Spring Day 12

Stephen Tsai writes that QB David Graves practiced with the first team yesterday.

"We threw Dave in there with the (first team) because we wanted to see how he responded," offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich said. "He has a great on-field personality. He's got some real good characteristics. He brings some life to the guys."

Tsai also has some news about Chizzy Dimude:

Being 100 percent has been an elusive goal for Dimude, who was limited last year because of a labrum tear in his left shoulder. He underwent surgery after the season.

This spring, he has been slowed by a groin injury.

"When the fall comes, I'll be all right," Dimude said.

McMackin is counting on Dimude to serve as the complement to running back Alex Green.

Jason Kaneshiro profiles Haku Correa, and highlights the battle between him and Kaniela Tuipulotu.

Correa, a sophomore, has maintained his spot at defensive tackle alongside Vaughn Meatoga so far this spring, though Arizona transfer Kaniela Tuipulotu is making a strong run for the job as well.

"It's still ongoing," defensive coordinator Dave Aranda said of the competition. "Every day they come out and battle for that thing. Haku's really consistent making plays. Kaniela's an explosive player. It's a contest and it's every day and that's the way you want it."

Said Correa: "Kani's always right there to push me. I want to get to the top and he wants to get to the top, so it's good competition."

In his practice notes, Kaneshiro writes that Aulola Tonga has moved from safety to linebacker.

On SportsHawaii.com, westsidewarrior has some practice notes.

Good turnout by fans. D dominated the scrimmage. Blount was the standout on O. Made a nice TD catch from Shutter in the back of the endzone in the 7 on 7s and then proceeded to get hit into the track and field storage locker. Scary at first but he was OK. Then in the OT period, he caught one over the middle from Rausch and took it into the endzone. Nice day for Dustin.

And Dave Reardon writes about the vindication of run-and-shoot guru Mouse Davis.

Now, though, the cult is the mainstream. Bowties are cool. The NFL is a pass first, ask questions later kind of league now.

"It's funny, because everybody is doing now what Mouse and June were doing 30 years ago," Steve Bartkowski said.

They're validated and vindicated.

With a little help from rules favoring receivers and quarterbacks, the passing game — including run-and-shoot-type four-wide formations — now dominates the highest level of football.

"Indianapolis and New England use them a lot," Davis said. "I haven't scouted New Orleans that much, but I'm told they do, too. Of course, they can do it because they have good quarterbacks."