The Hawai'i football team's best defensive lineman is expected to play in Friday's season opener against Central Arkansas.

It was feared defensive end Fetaiagogo "John" Fonoti had suffered a serious injury to his left knee when he crumpled to the ground after being struck by a slipping offensive lineman during an 11-on-11 drill yesterday. He was taken by cart to the athletic training room.

But head coach Greg McMackin said extensive medical tests showed that Fonoti suffered what is termed a "bruise" to his left patella.

In rating Fonoti's availability for Friday's game, McMackin said, "very probable."

"No operation is needed," McMackin said. "His attitude is excellent."

Fonoti said he was initially told he suffered a "hyperextension." Even with that diagnosis, Fonoti remained confident he would play.

"I'll be there," he vowed.

McMackin also was hopeful.

"He's John Fonoti," McMackin said. "He plays."

After he was told the injury was downgraded to a bruise, McMackin said, "John Fonoti is a tough guy. Remember a couple of years ago?"

In 2007, Fonoti fell off the roof of his family's home while trying to make repairs. He landed feet first, suffering deep bruises. But he recovered quickly, and missed only two games.

Of this injury, McMackin said, "I thank God he's OK. He's really worked hard."

Fonoti is the Warriors' only returning full-time defensive starter. According to UH spokesman Derek Inouchi, UH and Cincinnati are tied for the fewest number of returning defensive starters among Division I-A teams.

Fonoti, a fifth-year senior, is regarded as one of the Warriors' best pass-rushers. He overcame personal problems (his mom is a cancer survivor) and academic hurdles to play this season. He did not participate in the three previous practices because of a groin injury.

The latest injury occurred during a third-down drill in which the players were told to remain in an upright position.

"Somebody slipped and fell down, and that happens in football," McMackin said.

Fonoti yelled after being struck, then he collapsed to the ground.

"There was pain right away," Fonoti said.

He said he felt his knee "went backward." But he said he did not hear a "pop" sound.

"Everything is in place," Fonoti said. "I'm OK."

The scare triggered recollection of recent setbacks. Three weeks ago, middle linebacker Brashton Satele suffered a fractured rotator cuff and torn labrum in his left shoulder. He underwent season-ending surgery last week in Los Angeles.

Also last week, defensive tackle Chris Leatigaga suffered a dislocated left kneecap during the Warriors' lone Aloha Stadium practice.

Liko Satele, Brashton's younger brother, finished yesterday's practice as the No. 1 right end.

"Practicing this week (with the first team) really got me prepared," Satele said.

Satele was a fullback/defensive lineman for Word of Life Academy. In 2007, he attended Lambuth University in Jackson, Tenn.

"I wanted to play fullback over there," Satele said. "They switched me to defense."

He said his parents — father Alvis was a UH linebacker and mother LeeAnn played for the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team — encouraged him to transfer to UH. He did not play in 2008 in accordance with NCAA transfer rules.

This summer, Brashton Satele lost 26 pounds while participating in a specialized training program in Arizona. After returning to Hawai'i, he put his younger brother on the same strict diet and workout schedule. Liko Satele lost about 10 pounds and now weighs 255.

Satele, whose first name is Landon, prefers to be called Liko.

"I only get called by my real first name on the first day of school or when I do something wrong at home," Satele said.

RAUSCH NAMED NO. 2

As expected, McMackin officially named Brent Rausch as the primary backup to starting quarterback Greg Alexander.

Alexander gets two-thirds of the snaps in 6-on-7 and team drills; Rausch takes the remaining third. Bryant Moniz, the No. 3 quarterback, and Shane Austin take mental reps during those sessions.

Rausch transferred from College of the Desert in May 2008. He was announced as the starting quarterback for the 2008 opener against Florida. But a sore shoulder limited his reps, and after a change in game plan, Alexander replaced Rausch as the starter.

"When we put together our game plan for Florida, we wanted to be conservative, slow the game down, not make mistakes," quarterbacks coach Nick Rolovich said. "Plus, with his arm injury, he was more of a risky guy."

But Rolovich said Rausch is now comfortable in the four-wide offense, and has improved in reading defenses and making better decisions.

"No. 2 is cool," Rausch said. "I'm happy with that. I'm doing something for the team this year. Last year, I was fourth or fifth string. I couldn't help out the boys too much. This year, hopefully, I'll be able to help them out."