Kealoha Pilares is getting comfortable with multitasking these days.

The Hawaii sophomore started the last two games at running back, and leads the Warriors in rushing this season. But Pilares, who began the season as a slotback, was back running routes in practice yesterday to refresh his memory.

“;I just practiced receiver today just to get comfortable with the plays just in case they put me in the ballgame and I don't want to be out there clueless,”; Pilares said. “;They're letting me take reps so I can familiarize myself again.”;

Pilares shifted to the backfield after spending the spring and fall camp at slotback when injuries thinned the running back ranks early in the season. With those backs returning to action, Pilares could see more time as a receiver.

Pilares leads the Warriors with 167 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He helped get the offense rolling with a 33-yard gain early in UH's win over Fresno State and shared time with Daniel Libre, Leon Wright-Jackson and David Farmer at running back.

He also lined up in the slot for a few plays against the Bulldogs and helped spring quarterback Inoke Funaki for a lengthy gain with a solid block on a Fresno State defender.

“;They put me in there mostly to block,”; Pilares said of his appearance at receiver. “;I just like being on the field to help out as much as I can.”;

Pilares, who averages a team-best 5.8 yards per carry and has 11 receptions for 88 yards, said he's running more instinctively and with greater confidence than last season, when he led the Warriors in rushing.

“;Last year I was kind of hesitant in everything I did,”; Pilares said. “;This year I'm just trying to go with the flow and do what I can do.”;

Linebacker boost

Senior linebacker Adam Leonard was back in practice yesterday after missing last Saturday's game with a hamstring injury. It was the first time he missed a game since his freshman year.

Middle linebacker Brashton Satele sat out most of the workout, resting his injured shoulder. Head coach Greg McMackin said Satele could be back in practice today.

Reserve defensive back and special teams player Richard Torres also returned yesterday. He sat out last week due to a concussion suffered against San Jose State.

Extra time for Bulldogs

Louisiana Tech has some extra time to prepare for its second straight road game. The Bulldogs played at Boise State last Wednesday, losing 38-3 in a nationally televised game.

“;There's a nine-day window, which is not common obviously,”; LaTech coach Derek Dooley said on Monday. “;It's not really an open date, but it is a couple extra days to get a little rest and recover and we certainly needed it after the last game.”;

Ford Island open

Ford Island will be open as an alternate parking site with Aloha Stadium and UH officials anticipating a large turnout for the Warriors' homecoming game against Louisiana Tech on Saturday.

The Ford Island lot will open at 3 p.m. Alternate parking is also available at Kam Drive-In, Leeward Community College and Radford High School starting at 2:30 p.m.