Greg Alexander, who started the Hawai'i football team's season opener at Florida but has been used sparingly since, will be the Warriors' No. 2 quarterback tomorrow.

Inoke Funaki will start his third game when the Warriors play Fresno State in Bulldog Stadium. Alexander will be the top backup and Brent Rausch will be No. 3.

Tyler Graunke, who started against Oregon State three weeks ago, will be available on a need-to-play basis. The coaches believe Graunke has not fully recovered from a hand injury suffered in the Sept. 13 game. Graunke played in the Warriors' final three drives against San Jose State last week.

"Tyler's not 100 percent," quarterback coach Nick Rolovich said. "He doesn't seem to have his arm strength back."

Alexander, who transferred from Santa Rosa Junior College in May, started the opener but struggled. After that, Funaki and Graunke alternated as the No. 1 quarterback.

But Alexander picked up the offense, and he improved his throwing technique. Alexander, who used to throw out of a windup, often held the football too long.

"I liked that he stayed the course," Rolovich said. "He didn't have an easy go at Florida. But he never took a step back or pouted. He still continued to learn, and he had a very consistent attitude. He got a lot more comfortable in the offense."

Rolovich said Alexander, a junior, benefitted from observing Funaki and Graunke.

"It was good for him to sit back and watch the offense for a while," Rolovich said. "He's quickened his decision-making."

Rolovich also has been pleased with the development of Rausch, who transferred from College of the Desert in May. Rausch is a sophomore.

"I like Rausch a lot," Rolovich said. "He has a chance. It wasn't really a big margin (between Alexander and Rausch). We made a decision, and we went with it."

SMITH IN SPOTLIGHT

The loss of one of the top specialists, Richard Torres, has set off a chain reaction.

Torres did not make the trip to Fresno because of the after-effects of a concussion suffered against San Jose State Saturday.

Torres has key roles on the kickoff and kick-return units.

On kickoffs, Torres and Spencer Smith are the head-hunters. Their assignment is to go after the returner.

Ikaika Malloe, who coordinates the special-teams units, said Vili Nauahi or Dane Porlas will replace Torres on kickoffs.

On kick returns, Torres is in charge of blocking the opposing head-hunter. Smith now will handle that role.

"I'm just doing another job, showing I can play anywhere," said Smith, a third-year sophomore from Georgia.

Malloe said: "Spencer is always ready."

Smith said he learned to adapt from his parents. His father was raised in Wales. His mother is from New York. Smith was born in Florida, but moved to Georgia when he was 4. He also lived briefly in England.

"They raised me good," Smith said. "I've been able to get along with everyone."

Smith remained in Hawai'i this summer to train. While he is waiting for an opportunity to play safety, he has excelled on special teams. Last week, he floored a San Jose State returner.

"The wedge-busters (Brashton Satele and Cory Paredes) did their job," Smith said. "They busted it. I went right to the hole. I thanked them afterward."

ROSTER CHANGES

So close.

On Wednesday, linebacker Kaleo Wong was added to the travel roster.

But that day, he suffered an ankle injury. He did not practice yesterday morning, and his name was removed from the travel roster.

Defensive end Bo Montgomery replaced Wong.

Offensive lineman Austin Hansen replaced linebacker Josh Rice, who has been sick.