The competition for the University of Hawai'i football team's starting job at running back is turning into a triple-crown event.

Three of the candidates — B.J. Batts, Jayson Rego and Kealoha Pilares — are former Advertiser All-State players of the year.

"That's impressive," head coach June Jones said. "That shows we've got some good players."

But past awards mean little as the Warriors seek a successor to Nate Ilaoa. Reagan Mauia, last year's top backup to Ilaoa in the one-back offense, also completed his NCAA eligibility last December.

"The one who is the best is going to play," Jones said.

At one time, Batts, Rego and Pilares were the state's best.

Batts was recognized as the top player as a Saint Louis School junior in 2002. He rushed for 981 yards and 16 touchdowns that season.

Rego won the honor as a Kamehameha Schools senior in 2004, when he rushed 274 times for 1,537 yards and 17 touchdowns. He ran for 212 yards against Leilehua in the 2004 state championship game.

In 2005, Pilares led the state with 1,741 rushing yards and 146 points. Against 'Iolani, he rushed 48 times for 300 yards and five touchdowns.

But all of those accomplishments were dust-collecting memories yesterday. The three were among a chorus line of 13 running backs participating in drills during the second of 15 days of spring practice. Jones won't pick a leader until training camp in August, when former Nebraska running back Leon Wright-Jackson joins the mix.

For now, the three are working to improve their blocking techniques and get into runner's shape.

Rego, who is finishing his second year at UH, has added 19 pounds to his 5-foot-9 frame and now weighs 209. The 5-foot-10 Pilares is 190 after gaining 15 pounds. The 5-foot-7 Batts, who has lost 12 pounds, is now 190.

"I had to put on some weight," Rego said. "The game is a lot faster. The guys are a lot bigger."

Rego said he has no regrets about turning down Mainland opportunities to attend UH.

"This is where I wanted to play," he said.

It took Pilares about a week to come to the same conclusion. In January 2006, he made a verbal commitment to attend the Air Force Academy. Like most high school graduates, he opted to attend Air Force's prep school for a year before joining the Falcons' varsity team.

But soon after reporting to the basic-training-like program last July, Pilares decided he did not want to pursue a military career. He requested — and eventually was granted — permission to renege on his commitment.

"Military life wasn't for me," said Pilares, who waited to receive his release before contacting UH assistant coach Rich Miano. "Hawai'i was nice enough to give me another chance and to play at home, where I really want to play. I'm very happy. It's all good."

Batts also took the scenic route to Manoa. After his high school graduation in 2004, he attended Alcorn State in Mississippi.

"It was kind of a tricky situation," he said. "They told me I was going to be on scholarship, and I found out I wasn't going to be on scholarship."

He eventually transferred to Golden West Junior College, where he earned an associate degree, an eligibility requirement.

After that, he called UH assistant coach Cal Lee.

"He was my high school coach," Batts said. "I told him I really wanted to play."

Batts weighed 202 — 38 pounds heavier than his high school weight — when he reported to UH in January. During team testing, he ran 40 yards in 5.15 seconds. Through intensive workouts, he has lost weight, and he expects to be fit for training camp.

Of the three, Pilares has shown the most potential. In team testing, he ran 40 yards in 4.5 seconds, fastest among the running backs, and had a broad jump of 9 feet 5.

"It's a different game out here," Pilares said. "There are faster and bigger guys. You have to lift weights. In high school, you can get away without lifting. I don't think you can do it at this level."

BROGAN LENDS A HAND

Despite confirmed plans to transfer at the end of this semester, quarterback Will Brogan continues to help out in spring practice.

"It's a win-win situation," Brogan said. "I get to help them out, and I still get to condition."

As a freshman last season, Brogan was named as the Warriors' top scout player for offense.

But because the Florida resident was paying his own way and his prospects were slim for playing time in the near future, Brogan opted to transfer.

"You combine the two and it makes it a little rough," said Brogan, who has the opportunity to play at a junior college or I-AA school. "If you can compete somewhere else where you're not paying as much, it's a lot better."

Brogan added: "I had a great time. I have no regrets about Hawai'i. I loved everything. But it's time to move on. You've got to do what's best for you. I know this is best for me. I'm going to miss the offense, and the teammates, definitely."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.