Like a butterfly's wing flap that sets off a chain reaction affecting the weather on the other side of the world, Keao Monteilh's season-ending injury has led to competition on the second tier of the Hawai'i football team's depth chart.

Monteilh, a safety who was considered the orchestrator of the defensive secondary, suffered a torn left scapula, or shoulder blade. The recovery period is between six and eight weeks; the Warriors have five weeks — four games — remaining in the regular season.

Defensive coordinator Greg McMackin said Desmond Thomas will replace Monteilh as the free safety in the Warriors' base defense for the next game, Nov. 10 against Fresno State. Jacob Patek is the strong safety.

But after that, it gets murky. With a bye this weekend, the Warriors are using this week's practices to audition Dane Kealoha Porlas, Ryan Mouton, Erik Robinson and Spencer Smith as the third safety.

"They have a lot of good qualities," said Rich Miano, who coaches the secondary.

While the Warriors will play the base 4-3 scheme more than half the time, they have three other defensive schemes that utilize five defensive backs. Mouton, who also is the third cornerback, Thomas or Porlas could play nickelback in those defenses. There is flexibility because Patek, a senior, also can play free safety.

For now, Miano said, "we're looking to find the third-best safety."

The job, Miano noted, is not for the nervous.

"The rules are against you," Miano told the candidates. "If a d-lineman makes a mistake, it might be a 7-yard gain. If the linebacker makes a mistake, it might be a 10- or 12-yard gain. If you make a mistake, it might be a touchdown. You're no longer responsible for yourself. You're responsible for the whole team. We're trying to win a championship."

In Saturday's 50-13 victory over New Mexico State, Monteilh, Patek (stinger) and Thomas (quadriceps contusion) suffered injuries in the second half. Robinson, who transferred from Navarro Junior College in August, and Smith, a second-year freshman, were summoned. Each played 16 snaps.

"You never know," Miano said. "You sit there thinking, 'Wow, it's a close game, I'm never going to play,' and all of a sudden a couple of safeties get hurt and you're in there. That's a lot of responsibility. There are 120 guys depending on you. There are coaches depending on you. There's the state of Hawai'i depending on you. I want them to make sure they understand that."

Porlas, who played left safety in the nickel defense against San Jose State three weeks ago, has the most experience of the four candidates.

Mouton, who also plays nickelback, is the most athletic.

"(Mouton) is so smart," Miano said. "He can play anywhere back there. He understands nickel, corner and safety."

Mouton, who is recovering from a knee injury, said he has benefitted from playing nickelback.

"It helped me with the coverages," he said.

Robinson is trying to make up for lost time. Although he earned an associate degree during the summer — an NCAA eligibility requirement for a junior-college transfer — UH had not received his transcripts on time. He was held out of the season opener and the first road trip, which included a five-day stopover in Houston.

"It was hard when I found out I wasn't going to Texas to see my family," said Robinson, who was raised in Dallas. "It was a crazy situation with my (junior college). I talked to my mother every day. She told me to pray about it. God doesn't make mistakes. Things happen for a reason."

He finally received clearance to play, but by then, Patek, Monteilh and Thomas were established as the top three safeties.

"I understood and respected that," Robinson said. "They're like my brothers. I knew I had to wait my turn."

While Robinson had earned a reputation as a hard hitter, there were questions about his ability to defend the deep areas. Those concerns were alleviated during last week's practices.

"E-Rob is a hard worker," said slotback Ryan Grice-Mullins, who faced Robinson during team drills. "You can tell he's very determined."

Robinson said: "I used to always move up and just hit. Every day, coach Miano was on my case, reminding me what to do."

Miano said: "I hope when they say I'm 'on them,' it's in a positive way because I want to make sure they know I care about them. I'm trying to get them ready."

When McMackin returned as UH defensive coordinator in April after an eight-year hiatus, he cleaned the slate, opening all of the positions. Still, Smith, who was recruited by McMackin's predecessor, Jerry Glanville, now with Portland State, felt he had more to prove.

"I had no history," Smith said, referring to his redshirt season in 2006. "I don't think (McMackin) knew anything about me. I felt I had to prove myself."

Smith knew he had to be patient. "Most of the safeties here are older," he said. "I'm just a redshirt freshman. I have four years left. I've been through stuff in football before where I wasn't ahead of everyone, but I worked hard. I knew the hard work would end up paying off in the long run."

COX OFF THE TEAM

Running back Mario Cox, a third-year sophomore from Richmond, Calif., was dismissed from the team.

Head coach June Jones said Cox will remain on scholarship as long as he is in good academic standing.

Jones said Cox will not be reinstated this season.

Jones declined further comment. But sources familiar with the situation said Cox violated Jones' three-strike rule regarding missed classes, meetings and assignments.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.