Features on slotbacks Pilares, Medeiros and Salas

Hoping to stick at slotback instead of moving between slot and RB, Kealoha Pilares said:
"Hopefully I can play one position and build the trust that (the coaches) want and show them I can play this position. I hope I get the opportunity to stay in one position this year." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Pilares is still nursing a foot injury he suffered in a loss at Boise State last year that hampered him the rest of season."

HSB Note: "Pilares, teaming with Jon Medeiros as the first-team slots, caught six passes in the 7-on-7 period, connecting with Greg Alexander on three consecutive completions at one stretch. On the second, he made a leaping catch of a deep pass down the right sideline, and he hauled in another long pass in the team period."

About his improvement at slotback this year, Pilares said:
"Getting introduced to it last year makes a lot of difference. I know what to look for now. It just makes a lot more sense this year." (HSB)

About slotbacks Pilares and Jon Medeiros (who had 5 catches in the team period), Alexander said:
"We've been working (in the offseason) -- they know the offense, and we know what to expect from each other." (HSB)

About being moved from his starting WR spot to slotback, Greg Salas said:
"It's going pretty good. I'm picking it up pretty fast. We still have to put in more plays, but right now I'm feeling real comfortable." (HSB)

About moving Salas from left wideout to left slotback, WR coach Craig Stutzmann said:
"He gives us a big body inside. He has a natural feel for just knowing zones and how to get there. He's kind of like a basketball player who knows how to get open in the zone." (HA)

HA Note: "The experiment serves two purposes: It gives more reps to wideouts Joe Avery and Rodney Bradley, and it gives Salas more pass-catching opportunities. Last year, the slots were the intended receivers on 51 percent of UH's passes; the wideouts were the targets 41 percent of the time. While Salas was a key part of the game plan — he was the intended receiver 22 percent of the time (96 of 490 throws) — he caught 57 passes, a conversion success of 59.3 percent."

Mac said that moving Salas to slotback:
"gives us a bigger target." (HA)

About moving from WR to slotback, Salas said:
"It gives you more opportunities to get the ball." (HA)


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