University of Hawai'i football player Nate Ilaoa yesterday moved back to slotback and heralded freshman running back Mario Cox moved into uncertainty.

After four injury-filled years as a UH slotback, Ilaoa was a surprise starter at running back in the Warriors' 42-14 loss to Michigan State two weeks ago. He rushed nine times for 76 yards, including an off-tackle run covering 41 yards.

"He's more of a slot," UH coach June Jones said of Ilaoa's latest move. "You can get away with (Ilaoa playing running back) for one game. He's not a blocker. When he goes in, at the end of the game against Michigan State, they knew we were running the ball."

Ilaoa did not object to the reassignment.

"It's fine," said Ilaoa, adding he did not have a preference to running back or slotback. "Either one. I feel comfortable with the ball. Any way I can get on the field is fine with me."

Ilaoa, who is 5 feet 9, had earned Jones' wrath by reporting to training camp weighing 249 pounds. Since then, he has lost more than 19 pounds. He said his strained hamstring also has healed.

"The bye last week really helped," Ilaoa said. "I rested up. I'm running a little better."

It was Jones' wish that Cox would help succeed Ilaoa at running back. Nearly two weeks ago, the NCAA Clearinghouse approved Cox's eligibility for this season.

In practices last week, Cox's powerful running style impressed the coaches and earned him the nickname, "Super Mario." Jones had crafted a role for Cox in Saturday's road game against Idaho. Cox, who is 5 feet 11 and 230 pounds, can bench press 335 pounds and run 40 yards in 4.5 seconds.

But Cox has struggled to learn his blocking assignments. He also angered the coaches by being tardy to two meetings. Jones said Cox is on the bubble to make the 60-player travel roster.

"I'm trying to get him caught up, but I don't know," Jones said. "He's not coming along very fast. ... He's not doing his assignment. He needs to act like he knows what he's doing."

Cox said: "I have to get that blocking down. I have to make sure I take every step 100 percent so I don't mess up."

Cox also vowed to end his habit of tardiness.

"I'm having a hard time being disciplined when it comes to practicing," he said. "I keep coming late to the meetings. I'm not focused on what I need to be doing. I need to get focused. I was late to a couple of meetings. Forget the alarm clock. I've got to be ready."

Cox said he wanted a better start to a career he dedicated to his friend, Terrance Kelly, a running back who was killed Aug. 12, 2004. Kelly was slain the day before he was to leave for the University of Oregon's training camp. Cox wears a "T.K." T-shirt during every practice and game.

"The shirt reminds me of him," Cox said. "He had a good chance and he didn't make it. It's pretty sad."

DEFENSE EXPECTED TO UNDERGO RENOVATIONS

UH's defense also is expected to undergo renovations.

Keala Watson, a sophomore who did not play in the first two games because of a wrist injury, might start at nose tackle.

Landon Kafentzis, a senior free safety, yesterday practiced with the first-team defense. Cornerback Keao Monteilh also worked with the first unit.

"The guy with the cast is back," defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville said of Watson.

Watson missed most of last season after being diagnosed with a condition in which his blood does not clot quickly after he suffers a cut. He was cleared to play after he was prescribed emergency blood-clotting medication.

But he missed spring practice and did not participate in contact drills during training camp after undergoing surgery to repair a broken scaphoid in his left wrist. Watson yesterday wore a cast-like brace on his left wrist.

"It doesn't hold me back," he said of the brace.

Glanville said: "I like him a lot. He's big, and he can run."

Glanville added he also will use Siave Seti, Michael Lafaele and Reagan Mauia at nose tackle. Mauia's status was unsettled after he was assessed consecutive personal fouls against Michigan State. "I told him that's history," Glanville said.

Mauia said he looks forward to facing former Delta College teammate Michael Wichman, Idaho's starting quarterback.

"I was his right guard last year," Mauia said. "He's a great leader and an awesome guy. I admire him.

"Last year, I protected him. This year, I have to tackle him."

Meanwhile, Kafentzis is the latest applicant to succeed free safety Leonard Peters, who is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn knee ligament in the opener. Jones said Kafentzis and Lamar Broadway, who started against Michigan State, will rotate against Idaho.

Kafentzis said he is adjusting after playing strong safety last year.

"Now I'm not as much up in the (tackle) box (near the line of scrimmage) as I was when I was a strong safety," he said. "Now I have to secure the middle of the field. I'm really the last line of defense."

Kafentzis, whose father Mark and four uncles played for UH, does not receive a football scholarship. He said he uses loans to pay for tuition, room and board, and expenses.

"It's going to be a pain once school is done," he said. "Uncle Sam — that's who I'll be playing for after I'm done."

Monteilh worked out at left cornerback while Kenny Patton, who usually covers that side, practiced at right cornerback. Jones said UH is experimenting with different combinations because of Patton's health. Patton, who has recovered from arthroscopic knee surgery three weeks ago, has a sprained right shoulder.

"He practiced today," Jones said of Patton, "but he can't hit yet. I think his shoulder is going to bother him the whole year."

Patton said: "I'll be 100 percent by game time."

KIBBIE DOME SURFACE NOT KIND TO PLAYERS

Kafentzis said the biggest obstacle in Idaho's Kibbie Dome — Kibbie Activity Center, officially — is not the crowd noise or lighting but the artificial surface.

The AstroTurf Magic Carpet — which is rolled out in 2 hours — "is really rough," said Kafentzis, who has participated in football camps in the dome. "That turf is hard. It's a fast surface, but it's a hard surface. You have to be careful on it. ... When you fall on it, it doesn't feel good. It's almost like playing on concrete."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.