While it remains unclear whether they'll be available in the fall, Hawaii offensive tackle Laupepa Letuli and linebacker Brashton Satele will be eligible to practice with the Warriors this spring while they await rulings on their appeals for a sixth year of eligibility.

The seniors applied for the extra year after their 2009 seasons were cut short due to injuries. They were granted an extension to their appeals, allowing them to practice during the process.

“;They can practice, but hopefully we'll find out something pretty soon,”; UH head coach Greg McMackin said.

While they wait for a ruling, Letuli and Satele are dealing with the uncertainty of whether they'll have another year of college ball or look to pursue professional careers.

Letuli started at right tackle for the first three games last season, but injured his knee during weight training and missed the remainder of the year. Senior Kainoa LaCount has been practicing in that spot so far this spring.

Satele was in position to start at middle linebacker last summer, but suffered a shoulder injury during fall camp and had season-ending surgery prior to the Warriors' opener.

Satele graduated in December and has been taking online classes while training on the mainland to remain eligible if his appeal is granted. In the meantime, Jake Heun and Mana Lolotai entered the spring as the leading contenders in the middle.

Circle of honor

McMackin halted practice early in yesterday's session and gathered the team in a circle at midfield for a “;pride drill.”; McMackin called an offensive and defensive player to face off in the middle and try to knock each other off of Ching Field's “;H”; logo.

“;Basically it's defending our house,”; said McMackin, who held three sets of one-on-one duels before resuming position drills. “;It gets practice going and lets them compete.”;

Estes sidelined

Safety Kenny Estes sat out yesterday's practice after aggravating a shoulder injury that hampered him last year.

While the Warriors went through their first hitting session last Saturday, Estes suffered the injury in a noncontact period. He said he felt the shoulder give while trying to jam a receiver during one-on-one drills and was to meet with team doctors yesterday.

The injury to Estes, a Waimea High graduate, comes as the Warriors are preparing to head to Kauai for a scrimmage at Vidinha Stadium on Saturday. Estes had been working with the second unit at free safety.

“;I've been waiting for it, the whole spring break I was thinking about it,”; Estes said of the trip home. “;It's kind of a bummer.”;

Defensive end Elliott Purcell suited up for practice for the first time after sitting out last week while recovering from a sprained ankle.

Short yardage

The Warriors are off today and are scheduled to practice tomorrow at 7 a.m. ... Saturday's scrimmage is set to start at 11 a.m., with an autograph session to follow. Admission will be free.