his turn to face the 22nd-ranked Bulldogs on Saturday when the Warriors visit Central California, and hopes to get some insights from Micah.

“;I've been trying to get in touch with him,”; Aaron Kia said. “;He hasn't gotten back to me.”;

Of course, Kia has been studying the Bulldogs quite a bit already after getting his first start of the season last week against San Jose State. He is expected to share playing time at left tackle with Laupepa Letuli again this week.

“;To be able to keep both of them fresh was good for them,”; UH offensive line coach Brian Smith said.

The Warriors front went through several shuffles early in the season, but is working on building continuity. Right tackle Keoni Steinhoff, Lafu Tuioti-Mariner and center John Estes have started all four games and Brysen Ginlack has started the last three games at left guard. He split playing time with Raphael Ieru against SJSU.

“;They're getting better as a group,”; Smith said. “;Their communication's getting better, they're playing better together. ... That right side's been real steady, but now the left side's getting a relationship developed.”;

Smith said senior Keith AhSoon, who started at both guard and tackle this season, could return earlier than expected. AhSoon was projected to miss six to eight weeks after suffering a sprained ligament in his knee against Oregon State. But Smith said his quick recovery has shaved weeks off the timetable.

Raider nation

UH receiver Daniel Lofton has been keeping an eye on the turmoil in Oakland this week.

Lofton's father, James Lofton, is the receivers coach with the Raiders, who endured the acrimonious firing of head coach Lane Kiffin on Tuesday. Lofton had been mentioned as a possible replacement before the interim job went to Tom Cable.

“;He's holding up good, he's just continuing to do his job,”; Daniel Lofton said. “;They still have to come to work and go play.

“;He played for Al Davis, he knows how it goes.”;

Lofton, a transfer from California, struggled with injuries in camp and early in the season, but has worked with the second team in recent practices.

Mouton returns

Cornerback Ryan Mouton returned to practice yesterday. The senior suffered a rib injury against San Jose State and sat out Tuesday's practice. He worked out both in the secondary and as a kick returner.

Quarterback Tyler Graunke didn't see much action, but got into the team periods yesterday behind starter Inoke Funaki. As on Tuesday, Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch got most of the backup reps.

“;Felt good in warm ups, felt good throwing the ball and gripping the ball,”; Graunke said. “;I'll work through it.”;

Receiver/kick returner Jovonte Taylor has not practiced this week due to illness.