"He's had an unbelievable camp," UH coach June Jones said. "I would anticipate he'll have his best season ever."

Owens, who is 5 feet 9 and 174 pounds, was second nationally with 7.73 catches per game last year, despite playing with a sprained big toe on his left foot during the season's final month.

The injury made it difficult to run without pain, and he often cringed when he planted his left foot. But he bit his mouthpiece and never complained.

"Sometimes you have to play through things," Owens said.

His rehabilitation included rest and physical therapy. "Surgery was never an option," he said.

He devoted the summer months to improving his quickness, spending hours each week on leg lifts.

"I'm doing what's expected of me, but maybe because this is my senior year, I have a little more energy," he said. "It's my last run. I don't want to hold back anything."

Quarterback Tim Chang said: "Chad has prepared himself mentally, physically and emotionally. He's charged. He's ready to go."

Chang said Owens has embraced his role as co-captain. "He's bringing high energy to the team," Chang said. "He brings it every day. He's the one guy I know who never takes a day off physically or mentally."

CHAD OWENS

Ferguson making waves at slotback

Jason Ferguson, a 5-foot-5 freshman from Los Angeles, has emerged as the top backup to slotbacks Owens and Se'e Poumele.

Ferguson, who opened camp as a left slotback behind Owens, was considered to be a redshirt candidate. But Ferguson has been used at right slotback this week. Yesterday, Owens and Ferguson were in the lineup at the same time during a passing drill.

"I would say he'll get into (Saturday's) game," Jones said. "We want to play our four best (slotbacks), and he's certainly one of our best four."

Owens said: "He's able to make plays, it's as simple as that. He makes guys miss him. There's a difference between speed and quickness, and he has quickness. That's something you can't teach. I think he's the next up-and-coming guy."

Ferguson was a highly recruited receiver/running back before suffering a torn knee ligament as a Fairfax High junior. He did not play sports as a senior while rehabilitating. He signed with UH in February 2003 with the understanding he would not enroll until this past January.

Ferguson said his right knee is fine and that he is "hungry to play. If they put me in, I'm ready to go."

Boatner, Powell won't play this season

Jones said slotback Lenny Boatner and cornerback Ernest Powell will not play this season.

"They'll be back in the spring," Jones said.

Jones said heralded freshman Andrew Pearman is expected to play this season.

Pearman, who is recovering from a pulled hamstring, is listed behind starter Britton Komine, Ross Dickerson and Rene Melson at right wideout. But Pearman's speed — he can run 100 meters in 10.3 seconds — will be helpful on special teams and in certain offensive situations.

Placekicker Ayat will play Saturday

Placekicker Justin Ayat had wondered if a groin injury would keep him from playing in the season opener. Jones made the decision for him.

"I told him, 'You're kicking, (so) your leg better get well,' " Jones recalled.

"That was about it," Ayat said. "I talked to everybody about (the injury) — the trainers, doctors, family, friends. I might have been cautious with it. By coach Jones saying he needed me, it puts me in a position to get as strong as possible in a hurry and step it up for my team."

Ayat said his range now is about 50 yards. "Which isn't bad," he said.

Tim Wright, the backup punter, will handle kickoffs.

Of the kicking situation, Jones, who is not afraid to take calculated risks, mused, "The one plus is we can always go for it" on fourth down.

Three players to rotate at two safety positions

Rich Miano, who coordinates the pass defense, said Lamar Broadway, Leonard Peters and Lono Manners will rotate at the two safety positions.

"Let's just say those three will play, and we'll sort it out from there," Miano said.

All three might be in the same lineup when the Warriors use five defensive backs in passing situations. In that scenario, Broadway becomes the nickelback, Manners plays strong safety and Peters is the free safety.

Patrick Jenkins, who was competing for a starting job, will be a backup safety for the opener. "He's still battling," Miano said.