Spring Day 4 News and Notes

Stephen Tsai writes that although they haven't received word from the NCAA about their status, Brashton Satele and Laupepa Letuli will be able to practice.

Linebacker Brashton Satele and offensive tackle Laupepa Letuli have received exemptions that will allow them to participate in the University of Hawai'i's spring football practices.

Satele and Letuli had been held out while awaiting a ruling on their appeal for a medical exemption that will allow them to play as sixth-year seniors in 2010.

Tsai also profiles quarterback David Graves, and talks to Brysen Ginlack about getting his academics in order.

Tsai had some news and notes in yesterday's Warrior Beat post, including:

• Chizzy Dimude continues to impress at running back. Think Michael Brewster in terms of perimeter quickness and shifty moves.

Jason Kaneshiro profiles offensive lineman Brett Leonard.

The junior is now a leading contender for one of the starting spots on a revamped offensive line.

Leonard entered the program at tackle and was the backup on the left side for much of last season behind Aaron Kia. While he stayed ready to jump into the mix if needed, Leonard ended up redshirting and preserving his junior season.

After getting a look at guard on the scout team during the season, he's adjusting to the rugged life of an interior lineman while working with the first unit at left guard so far in spring practice.

"It's more nasty," Leonard said. "You can be a good tackle just having patience and good feet. At guard you have to be a brawler. You get to pull more, you get to hit more."

Kaneshiro has some news and notes about Letuli and Satele, "pride drills", and Kenny Estes aggravating a shoulder injury.

Safety Kenny Estes sat out yesterday's practice after aggravating a shoulder injury that hampered him last year.

While the Warriors went through their first hitting session last Saturday, Estes suffered the injury in a noncontact period. He said he felt the shoulder give while trying to jam a receiver during one-on-one drills and was to meet with team doctors yesterday.

And Leila Wai has video of the pride drills: