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POSTED: Thursday, November 27, 2008

David Farmer doesn't approach those morning practices as a chore—not any more anyway.

Not this season, and certainly not in these final few weeks of his Hawaii football career.

                       

WARRIORS FOOTBALL Washington State (2-10, 1-8 Pac-10) at Hawaii (6-5, 5-3 WAC), 6:05 p.m. Saturday. TV: Oceanic PPV Ch. 255; Radio: KKEA, 1420-AM

“;I'm just trying to savor it while it lasts,”; Farmer said as he left the field yesterday morning. “;I'm surprisingly enjoying practice right now.”;

“;The first year I think I hated every practice—now I love every practice. It's just interesting how time changes things.”;

Farmer is closing out his career as a Warriors running back, having joined the Warriors as a walk-on in 2004 and established himself as a reliable blocker in the backfield over his five years in the program.

A sprained knee kept Farmer out of UH's first three games this season. Since returning, the senior has carried the ball 12 times for 51 yards and scored his lone touchdown of the season in UH's win over Nevada last month.

But it's his blocking prowess that earned him starts in the Warriors' last two games, although he doesn't put much weight on that designation.

“;It's just whoever (the coaches want) in on the first play depending on what's called,”; Farmer said. “;If it's a run play, more than likely it's not me. I'm OK with that. Whoever gets the start, gets the start.”;

Farmer was the latest among four Warriors running backs to start games this season, following Leon Wright-Jackson, Kealoha Pilares and Daniel Libre.

While defenses are on alert for the run when the other backs enter the game and tend to look for the pass when No. 48 trots onto the field, Farmer can catch opponents off guard on those occasions when his number is called.

“;I like him running the ball,”; UH head coach Greg McMackin said. “;I know in the past he's just been a blocker, but I think he can run the football.

“;He's got some quicks and he has good vision. He's a tough, hard-nosed football player.

Farmer could get more carries Saturday when the Warriors (6-5) face Washington State (2-10) at Aloha Stadium. Pilares didn't practice yesterday and is questionable for the game against the Pac-10 Cougars due to a sore foot.

“;He's like a coach as far as knowing the protection,”; offensive coordinator Ron Lee said. “;That's really his strong point.

“;He's not a burner, but he has such a good understanding of the blocking he's able to do a lot of good things with the ball.”;

Farmer has scored five touchdowns in his career, the first coming against No. 1 USC in his first college game back in 2005. But it was clear early on that his career would be defined by taking on pass rushers rather than by his rushing numbers.

Though the job can be punishing, the physical aspect is what he enjoys most about his role.

“;I don't know why, I haven't been able to figure it out,”; Farmer said of his affinity for contact. “;I'm comfortable doing it. If you aren't hurting, then what are you doing on the field? It's all about sacrificing your body.”;

Generally laid back away from football, Farmer's demeanor changes come kickoff.

“;He's way different on the field,”; Libre said. “;He's like an animal on the field and then off the field he's really calm.

“;He's cool all the way up until he sets foot on the field, then it comes out.”;

Explained Farmer: “;I can be more of a jerk on the field. It's not really that you flip a switch, you sort of get thrown into an environment and adrenaline and all that stuff starts taking over.

“;I certainly am much more irritable, I'll say that.”;

As Farmer, who was awarded a scholarship last season, closes in on the end of his playing career, he's also approaching graduation. The history major is on track to complete his course work in the spring semester.

“;I don't want to take it for granted,”; Farmer said of the scholarship. “;I make sure I go to my classes and everything and finish up.”;

 

CATCH OF THE DAY

Receiver Greg Salas has made tough catches a routine part of practice, and the sophomore wowed his teammates again yesterday.

A high throw from Greg Alexander appeared to be sailing out of bounds before Salas went high to make a leaping, one-handed grab over a defender then came down inbounds.

 

INJURY UPDATE

Pilares and defensive back Ryan Mouton (sprained ankle) remain questionable for Saturday's game. Three backup linebackers—R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane, Mana Lolotai and Corey Paredes—were held out of practice as a precaution as they come back from concussions. Reserve safety and special teams player Mana Silva suited up for yesterday's practice but is still bothered by a sprained ankle he suffered against Utah State on Nov. 1.