Freshman receiver Royce Pollard hasn't had a lot of chances to play this season. But what he's done with those opportunities could lead to more this weekend.

Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin and offensive coordinator Ron Lee said Pollard will have a more prominent role in the game plan for Saturday's Western Athletic Conference football game against Nevada at Aloha Stadium.

“;He's going to get his shot,”; Lee said. “;This is a week we'll see what he can do.”;

The coaches said Malcolm Lane remains the starter on the right side opposite Greg Salas, and Pollard will rotate into the game.

Pollard has filled in at times this season to give other receivers a break, and has three receptions for 59 yards. He got into last week's game at Boise State on UH's final possession and made a tough catch on the sideline for a 29-yard gain.

“;I feel like I have a good understanding of how the pace is and not to rush through things,”; Pollard said, “;just relax and just apply what we do in practice.”;

Pollard redshirted last season and opened some eyes by turning in big plays in the Warriors' scout bowl during their bye week last month and again last week.

“;He made some good plays in the game, he's been steadily improving and he's an excellent freshman so he's going to see more action,”; McMackin said. “;He's taken advantage of his opportunities and that's what we always tell them. He's doing good in practice, I'm really excited about him.”;

Comeback trail

Offensive lineman Keith AhSoon ran with the team yesterday and hopes to be cleared in time for Saturday's game.

AhSoon has been out since suffering a sprained ligament in his knee early in UH's loss at Oregon State on Sept. 13.

“;It was great being around them,”; said AhSoon, who started at left guard and tackle before being injured, “;way better than being by yourself in rehab.”;

McMackin said linebacker Blaze Soares, out since the first week of fall camp with a torn calf muscle, is also getting closer to being ready to play.

Defensive tackle Keala Watson sat out yesterday's practice with a hand injury he suffered against Boise State. He could be back today and is expected to be ready for the game. Fale Laeli, who returned from an ankle injury last week, got more repetitions in Watson's place.

Surgery for Savaiigaea

Defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea will have to wait until spring practice to return to the field. The junior will have season-ending surgery on his torn triceps on Saturday. Savaiigaea played in one game this season and plans to apply for a medical hardship.

“;Everyone was more concerned about the long term,”; said Savaiigaea, who hurt his arm in fall camp and reinjured it on Sept. 27 against San Jose State.

Receiver/kick returner Jovonte Taylor is also expected to rejoin the team in the spring. Taylor, a speedy junior, returned home to recover from a lengthy illness that kept him out since the Oregon State game.