University of Hawai'i offensive line coach Dennis McKnight was predictably upset when it was announced that a UH backup, not starter John Estes, was named to the updated watch list for the Rimington Award as the nation's best college football center.

"In my opinion, right now, John Estes is the best offensive lineman in the country, bar none," McKnight said. "... even with one arm."

Indeed, Estes is not whole, having suffered from a sprained left elbow since Aug. 6. It is an ailment that has kept Estes from practicing regularly.

The 6-foot-2, 292-pound sophomore has had good days and not-so-good days — a pattern that is expected to extend through Saturday's season opener against Northern Colorado.

"It's something he's going to have to deal with," McKnight said. "He's going to have to be mentally tough and suck it up. It's going to be sore the whole year."

Except for a setback in the middle of last week, Estes has made progress since suffering the injury when he landed awkwardly during a drill. The concern is UH's most basic blocking technique — the punch, a two-handed jab to a defender's jersey number — requires full extension of both arms.

Estes said he receives daily treatment on his left elbow. He also has changed his weight-lifting routine.

"Mostly I do shoulders," Estes said. "You can't really do any pressing. I'm trying to do low weights, high reps."

McKnight said Estes, who started at right guard last season, has full knowledge of the Warriors' blocking schemes. As the successor to center Samson Satele, now with the Miami Dolphins, Estes is in charge of making the blocking calls.

"We want him to save most of his punches for game night," McKnight said. "He knows what he can and can't do to protect himself. He's like a baseball pitcher. He's not on a pitch count. He's on a punch count.

"I'm going to allow him about 30 punches a week (in practice)," McKnight added. "Team blitz (drill), that has to be live and full go. We do that three times a week. The rest of it is to protect yourself, and on Saturday night, 'let's go.' "

McKnight, who was an offensive lineman in the National Football League, said Estes has displayed the skills to play professionally.

"He has phenomenal leverage and balance," McKnight said. "He's football smart and savvy. He understands positions of guys — where to take them, where to grab them, where to keep them in regards to him and the quarterback."

HERCULES TO THE RESCUE

Hercules Satele — along with quarterback Colt Brennan, defensive tackle Michael Lafaele and safety Jacob Patek — has emerged as a candidate for team captain. The players will vote this week, with the captains announced before Saturday's game.

Satele, the starting left guard, already serves as an unofficial assistant coach.

"Coach McKnight has two jobs — O-line coach and special teams coach," Satele said. "I'm trying to help out the coach while he's helping out special teams. Hopefully, I'll take a little load off of him."

During blocking drills, when McKnight is working with the tackles, Satele will tutor the guards and centers.

"Herc knows what we have to do as a group to get better," Mc-Knight said. "I trust Herc with my life. To have him take the centers and guards to work on something, that doesn't worry me at all."

During the offseason, Satele led the offensive linemen in workouts.

"He spent all summer organizing and leading these guys on his own," McKnight said.

Satele said: "I don't mind. It's almost second nature."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.