Red Bull is for sissies. Bungee jumping is so 1990s. Even Jessica Alba in a Maxim spread wouldn't be enough for the University of Hawai'i's defensive line to shake off the first two grueling hours of yesterday's practice.

For a true energy rush, the ultra-competitive D-liners needed nothing less than the tried-and-true, black-and-blue-inducing bull ring.

Even with the temperature and humidity seemingly rising by the minute, the ferocity of the 1-on-1 pass-rushing drill did it's job in eliciting maximum effort and concentration from the defensive players.

And that's just how UH defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold likes it.

"The competitiveness is what it's all about," Reinebold said. "We try to get them to understand that in every situation there's a winner and a loser. That's true for every down, and you can't illustrate that any better than in a pass-rushing drill. That's the essence of the game: 'It's you and me — let's go!' "

The drill also allows coaches to focus on each player's technique and break down the individual elements of the rush."

In one rep, Alasi Toilolo exploded off the snap and collided with Victor Clore, the clash of their pads sending a crackle of energy through their surrounding teammates. The brutal dance was impressive not just in the sustained effort of both players to thwart each other, but in the sophisticated hand and footwork each employed to do so.

"Statistically, I believe, pass rushing is the hardest thing to do in sports," Reinebold said. "If you rush 30 times in a game and come away with two sacks, you had a good day. What other sport can you say that about?

" If you complete only two out of 30 passes as a quarterback, you're not going to be quarterback next week," Reinebold said. " If you make two putts and miss 28, you're not getting a Tour card."

And for good measure?

"If you connect on two punches and the other guy hits you 28 times, you'll be lucky to hear '8, 9, 10' before you're counted out," Reinebold said.

And it takes a certain sort of stubbornness and controlled aggression to maintain focus down after down when the payoffs are so few and far between, Reinebold said. Hence, the defensive team motto: "The main thing is the main thing."

"You're not going to win all the time, so you have to be relentless," Reinebold said. "You can't take 'no' for an answer. You have to keep pushing, keep pounding that rock or it's never going to break."

It's a lesson junior Fale Laeli has been slowly but surely learning.

Laeli started the 2006 season well but suffered a knee injury against Boise State and was out for eight weeks, prompting what he calls a "downhill roll." This spring, Laeli dealt with academic problems but did not lose his eligibility.

Reinebold said the upcoming season is "crucial" for Laeli, but he's been pleased with the lineman's effort on and off the field.

Laeli showed up at camp ready to work after spending the summer running the hills near his home in Nu'uanu, working out with his cousin, and running in a pool to improve his strength, endurance and explosiveness.

"I only have two years left," Laeli said. "I have to step it up and get noticed. I just want to play."

Laeli is part of a promising but still-developing defensive line.

Here's Reinebold's take on a few key players:

Siave Seti: "He's one of the older guys who are obviously more refined. He has a good day every day. He uses moves that are suited for his body, and he has a great motor."

Keala Watson: "He's a big banger, more of a power rusher. He's come a long way."

Josh Leonard: "He's a big guy. He doesn't play the same way as some of the others, but you can't substitute his strength. If he gets his hands inside, he's going to win every time. He needs to know how to counter and how to build off his strength."

Toilolo, Korey Reynolds and John Fonoti: "They each have incredible athletic ability and can rush off the corner, but they still don't know what they're doing yet. They're still learning, but they're making progress."

NO CONTACT FOR ESTES

UH head coach June Jones said he will restrict center John Estes from contact drills until Monday or Tuesday. Estes is suffering from a sprained left elbow.

"I know what he can do, and we have enough time," Jones said.

Defensive lineman David Veikune did not practice because of a "sore" neck that is "maybe strained."

But he declared himself "good," and hopes to resume practicing as early as today.

LONGER WAIT FOR ROBERTS

Cornerback Calvin Roberts of the College of San Mateo arrived in town yesterday morning. He said he underwent a mandatory medical examination and attended an orientation session.

Because he is awaiting results of his test, he believes he might have to wait until Monday to begin practicing. The Warriors do not practice tomorrow.

7,000 TICKETS FOR VEGAS

UH sold 7,000 of the 7,200 tickets allocated to it for the Sept. 15 game at Nevada-Las Vegas, according to a spokesman.

Athletic director Herman Frazier said UH exhausted its supply of sideline seats. The unsold ones are located in the end zone of Sam Boyd Stadium.

The sale ended Wednesday and the unsold tickets will be returned to UNLV, Frazier said.

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.