To emphasize the fragile composition of success, Hawai'i football coach Greg McMackin often cites his glass-bowl theory.

"In football, you're in a glass bowl," McMackin told his players. "If something goes good for you, be humble and hungry. Because the next time, those other guys will be ready to roll. There's somebody different in that glass bowl every time."

For yesterday's first controlled scrimmage of spring training, the proverbial glass bowl, in McMackin's view, was more than half full.

The defense, as expected, dominated the 23-play, hit-everybody-but-the-quarterback scrimmage. But McMackin noted that the offense, despite five fumbles — three on snap exchanges — "is getting better. I think this is a learning situation."

The Warriors are seeking to replace the so-called "Fab Five" — quarterback Colt Brennan and four starting receivers. What's more, new offensive coordinator Ron Lee implemented his version of the four-wide offense in which the receivers are required to do more reading of defenses and on-the-fly adjustments.

Through yesterday's practice, the quarterbacks received the snap from under center. In the previous eight years, UH quarterbacks received shot-gun snaps.

McMackin said there were "no snap problems" in the first six practices of spring training. While the Warriors staged 11-on-11 drills in those practices, yesterday was the first time they staged a controlled scrimmage.

McMackin traced the problems to a lack of continuity. Most of the fumbled snaps came when the lower-depth-chart players were on the field.

McMackin noted that three top-tier linemen — center John Estes (tight hamstring), left guard Keith AhSoon (strained left calf) and left tackle Laupepa Letuli (tight hamstring) — were not available to practice.

"Those are some pretty good guys," McMackin said.

The original plan called for a 32-play controlled scrimmage. But because the 11-on-11 team drills were extended to work on two specific defensive schemes, the scrimmage was abbreviated to 23 plays.

During the scrimmage, safety Erik Pedersen and cornerback Richard Torres produced the biggest defensive plays.

During Thursday's practice, 240-pound running back Jake Heun flattened safety Khevin Peoples. This time, Pedersen sped into the backfield and made an ankle tackle on Heun for a 3-yard loss.

On another play, wideout Greg Salas caught a pass in the left flat. Torres raced over and hit Salas. Salas then was hit by two more players before fumbling. Safety Spencer Smith recovered.

"I saw Greg, and I hit him," Torres said. "The next thing I know I'm out of bounds. It was like, 'whoa.' At least everybody got to him, and the ball came out."

It was a rare turnover for Salas, who has emerged as one of the most efficient receivers this spring. Salas, who is 6 feet 2, gained more than 10 pounds the past two months and now weighs 205. His added strength enables him to run more inside slants.

While Salas is all but assured the starting job at left wideout, Torres, a non-scholarship player, is trying to gain notice in what has become a crowded cornerback competition.

At Kahuku High, Torres was a champion wrestler at 145 pounds. He weighed 155 during Kahuku's graduation ceremony last June.

Torres was a part-time student in the fall, joining the Warriors in January. He now weighs 170.

The 5-foot-7 Torres said he is focusing on learning the defensive plays in the spring. For the summer, he said, "I want to pick up some more weight."

After two weeks of practice, McMackin, who was hired as head coach in January, said he is pleased with the deep pool of talent.

Three cornerbacks, including starters Myron Newberry and Gerard Lewis, completed their UH eligibility at the end of the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl. But an area of concern has turned into a position of depth. Ryan Mouton, the secondary's best athlete, has locked down the left cornerback's job.

JoPierre Davis is having a strong spring as the No. 1 right cornerback.

McMackin said backup cornerbacks Calvin Roberts and Jameel Dowling, a transfer from Oregon, have been impressive.

"We're getting deep at corner," McMackin said. "They're playing physical and fast."

The Warriors' base defense is a 4-3 alignment. But they have two nickel packages (4-2-5) and an Oky scheme (3-3-5) that employ five defensive backs.

During the extended 11-on-11 drills yesterday, the Warriors devoted a large block of time to the Oky defense. In that scheme, Mouton became the nickelback and Dowling entered as the left cornerback.

In the Oky, Mouton and Davis intercepted passes that should have resulted in touchdowns.

"Mouton is smart, and a great athlete," McMackin said. "He can play at all spots. Just like the game against Washington, it really showed last year. He played safety without even practicing there. He's a great athlete and he gives us flexibility. He can cover. He can blitz. He's probably the quickest athlete we have on our team."

Mouton said he requested to be used at nickelback, where he also can assume linebacker-like duties.

"You get to line up in the (tackle) box and go after it," Mouton said.

McMackin also said a defensive front is being established. He said David Veikune and John Fonoti will receive most of the work at defensive end.

McMackin said he has four "No. 1" defensive tackles — Keala Watson, Fale Laeli, Josh Leonard and Rocky Savaiigaea — for the two interior line positions.

Laeli is not participating in contact drills this spring because of tendinitis in his left knee. He said he has successfully recovered from offseason arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

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