Born and bred to be an option quarterback, but forced to be a wide receiver in University of Hawaii Fred vonAppen's passing offense, the fifth-year senior from Long Beach, Calif., is under center once again. This time he's backing up sophomore starter Josh Skinner as they prepare for Saturday's Western Athletic Conference game at Colorado State.

The last time Hawaii played in Fort Collins, Colo., in 1995, Macon was the starting quarterback and Bob Wagner was the head coach. The Rams blanked the Rainbows that windy November day, 22-0.

You don't have to remind Macon of his 3-for-21 performance. He can remember almost every passing play by heart.

"I remember we had to stand at an angle to stand up straight," Macon said of the 85 mph winds that swept through Hughes Stadium. "It won't be like that this year.

"I remember the first pass I threw was the wheel (route) to Dillan Micus. First time I'd ever been in altitude. And I just barely threw the ball and it just shot, shhhhhoooo.

"That like started my whole day because he was like, wide open. All I had to do was take a little off it, hit him in the hands going in for a touchdown. And have a new game. Who knows?"

VonAppen said that Macon would probably only play quarterback if Skinner is injured or has an off day. Regardless, Macon is ready to answer the call.

"I'm just thankful to get the opportunity to try it again," Macon said. "That's one of the things I wanted most. It was a dream of mine to play quarterback again.

"I'm still a quarterback at heart. If I get an opportunity to play, I'll be happy. But if I don't, I'll still have a role as a receiver.

"I'm just thankful that I'm able to play. This is icing on the cake. My senior year, I never thought I would see another snap behind the center. It's unfortunate it had to come this way, but it still feels really good."

Macon has hit 80 of 180 career passes for 1,159 yards and eight touchdowns. He also has gained 626 yards rushing on 167 carries and scored eight touchdowns.

This year, he has pulled down eight passes for 93 yards. His career total is 25 for 257 yards and one touchdown. He has not attempted a pass this season.

"It's like riding a bike, you never forget," Macon said of throwing the football. "You might be a little rusty. But once I got in there this week and started throwing it around, running around, calling plays again and getting used to talking in the huddle, it started coming back."

MURPHY COMES THROUGH: If Hawaii athletic department officials ever do get around to hiring a fund-raiser, Don Murphy wouldn't be a bad guy to visit.

For the second time this year, Murphy's Bar & Grill helped raise money for something related to UH football. He also held a barbeque for the players during fall camp at Barbers Point.

His get-together for Donna Collins -- the wife of defensive end Sam Collins, who is battling breast cancer -- raised $24,000 for a bone marrow operation that will cost at least $100,000.

"It went off very well," said Thea vonAppen, who helped in the planning of the event. "You can't say enough for what Murph has done for this program. I know Donna is very appreciative for everyone who has given to this very worthy cause."

INJURY REPORT: Top quarterbacks Tim Carey (shoulder) and Dan Robinson (shinsplints) won't be making the trip.

Neither will talented defensive tackles Ben Bright (ankle) and Matt Elam (neck). UH defensive coordinator Don Lindsey said linebacker Rufus Ayeni (knee) and cornerback Robbie Robinson (ankle) could see extensive playing time for the first time this season.

"You could say we're pretty nicked up," vonAppen said. "But you've got to play with the ones you have."