With businesslike efficiency, the Hawai'i football team selected its starting offensive line and set the 66-player travel roster for Saturday's season-opening game against Florida.

Laupepa Letuli is the No. 1 left tackle, outdueling Aaron Kia in a competition that spanned five months. Clarence "Lafu" Tuioti-Mariner, who recently recovered from a calf injury, reclaimed the right guard's job.

And head coach Greg McMackin finalized a travel roster that includes four quarterbacks, five running backs, nine receivers, 12 offensive linemen, 11 defensive linemen, eight linebackers, 14 defensive backs and three specialists.

"We worked hard to evaluate everybody," McMackin said. "Everybody has been evaluated through spring (training) and through this camp. There's a lot of information, a lot of evaluation. I think the players trust we're going to make the right decision for the team. It's business. I don't care if (a player is) the most popular guy on the team or I like him the most on the team. It comes down to who's the best player. We want to play the best players."

Letuli and Tuioti-Mariner overcame injuries to earn starting berths. The other No. 1 offensive linemen are left guard Keith AhSoon, who was the starting left tackle last season; center John Estes, and right tackle Keoni Steinhoff.

"I would have liked to have set the group a couple of days to a week ago," offensive line coach Brian Smith said. "With injuries, it was tough to move a guy ahead who's not quite 100 percent yet, then have him get hurt, and sent back down. Then you're constantly swapping guys. I had to be a little more patient with it."

Letuli, a fourth-year junior, has had nearly as many ailments as positions during his UH career. He missed four practices last week because of "little tweaks here and there with my hip."

When healthy, Letuili has the strength and agility suited for a back-side blocker.

"I like his toughness," Smith said. "He still has a long way to go fundamentally, (but) he's getting better with every rep. He'll be starting against Florida."

Letuli said: "I have to keep myself mentally prepared. I have to sharpen up."

Tuioti-Mariner entered training camp as the No. 1 right guard, but then missed about two weeks of practice because of a strained calf. Ray Hisatake, a converted tackle, practiced with the first-team offense in Tuioti-Mariner's absence.

But Tuioti-Mariner is healthy again.

"He's got a great punch," Smith said, referring to the open-handed blocking technique. "He's got a good anchor. He changes direction well. He's tough. He's physical. He'll start in Florida."

Tuioti-Mariner said: "It was a matter of waiting and being patient until I got my chance. I don't care about starting. I want to play and help the team."

Smith and offensive coordinator Ron Lee said Kia and Hisatake also will be used against Florida.

RAUSCH RETURNS

Brent Rausch, who was named the No. 1 quarterback two weeks ago, resumed practicing after missing two workouts because of a slight strain in the right forearm and biceps of his throwing arm.

During yesterday's one-hour practice, Rausch threw during warmups. In team drills, he threw only a few hard passes.

"Those two days he took off he has to get back," Lee said. "I think the next couple of practices are going to be really important (for Rausch)."

Rausch said: "I'm OK now."

Meanwhile, quarterback Tyler Graunke yesterday attended his first practice of the summer. He had been held out while he tried to resolve academic issues. He met those requirements last week, and he was reinstated to the team the past Thursday.

Graunke, who started two games last season, threw warmup passes. He did not participate in the team or 7-on-7 drills.

Rausch, Greg Alexander, Inoke Funaki and Jake Santos are the four quarterbacks on the travel roster. Santos will work with the scout-team offense.

In related news, linebacker Solomon Elimimian, who has missed a week of practice because of a sprained right ankle, competed yesterday.

And Bryce Kalau'oka'a'ea, who was one of 20 players added to the roster yesterday, was moved from quarterback to running back. He will compete there the rest of the season. His situation will be evaluated in spring training. "Now I have to block," he said, smiling.