Part 1 - Quarterbacks
Part 2 - Running Backs

UH returns a talented corps of receivers and coupled with a slew of redshirts and incoming players, the position should provide plenty of highlights for Warrior fans this season. This year speed is expected to play a key role in UH's offense on the receiving end.

“I think what's exciting is our team speed,” offensive coordinator Ron Lee said. “We still have a lot of work to do, but I think the receivers this year are the fastest we've had in the ten years I've been here.”

Leading the way is the versatile and sure-handed Greg Salas. Salas started every contest at wideout in 2008 and led the team with 831 receiving yards. A move inside to slot receiver is in the works for the junior, which should boost his production even more, while providing the team a bigger target in the middle of the field.

“Greg has some size, he's a big tall guy,” Lee said. “Most of our inside guys are 5-8 or so, and Greg is 6-2, so it gives us a little bit of size. He's got good hands and he's tough so that's why we made the move.”

Recently named to the watch list for the Fred Biletnikoff Award, presented to the nation's most outstanding receiver, Salas rates favorable with past UH greats, but is expected to prove himself when it really counts.

“He's got great hands like Davone Bess and Ashley Lelie, he's in that category,” Lee said. “He's not as fast, but he's a great athlete. He's looked fantastic in practice, but he's got to do it on game day. He's got to bring it on Saturdays.”

A pair of returnees will vie for the other opening inside. After two productive seasons at running back, Kealoha Pilares' gradual move to receiver might be solidified with a starting spot. Senior Jon Medeiros, a top backup last season, is also in the mix. Pilares' transition to slotback this year adds more firepower to the UH's offense.

“We wanted him to get a lot of touches last season at running back,” Lee said. “Now as a slot he'll have the ball more in open space. He's a good athlete and knows how to run after the catch.”

Malcolm Lane a big-play threat, who co-led the team with six touchdown catches last year, including an 82-yarder and the winning touchdown in the waning moments against Nevada, will redshirt this season .

“Malcolm would have made us a lot stronger as far as depth, but he's going to redshirt this season and he'll be back next year,” Lee said. “We'll miss him, but the other guys are already stepping up.”

Lane's starting spot now opens up for a group of players outside. Jovonte Taylor saw time at both receiver and kick returner in each of the first three games last year, before earning a medical hardship. The speedster returns this year with an eye on one of the outside starting spots after an electrifying performance in the spring scrimmage. Other serious contenders are returnee Royce Pollard and junior college transfer Rodney Bradley.

“Jovonte and Rodney are under the radar,” Lee said. “Nobody knows about them yet. Dustin Blount, Ryan Henry, Joe Avery,  Jon Medeiros, Royce Pollard—they haven't played a whole bunch. We have a lot of new guys, but they're really talented.”

 

             

Starters Returning: Malcolm Lane*, Greg Salas

Starters Lost: Aaron Bain, Michael Washington

Letterwinners Returning: Joe Avery, Jett Jasper, Jon Medeiros, Kealoha Pilares, Royce Pollard 

Redshirts Returning: Craig Bell, Dustin Blount, Ryan Henry, Troy Lauduski, Jeremiah Ostrowski, Jovonte Taylor, Mike Tinoco

Newcomers: Rodney Bradley, Corey Paclebar, Billy Ray Stutzmann