Heading into the final stretch of spring training, the Hawai'i football team still has not settled on a No. 1 quarterback.

And, for yesterday's practice — the 12th this spring — that opened the way for freshman David Graves.

"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."

Since Bryant Moniz, who entered No. 1, went on a leave of absence April 8, junior Shane Austin and Graves have running 1-2. Brent Rausch, who will be a fifth-year senior in the fall, also has played well. Moniz said he hopes to rejoin the team this summer.

"I don't know if have a No. 1 yet," said Rolovich, who expects to release a depth chart in about two weeks. "We feel Shane is competing and doing some good things. Again with Brent, it's consistency. .... I don't think Dave is scared of anybody on the field. ... I thought he did well. He moved the ball."

With Graves at the controls, the offense "tied" the score in yesterday's scrimmage before a few hundred spectators at Ching Athletic Complex. In the overtime, the two left-side receivers ran post patterns, pulling the defense to the middle of the field.

"I ran to the (left) pylon," Graves said. "I was taught that at a young age. If there's nobody there, run to the pylon. It was a touchdown."

Or it should have been ruled a score. Head coach Greg McMackin called to replay the down.

"I counted it," Graves said, smiling.

"Things are going good," Graves said. "But I have to do better. I'm going to say that until the end of this. Five years from now, if we go undefeated or something, I'll say, 'I need to keep getting better.' "

DIMUDE BOUNCES BACK

On a simple bubble screen, running back Chizzy Dimude caught the pass. But he was met immediately by cornerback Lametrius Davis, and driven to the artificial turf.

"I don't know what to say about that one," Dimude said. "I ate it up."

But on the next play, he got the ball and scooted for a long gain.

"We're competing, man," Dimude said. "It's all about putting in 100 percent."

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.

"(Dimude) gives a different dimension," McMackin said. "Alex is a powerful fast guy. (Dimude) is a quick fast guy. He brings a change-up to the package. I like the change-up. It sure makes it a lot tougher for the defense."

Dimude said he will work on improving his leg strength this summer. Because of the shoulder surgery he could not power clean the past few months.