Back then, the Warriors were seeking to replace key offensive players, including the starting quarterback.

"There are a lot of similarities," said Jones, who is looking for successors to quarterback Tim Chang, running backs Michael Brewster and West Keli'ikipi, and all four starting receivers. In the past two years, eight players who started on the defensive line have exhausted their eligibility.

"We lost some guys in key positions," Jones said. "But I think we're pretty good athletically with the recruiting we've done over the last three years. We're young, but we're better than we were in 2000. We have more depth."

From that 2000 recruiting class emerged starting quarterbacks Chang and Nick Rolovich, All-America slotback/returner Chad Owens, and all-conference cornerbacks Kelvin Millhouse and Abraham Elimimian.

"The team this year will be very young," Jones said. "We're obviously in a rebuilding stage. But I think we'll be real competitive. By midseason, I think we'll be pretty solid."

With several injured players and the bulk of a decorated recruiting class reporting in August, spring training will focus on instruction and repetition.

There are five quarterbacks competing to succeed Chang — a sixth, Colt Brennan of Saddleback Community College, moves to Hawai'i in June — and each will receive an equal share of work this spring. Jones said he probably will not name a starter until fall training camp.

Based on experience and remaining eligibility, third-year sophomore Jack Rolovich — Nick's younger brother — and second-year freshman Tyler Graunke are regarded as the leading candidates.

No matter who has a standout spring, the real test will be administered in the season opener against defending national champion Southern California.

"Once the game starts, you find out in a hurry what you've got," Jones said. "You can do all you want in practice. But certain guys, when the game starts, they get better or they get worse. They don't stay the same."

Here's a position-by-position look at spring practice:

Quarterback

Outlook: Dan Morrison, who coaches the quarterbacks, said the Warriors will miss Chang's quick release and even quicker decision-making. "No one has the experience Timmy had," Morrison said, noting Chang has played in a four-wide passing scheme since the eighth grade.

Jack Rolovich has his brother's arm strength and confidence. "He can bring it in a hurry," Morrison said.

Graunke also has a strong arm and personality that borders on cockiness.

"He has that devil-may-care attitude, like, 'Nobody can stop me,' which you need a little bit out there," Morrison said.

Morrison said Rolovich and Graunke have a textbook understanding of the offense.

"It's one thing to translate it from the meeting room to the practice field," Morrison said. "It's another thing to translate it to the stadium. It's a different world out there, but somebody will come forth and do it."

Keep an eye on: Inoke Funaki, who led Kahuku High to two state championships before going on a church mission. He enrolled at UH in January. "He was very special," Morrison said. "He was a fluid, natural thrower. He's very smart. He'll be in over his head for a while, but I'm curious to see where he is after 15 days (of spring practice)."

Running back

Outlook: In UH math, one equals two. Nate Ilaoa, a converted slotback who was limited to one game in the past two seasons because of knee and shoulder injuries, is poised to replace both Brewster and Keli'ikipi. At 235 pounds, the 5-foot-9 Ilaoa is a mouthpiece-loosening blocker and elusive runner. "That sucker is good," running back coach Wes Suan said. "We've never had one before with power and quickness. He's just a special talent. We have to give him the ball."

Keep an eye on: Bryan Maneafaiga, a speedster who will double as a kick returner.

Receivers

Outlook: With three starters completing their eligibility and left wideout Jason Rivers trying to earn missed credits at a community college, the four receiver jobs are open. With highly regarded recruits arriving in August, the window of opportunity is ajar for several holdovers.

Ian Sample, the son of former major league baseball player Billy Sample, had surpassed Rivers on the depth chart before suffering a season-ending injury to his collarbone. Ross Dickerson is pushing for a starting job at right wideout.

Owens' hand-picked successor, Jason Ferguson, and Davone Bess, who had signed with Oregon State before running into legal trouble, are competing at left slotback. Jones said Ryan Grice-Mullin, a right slotback, has the potential to be the team's best receiver.

Keep an eye on: Joey Hew Len, a 6-3 slotback. Jones' offense does not employ a tight end, but Hew Len sure fits the profile.

Offensive Line

Outlook: The deepest group is looking to replace four-year starter Uriah Moenoa at right guard and line coach Mike Cavanaugh, who accepted a similar job at Oregon State. Starting right tackle Brandon Eaton will practice at right guard, opening the competition between Jeremy Inferrera and Dane Uperesa at right tackle. Left guard Samson Satele is recovering from shoulder surgery and will not practice, delaying his tryout at center.

Keep an eye on: Keith Ah Soon, who is battling for a starting job at both guard spots. "He's a very tough kid," said Mouse Davis, the interim line coach.

Defensive Line

Outlook: The line could qualify as a chapter of the Rehab Hospital of the Pacific. Defensive tackles Keala Watson (wrist), Fale Laele (shoulders), Clarence Tuioti-Mariner (shoulder) and defensive end Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan (shoulder) are recovering from surgeries. During offseason workouts, left end Melila Purcell III squat-lifted 500 pounds, and backup Karl Noa ran 40 yards in 4.6 seconds and bench-pressed more than 400 pounds. Line coach Vantz Singletary said he expects converted offensive linemen Kahai LaCount and Larry Sauafea to emerge as top interior defenders.

Keep an eye on: Defensive tackle Michael Lafaele, a converted center. "If I could rate the nastiest guy, he would be No. 1," Singletary said. "He has the wrestler's mindset, and I'm talking about pro wrestler. If you saw a pile on the field, he would be on the bottom, biting people."

Linebacker

Outlook: Decisions won't be made until training camp, when six linebacker recruits arrive. None is expected to redshirt. Linebacker coach Cal Lee said Ikaika Curnan, who won't participate in spring practice after undergoing ankle surgery, will remain at inside linebacker. Tanuvasa Moe, who returns at weakside linebacker, will double as the long-snapper.

Keep an eye on: C.J. Allen-Jones, who is the leading candidate at strongside linebacker. "If you look at him, you can tell he really works hard," Lee said. "He's determined to make a statement this year."

Defensive Secondary

Outlook: Cornerbacks Kenny Patton and Turmarian Moreland and safeties Leonard Peters and Lono Manners enter spring practice atop a thin depth chart. Cornerback George Perry is expected to receive extra work while Patton mentors the inexperienced defensive backs.

Keep an eye on: Brandon Matano, a member of this year's UH basketball team. Matano was a cornerback and return specialist at Siena College, which dropped the sport after the 2003 season.