For the first scrimmage of training camp, the University of Hawaii football team aced the physical examination.The goal was to demonstrate grit and toughness in the first practice in full pads. Performances during the 52-play scrimmage would count toward separating second- and third-unit players.Youve got to be tough to play in this offense, especially going against our defense, said TJ Foilefutu, a 6-foot, 240-pound freshman running back from Peoria, Ariz. If youre going to play our defense soft, itll be a long day for you. Theyre coming. Theyve got some dawgs on defense.While speedy Cam Barfield and DeVon Rice are considered the top two backs, Foilefutu and 5-11, 230-pound Sitani Mikaele are sources of reserve power. Both repeatedly broke through arm tackles for large gains. On a dive, Foilefutu flattened a safety.I really had to focus on lowering my shoulder-pad level because that was a big thing I needed to improve on in spring ball, said Foilefutu, who graduated a semester early from Liberty High School and joined the Rainbow Warriors in January.As a Farrington High senior in 2023, Mikaele rushed for a state-best 1,557 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was on the scout offense while redshirting for UH in 2024,and then played on special teams in 2025. He said he learned from Barfield and Landon Sims, who completed his UH eligibility in December.It was good learning from Landon, Mikaele said of the power back with speed. He was a good example. And now Im taking all the things he taught me, and putting it all together, and being that player UH needs.During the scrimmage, Mikaele mixed round-house moves with jab steps.I was always physical, Mikaele said, but sometimes it catches (would-be tacklers) because they think Im going to truck them, but I (cut away) from them.The backs also set up the Warriors run-pass options. Quarterback Micah Alejado faked a handoff and then sprinted 23 yards. Backup QB Bjorn Jurgensen also took off on a 43-yard keeper.Its a fun part of our game plan, said Jurgensen, who transferred from Virginia in January.At Bishop Moore Catholic High School in Orlando, Jurgensen was a dual-threat quarterback.My high school coach figured I could run the ball pretty well, Jurgensen recalled. We ran some quarterback power and zone read with me. I can run a little bit. I feel thats a super power about me, honestly. When you look at me, you dont really see that. And then it just goes out of nowhere, which is really cool.Jurgensen also is an improvisational passer. On Saturday, he launched throws off side-arm, three-quarter and over-handed motions. He lasered an 8-yard scoring pass to slotback Audric Harris.Im just trying to make a play, Jurgensen said. Sometimes with the line in front of you, youve got to have a different arm slot to get to where you want to go. I feel thats a big part of why Im doing that. Just trying to get the ball out quicker to my guy. Weve got really good athletes on this team. If I can be like a point guard and get them the ball and let them make a play, Im doing my job.Alejado was in top form. In his first drive, he was 4-for-5 (with a 46-yard pass dropped in the end zone). Later, Alejado connected on a 38-yard scoring pass to Virginia Tech transfer Devin Alves.You have to track it over your shoulder and make a play, Alves said of Alejados arced throw. He put it to where only I could get it. I went up and made a play.Alves entered the portal in January.The first day I was in the portal (UH receivers) Coach (Jared) Ursua called me four times, Alves said. I knew they really wanted me here.Ursua said: I felt he had a lot of tools. He played corner, safety and receiver. Outside of Travis Hunter, there arent a lot of guys who have done that in college football. I knew he had special ability. I watched his high school tape and fell in love with him as a player.The projected starting defense played well, but most of the scrimmage was designed to give reps to the newcomers and developing players. Cornerback Jeremiah Hughes, a transfer from Michigan State, had a solid performance.I know right now theres going to be some ups and downs, defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman said. We have some guys who need to play, who need some game snaps, some practice snaps. They need experience. They need to play football. Until we do, there are times Ill be a little pissed. Just pour some water on me.