A refreshed University of Hawai'i football team yesterday resumed practicing in preparation for the Dec. 24 Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl against Arizona State.

It was the Warriors' first time in pads since losing the Dec. 2 regular-season finale. "We wanted to keep on top, to make sure we're sharp, and we were," head coach June Jones said.

Jones said quarterback Colt Brennan, in particular, "was very sharp. The receivers were sharp, too."

Brennan, who spent part of last week at a football awards function in Orlando, Fla., was surprised by his efficiency in passing drills.

"Sometimes that happens," Brennan said. "You take a week off, and your arm comes back live. It took a couple of throws to get it going. I think it was well rested, and it came out firing. It was on point."

Jones said the Warriors were in need of a break. The practice also was conducted in the late afternoon to accommodate final exams.

"It was a long season, with no byes since the second game," Jones said. "It was good to get some rest. I think everybody has fresh legs."

Free safety Leonard Peters said he has healed from a broken rib cartilage that he suffered in the season opener.

"This is going to be the only game all season, hopefully, when I'm actually healthy," Peters said. "I feel good. (The pain) is gone. (The doctors) always told me I needed a week of rest, but I didn't want to rest because I didn't want to miss any games. Now, hopefully, I'm injury free for the last game."

Nose tackle Kahai LaCount yesterday received medical clearance to play in the Hawai'i Bowl. LaCount missed the final three regular-season games because of a partially torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee. He was injured in the final minute of a 61-17 victory over Louisiana Tech.

UH has three personnel groups for different defensive schemes. In the "Jumbo" package, LaCount is the starting nose tackle.

"I'm glad I can get on the field and play one last time for my family, for the team," said LaCount, who will graduate on Sunday.

Cornerback Kenny Patton, who missed the past six games because of multiple fractures in his right collarbone, participated in drills yesterday.

"Kenny Patton is still iffy, but he was out here," Jones said. "I don't think he'll play, but I'll leave it up to him."

After practice, Patton said: "There's always a chance. God does miracles. I'm trying to get in shape. I feel tired right now. I haven't run like that in a while."

Jones said defensive end Laupepa Letuli will be available. Letuli missed the past four games after undergoing a second arthroscopic surgery to repair a partially torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

UH's fall semester ends Friday. Starting Saturday, the grayshirts will be allowed to practice with the team. A grayshirt is a 2006 recruit who will enroll as a full-time student in January, at which time his eligibility clock will start.

Participating in practice will give a grayshirt "a little headstart" on spring practice, Jones said. "That's a plus for getting into the bowl. It gives more practice time for some of the younger players. It's like an extra session."

Among the grayshirts is former Iolani School quarterback Kiran Kepo'o.

For now, Brennan said, "we're excited to be out here. It felt good to put the pads back on. We're realizing this team only has so much time together left. We're really trying to enjoy as much of it as we can. This is a team that really comes along only once in a long time."

Slotback Davone Bess said he does not want this team remembered for the loss to Oregon State.

"We're past that loss and moving along," Bess said. "We want to send our seniors out on a high note. This bowl game is for our seniors and the people of Hawai'i."

UPERESA HONORED

Right tackle Dane Uperesa was named to the ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-District VIII football team. Uperesa, who will earn a degree in communications Sunday, has a 3.63 cumulative grade-point average.

"I'm grateful for the honor," he said. "It tells me I'm taking care of business in the classroom and on the field. It has a lot to do with my parents. They really stressed the importance of academics my whole life."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.