WARRIORS FOOTBALL
Dennis Oda / doda@starbulletin.com
Hawaii senior running back Daniel Libre, who missed last week's game, was back in action yesterday for the Warriors.
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Resilient Libre performs at full speed as UH’s trip to Oregon State looms
In what amounted to a two-day audition for a plane ticket to Oregon, Daniel Libre -- and his recovering ankle -- delivered.
The senior running back had been working his way back from a high ankle sprain that kept him out of last week's game, and he had to convince the coaches and training staff he was ready to return to practice.
He did so by completing a mile run on Tuesday, then testing the ankle in individual agility drills yesterday morning.
By the middle of the Warriors' practice, he had his gear back on and was taking handoffs in the backfield. He is anticipating a return to action Saturday against Oregon State.
"They were basically testing me to see if I was still favoring my foot," Libre said of the agility drills. "I wasn't and it felt really good today. I'm pretty excited now that I can run again.
"I didn't think I was going to be wearing pads today, but when they said to go get my pads I was ecstatic."
Fellow running back Leon Wright-Jackson didn't practice yesterday as he continued to rest a foot injury, but he is also expected to play Saturday when the Warriors (1-1) face the Pac-10 Beavers (0-2) at Reser Stadium in Corvallis. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. Hawaii time.
"Daniel Libre is going to be ready to play, he's back practicing, and Leon's going to be ready to go," Hawaii coach Greg McMackin said.
"We worked (Libre) out and he looked like his old self. He has fresh legs. He's ready to go. I'm excited about that because he's a good football player."
Libre was effective early in the Warriors' opener against Florida, averaging 8.8 yards on four carries before suffering the injury.
He sat out last week's win over Weber State and said the ankle improved significantly this week.
"A couple days ago was a big improvement from last week," he said. "I was walking at a normal pace, no crutches or anything, but as far as running or putting pressure on it, I couldn't really do it. I've been getting a lot of treatment and rehab and it paid off."
Having to miss the Weber State game gnawed at the Konawaena graduate, who made stops at Menlo College and Kapiolani Community College before joining the Warriors.
The journey, which leaves him with one season left to play, amplifies the meaning of each contest for Libre.
"I was real down about missing last week's game," Libre said. "I had a lot of meetings with the coaches and they convinced me not to push it. I just had to bite my tongue and watch the game."
While Libre was out, Kealoha Pilares moved from slotback to running back and had a team-high 10 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown against Weber State. He could still contribute at both spots if needed.
"We'll see. He can move back to slot, but he's doing a good job at running back, too," offensive coordinator Ron Lee said. "(Today's) practice will be the key."
Jayson Rego also produced in the backfield when given a shot last week, rushing for 54 yards in the fourth quarter against Weber State. Jake Heun returned to practice this week, but the staff is considering redshirting the junior, who missed close to a month of practice with a back injury.
Tackle update
Aaron Kia practiced with the first team at left tackle, while Laupepa Letuli saw limited action as he continues his comeback from a shoulder injury. Kia has been dealing with tendinitis in his knees and didn't play last week.
"I'm going to do whatever I legally can to get on that field on Saturday -- that is my goal," Kia said. "It's up to the coaches to put me in, but I'm going to do whatever I can to get myself ready."
Short yardage
The Warriors leave for Oregon after this morning's practice and will be based in Eugene, about 50 miles from Corvallis. They will have their walk-through at Oregon's Autzen Stadium tomorrow and get their first look at Reser Stadium (capacity 45,674) on Saturday. ... The Warriors will take 66 players on their second road trip of the season.