Hawai'i receiver Kealoha Pilares is learning that it is not easy being an outsider.

Since moving from the inside, where he started the first six games at right slotback, to left wideout, his opportunities and subsequent production have dropped.

Pilares will be making his fourth consecutive start as left wideout Rodney Bradley's injury replacement when the Warriors host New Mexico State tomorrow at Aloha Stadium. Kickoff is at 5:05 p.m.

As a slotback, Pilares was the primary target 9.3 times per game. As a wideout, he is the intended receiver 7.67 times per game. What's more, his catches-per-game went from 6.8 as a slotback to 3.0 as a wideout

While expressing "frustration" at adjusting to his third position in two seasons, Pilares said, "It's something you have to put aside. You have to make the sacrifice for the team."

In the 49-36 victory over Utah State, Pilares was used mostly as a decoy. He ran out routes to draw defenders away from the running lanes. He also was the downfield blocker for the running backs and other receivers.

"He was a total team player, an unselfish team player," head coach Greg McMackin said. "He'll do whatever he has to do to help the team win."

When Bradley suffered a season-ending broken leg against Idaho Oct. 17, Pilares assumed wideout Joe Avery would move into the lineup. But after evaluating the different combinations, it was decided that Jon Medeiros, Pilares' backup at right slotback, was one of four best available receivers.

That meant Pilares would have to move to left wideout.

"I was surprised," Pilares said. "They had a lot of people out there (who could play wideout)."

Offensive coordinator Ron Lee said: "To be honest, he was the only guy we could move because of his speed, his athleticism, and his intelligence."

The transition has not been smooth. While Pilares has more room as a wideout, UH has struggled all year on completing passes on streak routes.

As a slotback, Pilares caught 73 percent of the passes when he was the primary receiver. As a wideout, he is catching 39.1 precent of the throws. Against Utah State, he was the intended target four times. He caught one pass, in the flat. Two passes were overthrown, another was underthrown.

"It's a whole different mindset," Pilares said. "I have to get used to it."

But Lee said Pilares has improved.

"He's doing a heck of a job," Lee said. "He's running his routes faster. He's catching the ball better. When you're not sure what route you're running, you're not as confident. He's more confident. Now that everything is faster, he'll get better."

Lee also said that the number of opportunities is dictated by the coverage.

"I remember when (wideout) Jason Rivers had one catch (in a 2006 game)," Lee said. "Everybody questioned: 'How come they didn't throw to Rivers?' The next game he caught 10 for almost 200 yards. It depends on the coverage. And you have to work hard to get open. It's not the position. Ashley Lelie went to the NFL, and he was on the outside. It depends on how hard you work on getting free. If you're not open, you're not going to get the ball."

HAPPY HE STAYED HOME

If things had gone as originally planned, defensive end Elliott Purcell would be playing against UH tomorrow.

"I think about that all of the time," Purcell said. "I'm glad I came to Hawai'i."

Purcell, who was a Saint Louis School senior at the time, initially made a verbal commitment to attend New Mexico State in 2006.

"Promises were made from the coaches, which I thought were unrealistic," Purcell said.

After meeting with UH defensive coordinator Cal Lee, a former Saint Louis head coach, Purcell opted to sign with the Warriors.

"I thought the coaches here were more real with me, more upfront about their program, and where I would fit in," Purcell said.

The change in plans worked out for Purcell. He met his girlfriend after graduating from Saint Louis, and the couple has a 2-year-old son. The Warriors also have gone 33-17 during Purcell's tenure.

"I have no regrets," he said. "I'm glad I came here."

INJURY UPDATES

• Wideout Royce Pollard said he has had a setback in his recovery from a hairline fracture in his left fibula. He has some pain in his left leg. He said he will test it during today's walk-through.

• Right wideout Jovonte Taylor missed his third consecutive practice because of a staph-like infection in his right arm. He received an antibiotic treatment in a hospital yesterday. McMackin expects Taylor to be ready to play tomorrow.

• Safety Richard Torres yesterday resumed practicing. He is dealing with a pulled left hamstring.

Visit Tsai's blog at http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com.