The University of Hawai'i football team is now on the clock.

"It's all business now," said Greg McMackin, who is ready to begin his first training camp as the Warriors' head football coach.

Nineteen newcomers reported yesterday. The veterans are due to report today.

The first practice is tomorrow, from 10 a.m. to noon.

For the 14 days of training camp, the Warriors will stay in two dance studios on the second floor of the athletic complex.

There are 104 names on the training camp roster — one below the NCAA limit. A noticeable absentee for the start of camp will be quarterback Tyler Graunke, who is being withheld from team activities until he resolves a personal issue.

Graunke remains hopeful for a happy resolution to a situation that has been in question for three weeks. But the Warriors, who open on the road against fifth-ranked Florida Aug. 30, are prepared to move ahead without the top backup to Colt Brennan the past three seasons.

McMackin said fourth-year junior Inoke Funaki and junior-college transfers Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch will take an equal number of snaps this week in the battle for the starting quarterback job.

Funaki performed the best among the quarterbacks during the 15 spring practices. Funaki and Graunke exited spring training as co-No. 1s.

Alexander and Rausch arrived in Honolulu in late May, and participated in all of the unsupervised 7-on-7 passing drills.

"They've been working out all summer," McMackin said. "Inoke has played for three years. We'll have them ready for the (Florida) game."

The Warriors will retain their aggressive 4-3 defense, which was coordinated by McMackin last season, and implement their version of the four-wide offense. McMackin has had conversations with a couple of Mainland coaches regarding schemes that will be incorporated into the Warriors' offense.

McMackin also brought in Dana LeDuc, the St. Louis Rams' strength and conditioning coach, to teach seminars on training techniques.

"Dana is the best in the game," said McMackin, who worked with LeDuc at the University of Miami and with the Seattle Seahawks. "He helped us a lot and he gave us some really good ideas."

In previous years, the players had to run the 220s — 10 sprints of 220 yards within a set time limit — at the end of the first practice.

McMackin has scrapped the 220s, and will introduce football-specific running drills. "We're all going to condition as a team," he said.

Concerned about the weather for the Florida game — one Web site forecasts the humidity to be at 97 percent in Gainesville on Aug. 30 — the early part of training camp will be spent on coping with the heat.

"Because of the experience I've had in Miami, I know the humidity will be a factor we have to deal with," McMackin said. "We're going to work in that direction. We're going to start over-hydrating our guys on the first day of camp. We'll teach them how to battle the humidity."

McMackin said all of the offensive and defensive concepts will be implemented in the next two weeks. Starting Aug. 18, the Warriors will work specifically on plays that will be used against Florida.

Below is a close up:

QUARTERBACK

Candidates

Greg Alexander, Shane Austin, Inoke Funaki, Tyler Graunke, Brent Rausch, Jake Santos.

Outlook

Graunke, who is not on suspension, will be kept on the training-camp roster. But it is not known when — or if — he will rejoin the team. Graunke started two games last season, including the comeback victory at Nevada. He is the only Warrior to throw a scoring pass in the Sugar Bowl.

Funaki excelled in spring training, and is regarded as a threat on rollouts. He assumed a leadership role during unsupervised workouts, mentoring Alexander and Rausch. The three are adjusting to taking snaps under center, a technique UH will use about 50 percent of the time this season. It was in the shotgun most of the previous nine years. Alexander and Rausch also came from shotgun offenses. Taking direct snaps keeps defensive ends from "jetting" — no-pause pass rushes without regard for the run — and gives the quarterback a better view of the defensive formations. The key is to read while retreating. The three spent the summer working on their footwork.

Keep an eye on

Alexander, who had been mistaken for a defensive end. Alexander, who is 6 feet 4, has lost 10 pounds since moving to Hawai'i in May, and now weighs 230. The weight loss helped improve his agility and, as a result, his passing accuracy sharpened. More impressively, it helped his basketball skills. He can dunk.

RUNNING BACK

Candidates

Joey Cadiz, David Farmer, Jake Heun, Daniel Libre, Jayson Rego, Leon Wright-Jackson.

Outlook

Now that the lone back will be aligned behind the quarterback instead of being to the side, the Warriors will be able expand the number of running plays from three. That will give more opportunities for Wright-Jackson and Libre.

Wright-Jackson failed to match the hype of a back who played at Nebraska as a freshman in 2005 and was a Youtube sensation in high school. Somewhere along the way, he fell in disfavor with the previous coaching staff, ending 2007 on the scout team.

But McMackin and Ron Lee, the new offensive coordinator, remained impressed with Wright-Jackson's speed (4.46 seconds over 40 yards), believing he would be a natural fit in the redesigned offense. The numbers justified their confidence: Wright-Jackson's yards-per-carry average of 6.6 was fourth-best among Division I-A running backs last season. He spent the summer improving his strength (he gained eight pounds and now weighs 218), and reviewing the old highlight tapes. He wants to run with "explosion," as he did as an All-America high school back. He worked on running "lower," a form that should help him break more attempted ankle tackles.

