Candidates for scholarships are Ian Sample, a senior right wideout who was on scholarship last season; Renolds Fruean, who can play all three defensive line positions; starting left outside linebacker Tyson Kafentzis; running back David Farmer, and safety Dane Porlas.

"We'll figure something out," Jones said.

Camacho's decision was surprising because he had worked out all summer in Hawai'i. He also had been looking forward to competing against his brother, who signed with Purdue. UH and Purdue meet Nov. 25 at Aloha Stadium.

Camacho, who played at Citrus College in California last season, refused to give specific reasons for his decision.

"It had nothing to do with homesickness," said Camacho, a reference to Hayth's departure. "It has to be something to make me leave. I was working hard. The dedication wasn't returned to me. It's as simple as that. I don't want to say anything more. UH has something good right now. I think they'll do well without me. I wish them the best — coach Jones and all of them."

Camacho reportedly is transferring to Buffalo.

Because he quit before the Aug. 21 start of the fall semester, Camacho's UH scholarship may be reassigned, Jones said.

But because Camacho participated in training camp, he must redshirt this season at Buffalo, in accordance with NCAA transfer rules.

"I'm disappointed kids make decisions to give up," Jones said. "It's their call. We had a good talk with (Camacho) to make sure that's what he wanted to do, and that's what he wanted to do. ... You try to advise them, try to tell them what's best, but they have to make their own decisions."

Jones said the coaches did not have any meetings to rank the players.

"The competition is wide open (at cornerback)," Jones said.

Rich Miano, who coaches the defensive backs, said Camacho received "as many reps as everybody else. We're still in the evaluation process. We did not eliminate him."

Jones said: "I think he saw there was a lot of competition. He wanted to play. I said, 'If you're the best guy, you'll play. If you're not, you won't.' Most guys try to fight through that."

THORN IN KICKER'S SIDE

C.J. Hawthorne is emerging as one of the Warriors' top kick-blockers. Yesterday, he blocked one kick and tipped another.

Hawthorne, who also is practicing as the No. 1 right cornerback, said the key is to focus on an area 2 yards in front of where the kicker's foot makes contact with the ball.

"You just have to go for the block point," he said. "They teach you to aim for down low, extend yourself and go for the block point. You try to get your hands across the area where the ball is kicked."

Jones said Hawthorne "did a great job of blocking kicks in junior college. He blocked a lot of kicks. He has a little knack about it. He takes pride in it."

On kickoffs and punts, Hawthorne will be used as the gunner — the player aligned wide who is the first to reach the returner.

NEWS AND NOTES

"I was ready to go, but the trainer said to rest it," Satele said.

Marques Kaonohi and Clarence "Lafu" Tuioti-Mariner practiced at center.

"The only way you get better is getting reps in practice," said Dennis McKnight, who helps coach the offensive line. "This is a good opportunity for Marques and Lafu."

"Leonard put me in to help me gain experience," Smith said. "He's the expert on defense, and he's taking me under his wing. I'm soaking up more, like a sponge, every day. There's new information coming to me every day. I want to impress the coaches, show them I can play."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.