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.

"When I watched it, I thought he got kneed," Jones said. "It doesn't look serious."

Fuga said: "I'll do some rehab. I'm looking at coming back Wednesday."

Fuga was on crutches yesterday morning, but did not use them while attending the early part of the afternoon practice.

"With the players, it's how they feel," Jones said. "I would assume he knows what he's doing, anyway. I want him to do what he needs to do. He knows his assignments. He knows what he needs to do to be ready to play."

The Warriors practice this afternoon, twice tomorrow and once Tuesday.

Fuga's speedy return is needed to replenish an undermanned position. Defensive tackle Albert "Abu" Ma'afala transferred to California, Austin Jackson did not report and no timetable is set for when — or if — Lawrence Wilson will be cleared to participate. The Farrington graduate apparently earned enough summer school credits at UH to receive an associate degree — an eligibility requirement for an incoming junior college transfer. But without confirmation from Dixie College, where he played last season, Wilson is not allowed to compete with the Warriors.

Converted offensive linemen Kahai LaCount and Larry Sauafea are helping to fill the void. After Fuga, the most experienced defensive tackle in camp is Matt Faga, who has played in four NCAA games.

Fuga is entering his sixth year at UH. The 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. The NCAA granted medical hardships to Fuga for the 2001 and 2002 seasons.

Warriors ranked 38th in Associated Press poll

The Warriors received 11 points from Associated Press top-25 voters, ranking 38th.

Two-time defending WAC champion Boise State ranked 30th with 47 points.

Owens returning to his specialty

As a second-year freshman in 2001, slotback Chad Owens was the Western Athletic Conference's best punt and kick returner. But in 2002, he was used sparingly in those duties to focus on playing slotback, and last year he returned 14 punts and one kickoff. But this season Owens, who will start at left slotback, will be the featured returner.

"That's the word on the street," he said.

Owens, who is 5 feet 9 and 174 pounds, has worked on improving his strength and endurance to handle the extra workload.

"I passed my 220s," he said, referring to the drill in which players are asked to run 220-yard sprints 10 times within a specified time limit. "I'm in shape. I just have to survive camp and get ready to roll."

LUI FUGA

"I told him to step out of there," Jones said.

Owens said: "I didn't want it to get too serious. It's not worth it."

Gerald Welch replaced Owens at slotback during the remaining passing drills.

Bass works way into backup spot at corner

Cornerback Ray Bass is making the most of his second chance, emerging as the top backup to left cornerback Abraham Elimimian.

Last October, Bass left the team during the middle of his freshman season. But he remained in Hawai'i and, after regretting his decision, asked to be reinstated to the team. Jones placed Bass on probation for the spring semester, after which it would be decided if he would retain his scholarship.

"I knew I was kind of on thin ice," said Bass, who opted to work out in Hawai'i this summer instead of returning to California.

"(Jones) basically told me he was glad I was working hard," Bass said. "It seems like everything is going pretty good."

Ho'ohuli bouncing back from surgery

Middle linebacker Watson Ho'ohuli said his left knee is "almost 100 percent" 10 months after after he underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

"I have to work my way up (the depth chart)," he said.

Ho'ohuli, a senior from Kamehameha Schools, played in 12 games as second-year freshman in 2001. He did not play in 2002 because of "personal reasons." He returned to the team in the spring of 2003, eventually regaining his scholarship before the start of last season. He played in one game before suffering the season-ending injury.

Patton focuses on staying injury-free

As a first-degree black belt and karate instructor, cornerback Kenny Patton appears to be made of elastic.

Wide receiver Ross Dickerson looks for the ball against the defense of cornerback Ray Bass, who has worked his way into a top backup spot.

He also said he is trying to increase his water consumption. "It's hot out here," he said. "I'm getting really dehydrated. I have to make sure I water up and everything. I lose about five, six pounds a day out here. It's all water weight. I have to gain my weight back in water."

Patton received a medical hardship for last season's injury. He will have three remaining seasons of eligibility.

He is listed as the starting right cornerback, succeeding Abraham Elimimian, who moved to the left side. Elimimian is replacing Kelvin Millhouse, who completed his UH eligibility last December and is on the Miami Dolphins' roster.