Feature story on Gres Salas' transition to slot receiver

About how having Salas at slotback makes him more comfortable at QB, Greg Alexander said:
"He's kind of like a security-blanket type of guy. He made a couple of catches in triple coverage today. It's one of those things where I can throw him a jump ball and trust that he's either going to catch it or break it up." (HSB)

HSB Note: "During the 11-on-11 period, a throw from Alexander appeared to sail over the middle. But Salas leapt high to snag the ball with one hand and reel in the reception. Later in the period, Salas kicked into another gear to split double coverage and chase down a deep ball from Alexander."

About how Salas practices hard, Ron Lee said:
"One thing with Salas, he practices hard. Especially during 11s or when we go 7-on-7. When we go against the defense, he always shows up. He wants the ball and he works hard at getting the football." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Wide receivers were the Warriors' most productive pass catchers in the first four years of the June Jones era at UH (Dwight Carter, Ashley Lelie twice and Justin Colbert). Since then slot receivers have been the favorite targets of UH quarterbacks, with Chad Owens, Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullins leading the way. Last year, Mike Washington led UH with 62 receptions from his slot position, while Salas covered a team-best 831 yards on 57 catches."

About slot receivers have to read the defense a lot more than what he had to do as a wideout last season, Salas said:
"I only had to read one guy on the outside. I'd see how a corner's playing me, then maybe have a safety I have to worry about. Now I have to worry about the corner, and both safeties and the linebackers. It makes it more difficult, but it's a lot more fun." (HSB)

About the depth they have at receiver, Salas said:
"I think with all the receivers we have it's going to take a lot of pressure off. You can't just account for one person with our receiver corps. Everybody brings something to the table, and that's going to help everybody out." (HSB)

About being one of the 37 receivers up for the Biletnikoff Award, Salas said:
"It's an honor to be mentioned in that category, but I haven't done anything yet. So I still have to go out there and do it and prove it." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090812_Salas_a_good_fit_so_far_at_slot.html