It has been well documented that Libre's emergence as a speed back coincided with LASIK surgery for his deteriorating vision. Libre's grandparents founded Aloha Laser Vision. Libre led Division I-A running backs with a 8.3 yards-per-rush average; he also averaged 1.3 broken tackles per carry.

Heun, a converted defensive end, and Farmer will serve as the sixth primary blocker in the four-wide offense.

Keep an eye on

Cadiz, who pestered his way on to the training camp roster, beating out Mario Cox and Alonzo Chopp. Cadiz, who is 5 feet 6, never scored a touchdown as a Mililani High slotback/running back. But he also never missed a UH conditioning drill nor an opportunity to watch videos. How respected is Cadiz? As a Humboldt State transfer, he must redshirt this season. He made the roster as a scout-team back.

RECEIVER

Left wideout

Joe Avery, Jett Jasper, Daniel Lofton, Greg Salas, Jovonte Taylor, Mike Tinoco.

Left slotback

Jon Medeiros, Nate Nasca, Michael Washington.

Right slotback

Aaron Bain, Dustin Blount, Ryan Henry, Jeremiah Ostrowski, Kealoha Pilares, Rick Taylor.

Right wideout

Craig Bell, Malcolm Lane, Dylan Linkner, Royce Pollard.

Outlook

Ron Lee's version of the four-wide offense requires the receivers to do more on-the-run adjustments than last season. The four starters are gone, but Washington and Bain have logged enough practice hours to make the easy transition to starting roles. Salas, who gained 20 pounds and now weighs 205, and Lane are set at wideout. The Warriors brought in speedy Jovonte Taylor (who claims to have run a sub-4.3 40), Henry and Bell. But the most impressive during unsupervised workouts was Pollard, a second-year freshman with size (6-2), speed (4.4 in 40) and sure hands.

Keep an eye on

Pilares, who will start the season as a Bain's backup but eventually will be used as a receiver in an empty-backfield formation and a wingback. Pilares is the Warriors' most athletic receiver. Since last year, he has gained weight (20 pounds to 195), and improved his vertical jump (by 2 inches, to 36 1/2 inches) and broad jump (by 9 inches, to 10 feet 2). Last season, he had only two drops, catching a team-high 81 percent of the passes thrown in his direction.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Left tackle

Ray Hisatake, Aaron Kia, Kainoa LaCount, Laupepa Letuli.

Left guard

Keith AhSoon, Brysen Ginlack, Tui Tuiasosopo, Drew Uperesa.

Center

Kaha'i Choy, John Estes, Austin Hansen, Matagisila Lefiti.

Right guard

Raphael Ieru, Joey Lipp, Les Soloai, Clarence "Lafu" Tuioti-Mariner.

Right tackle

Clayton Laurel, Keoni Steinhoff, Adrian Thomas.

Outlook

Estes has fully healed from a hamstring injury suffered the week before the start of spring training. Despite missing half of spring practice because of a leg injury, AhSoon showed enough promise as a left guard to finalize his move from left tackle. "The Bear" (so named because of his 11-inch hand span) also is bullish. AhSoon can squat-lift 500 pounds. Steinhoff is the third returning starter.

The self-styled utilityman, Tuioti-Mariner, has found a permanent job at right guard. He had a team-best squatlift of 610 pounds during testing in March.

Kia, Hisatake and Letuli are the top contenders to serve as the backside blocker. Letuli re-enters the battle after missing spring training because of a hamstring injury suffered while running the 40-yard dash. He is the most versatile lineman, having practiced at tackle, guard, running back, tight end, H-back and defensive end. A fourth candidate, LaCount, is attending summer school in California through Thursday. He won't report until the weekend.

Keep an eye on

Estes, the remaining offensive starter from the 2006 team. Estes deferred to center Samson Satele in 2006 and Brennan last year. Now it's his turn to lead. "I know I can ease into that role," he said. "If I see something wrong, I'm not going to keep it to myself."

DEFENSIVE END

Left

C.J. Allen-Jones, Victor Clore, Alasi Toilolo, David Veikune.

Right

Cameron Allen-Jones, Haku Correa, John Fonoti, Antwan "Tua" Mahaley, Elliott Purcell.

Outlook

Burned in defensive coordinator Cal Lee's memory chip is a play made by former UH linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa. "I saw him rush the quarterback, almost getting him before he threw the ball," Lee recalled. "Guess who made the play downfield? I'm not talking about a little screen. Pisa ran down and made the tackle. That was amazing." Lee said that drive — "a motor that doesn't stop running" — is found in Veikune and Fonoti. "They keep going and going," Lee said. "It's not a matter of 'one, two, oops, I'm blocked.' These two have a great motor that never stops until the play is over."

Veikune was listed as a reserve last season, but he actually tallied the most plays of all of the defensive ends. He was named to the All-WAC first team.

Fonoti is so tough he injured his heels when he fell off a roof last year, but still walked, without crutches, two days later. He has drawn comparisons to fellow Farrington High grads Al Noga and Falaniko Noga. "He's a Noga-type guy," Lee said. "He'll make big plays because he's athletic." Fonoti has gone from 240 pounds to 256 with his so-called McDonald's daily diet of four double cheeseburgers, two filet-o-fish sandwiches, and two large orders of fries.

Keep an eye on

C.J. Allen-Jones, who should prosper in McMackin's move-forward program. McMackin introduced the concept of creating speed by moving safeties to outside linebacker, and outside linebackers to defensive end. Freed from the responsibility of playing pass coverage as a linebacker, Allen-Jones now can use his speed (4.51 seconds over 40 yards) and strength (405-pound bench press) to chase down quarterbacks.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Left

Geordon Hanohano, Fale Laeli, Josh Leonard, Vaughn Meatoga, Tuika Tufaga.

Right

Chris Leatigaga, Rocky Savaiigaea, Keahi Watson, Keala Watson.

Outlook

To emphasize their mettle, the defensive tackles are referred to as a precious metal. "They're gold," said McMackin, who implemented his version of the 4-3 scheme last year as UH's defensive coordinator. While most d-tackles are required to hold the point, McMackin wants his front line to aggressively redraw a new line of scrimmage. He also will rotate up to six players at the two spots. Laeli is healthy after playing last season on two sore knees. Keala Watson, who was the top reserve last year, moves into Michael Lafaele's spot. Leonard, Tufaga, Savaiigaea and Meatoga also will earn significant playing time. The Warriors are so deep that Quentin Beaver, who can bench press 425 pounds, did not make the training camp roster. He joins Aug. 25, the first day of the fall semester.

Keep an eye on

Leonard, who shed some weight but maintained his strength (435-pound bench press, 308-pound power clean). Leonard's weight fluctuated last season as he was shifted between defensive end and tackle. He took all of the first-team reps in spring training in Laeli's absence.

LINEBACKER

Left

Paipai Falemalu, Tyson Kafentzis, Corey Paredes, Blaze Soares.

Middle

Solomon Elimimian, Mana Lolotai, Brashton Satele.

Right

Po'okela Ahmad, R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane, Adam Leonard, Josh Rice.

Outlook

In anticipation of facing more no-huddle offenses, the Warriors will simplify the defense. Instead of the outside linebackers aligned according to the formation (strong or weak) they will stick to their side (left or right). Elimimian, who was selected as the WAC's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, again will make the defensive calls. "He's another coach out there," Cal Lee said.

Leonard and Soares are hopeful of having good health. Leonard played all of 2007 with a fracture in his right hand, yet made four interceptions. Soares had a stinger and shoulder injury that required pain-numbing shots before games. He undergoes intensive physical therapy several times a week. Soares is considered to be the Warriors' hardest hitter. "He hits like a bull," Lee said. Satele, who has suffered a variety of injuries during his UH career, is expected to make an impact this season.

Keep an eye on

Kiesel-Kauhane, who has an iron proficiency. He can bench-press 455 pounds

DEFENSIVE SECONDARY

Field cornerback

Chris Black, Ryan Mouton, Kawika Ornellas, Calvin Roberts, Lewis Walker.

Strong safety

Viliami Nauahi, Khevin Peoples, Erik Robinson, Mana Silva,

Free safety

Kenny Estes, Keao Monteilh, Kealoha Dane Porlas, Spencer Smith, Desmond Thomas.

Boundary cornerback

Jeramy Bryant, Steve Christian, JoPierre Davis, Jameel Dowling, Ryan Perry, Steven Stepter, Richard Torres.

Outlook

Mouton, who has fully recovered from a strained knee ligament last year, is a shut-down corner who gives the Warriors more options. The secondary can play more man-to-man coverages, opening the way for more blitzes. As the field cornerback, Mouton now will defend the wide side. Mouton will play corner in the UH's base 4-3 alignment. He will serve as the nickelback when the Warriors employ five or six defensive backs.

Dowling, a transfer from Oregon, is the leading candidate to play the narrow-side corner.

In recent seasons, the safeties were interchangeable. This year, the strong safety will be a power-hitting position. Robinson and Silva, a transfer from Oregon State, are heat-seeking safeties.

Monteilh, who has recovered from a fracture scapula, Thomas and Porlas have experience as starters.

Keep an eye on

Bryant, who is quick and doesn't give receivers much room.

SPECIALISTS

Placekicker

Dan Kelly, Brett Symonds.

Punter

Tim Grasso.

Long-snapper

Jake Ingram.

Outlook

The Iceman did not spend the summer chilling. For a change of scenery, Kelly worked out at San Francisco State's soccer stadium. There are six staircases on each sideline stands. He raced up and down each one, then sprinted to the other side, and sprinted and down those stairs. He started by doing five cycles each day. By the end of the month, he was up to seven cycles. He also participated in weight sessions designed to improve his lower-body strength. The 6-foot-3 Kelly now weighs 225. (He was 180 at the end of the 2005 training camp.) At the Snap-Hold-Kick competition in Fontana, Calif., Kelly won the long-drive award with a 59-yard field goal and was second in the kicking contest, making 9 of 10 field-goal attempts.

Keep an eye on

Symonds, the latest kicker from Temecula, Calif. Symonds who has trained with Kelly, has the power to help on kickoffs.