University of Hawai'i freshman football player Korey Reynolds faced two options: red shirt or green light.

He chose the latter, which meant moving from defensive end to running back/H-back.

UH coach June Jones said Reynolds has the talent to compete at defensive end — but not this year.

On Sunday, Jones told Reynolds: "If you stay on defense, you're not going to get on the field this year. We've got eight or 10 D-linemen. You're going to redshirt. If you make the change to offense, I'll also put you on special teams and forgo the redshirt year."

Reynolds, who also played H-back and tight end at nationally ranked Hoover (Ala.) High last year, said the offer was not a surprise.

"We talked about it before," Reynolds said. "I kind of expected it. I wasn't playing too much (on defense)."

As a running back, Reynolds, who is 6 feet 3 and 229 pounds, will serve as a backfield blocker. He also can align in the slot as a pass-catching H-back.

"He's quick and he's physical," said Jones, noting Reynolds has a chance to make the travel roster as a special-teams player. "It depends on how he does. But I think he's a kick-cover guy, and he can play on the punt team. He probably can play on all of the special teams."

Reynolds spent yesterday's practice studying the other running backs.

"It's still kind of complicated," Reynolds said. "But there's time to learn."

DE FONOTI INJURED

Defensive end John Fonoti suffered injuries to both ankles when he fell at home on Sunday.

He appears to have suffered at least deep bruises. It has not been determined if he incurred a more significant injury.

LB SOARES, C ESTES BACK

Strongside linebacker Blaze Soares and center John Estes yesterday resumed practicing.

Soares did not practice the past two weeks after suffering a stinger in his left shoulder. His left arm went numb when he initially incurred the injury.

"That's what stingers do to you," Soares said. "I wasn't worried. I just knew I was in pain. The only cure is time. If not, you have to get used to the pain."

Estes is recovering from a sprained left elbow that made it difficult to perform the most basic blocking technique — the punch, in which a lineman thrusts both hands onto a defender's chest.

"They told me it would take two weeks (to recover), and that was two weeks ago," Estes said. "I wanted to come back. Today, I could."

Estes, who attended every practice, also kept busy by studying videotapes of blocking assignments. Estes, who moved from right guard this summer, will make all of the blocking calls as the starting center.

"I think I have the calls down pretty good," Estes said.

RB FARMER PERSEVERES

Running back David Farmer remains upbeat despite entering his fourth season as a non-scholarship player. He is the Warriors' best blocking back. He also dismisses any thoughts of transferring.

"I never quit anything in my life," Farmer said. "Why quit now? I've been here three years. I've got two more. I could take the easy way out, but I'm not like that."

Farmer has watched several other walk-ons earn scholarships. He does not know when — or if — his turn will come.

"It's out of my hands," he said. "I would be foolish to worry about it all of the time. I like this team. I think we've got a chance to win. This is the highest level. There are thousands of people, I'm sure, who would do anything to be in my place. For me to take it for granted wouldn't be good."

Farmer said he meets expenses with help from his family. He also worked this summer for a jewelry store.

"I have a bunch of money saved up," Farmer said.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.