LAS CRUCES, N.M. — New Mexico State defensive lineman La'auli Fonoti was told he was going get a position change earlier this season.

The senior from Kahuku was formerly a linebacker for NMSU in his first three years on the field.

But with the Aggies struggling to make plays on the defensive line, the 6-foot-4, 253-pounder was moved to the defensive line.

And the move is slowly but surely working out.

Yesterday in a 42-30 loss to the University of Hawai'i, Fonoti collected seven tackles, two sacks, two tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and a quarterback hurry.

He sacked Hawai'i quarterback Greg Alexander in the third quarter and forced a fumble, which eventually led to a score for the Aggies.

"It has been a huge adjustment for me going from linebacker to the defensive line," Fonoti said. "I'm learning how to read the offensive line a lot better and I'm trying to be more consistent every week in terms of assignments. I still have a few games left and I want to finish strong. I wasn't sure how the move would work out when they told me about it."

Fonoti now has 43 tackles and three sacks on the season after yesterday's performance.

Entering the 2008 campaign, he had tallied 112 tackles and 10 tackles for a loss.

The Aggies have a new defense this year, switching from Woody Widenhofer's pro style defense to Joe Lee Dunn's unique 3-3-5 defense, which sometimes uses two down linemen and can be blitz heavy.

"The coaches here at NMSU have given me the chance to play in this defense and I'm trying to take advantage," Fonoti said. "It's a different defense, but it gives me a chance to move around and make plays. It's tough being in the trenches with all the big guys, but I just have to adjust as best as possible. I have to do what's best for the team."

Fonoti's play hasn't gone unnoticed.

"La'Auli had a good game today," New Mexico State head coach Hal Mumme said. "He's playing hard and he's accepted his new role well and done some nice things."