Spring practice No. 9

> There was a bit of a scare when left tackle Dejon Allen was carted off the field because of an ankle injury. But Nick Rolovich said “it likes he’ll be OK,” although Allen probably will be held out of contact drills for the rest of spring practice. That will open the way for tackles Matt Norman, Kingjames Taylor, Austin Webb and Chris Posa to get more reps.

> The Warriors are trying the hit method on quarterback Cole Brownholtz. In practices, UH quarterbacks usually wear the orange jerseys indicating they cannot be hit in contact drills. But before today’s scrimmage-like session, Brownholtz was told to switch to a white jersey. The intent is that if Brownholtz is “live” — free to be hit — he might stay in the pocket longer instead of scrambling.

> Safety Daniel Lewis, who underwent surgery for a sports hernia two months ago, has proven he is back to good health. Lewis made two ferocious tackles in the scrimmage.

> A semester off did some good for defensive tackle Kalepo Naotala, who agreed to grayshirt in 2016 to allow his knee injury to heal. Although he is built like a space eater, Naotala is proving to be effective in shooting through gaps.

> A nearly forgotten defensive tackle, Ka‘aumoana Gifford, is having a good spring. His grandfather, a fellow member of the cardiac-zipper club, is popular for hosting the tailgate-that’s-not-really-a-tailgate after Saturday practices.