"I'll be all right," said Fuga, who was injured after he and another defensive lineman collided. "By Wednesday, I should be practicing."

Moments after Fuga crumpled to the ground during an 11-on-11 drill, UH coach June Jones yelled, "Trainer!" Fuga was helped to the sideline, where he received medical treatment from the athletic trainers.

Fuga's speedy return is needed for an undermanned position. Defensive tackle Albert "Abu" Ma'afala transferred to California and two recruits did not report. Converted offensive linemen Kahai LaCount and Larry Sauafea are helping to fill the void at defensive tackle.

Fuga is entering his sixth year at UH. Fuga, a 1998 Waipahu High graduate, started in 1999 and 2000. He missed the 2001 season after undergoing surgery to both shoulders, and did not play the rest of the 2002 season after suffering an ankle injury in the season opener against Eastern Illinois. The NCAA granted medical hardships to Fuga for the 2001 and 2002 seasons.