The glimpses are coming more frequently and vividly now, those occasions when we see University of Hawai'i running back Kealoha Pilares operating more on fluid instinct than a labored by-the-numbers feeling of the way.

The games, such as at Idaho last week, when he quickly sorted out the correct lanes, found holes, produced solid gains and laid down blocks are more becoming the rule rather than the exception

There had been little question that Pilares, The Advertiser's 2005 All-State Offensive Player of the Year at Damien, could run. Only the slightest of doubts existed that he could become a weapon for the Warriors.

In time.

The only issue was how much of it would pass first in this, his freshman season?

After not playing running back until his senior year in high school and not playing football anywhere in 2006, the result of transferring from Air Force Academy Prep School and joining the Warriors in January, the question left open was how soon he could acquire an understanding of the offense and get up to game speed?

Neither Pilares nor junior college transfer Leon Wright-Jackson were going to replace NFL draft picks Nate Ilaoa and Regan Mauia overnight, even in an offense where the running game is more a change of pace than bread and butter. But it was hoped they might at least find a functional role in time for the Warriors' second-half stretch run to help take pressure off quarterback Colt Brennan.

In that, the Twinkie-like early schedule was a heaven-sent opportunity for on-the-job training.

So, it was encouraging when Pilares scored the first time he touched the ball in the season opener against Northern Colorado but still very much up in the air as to when he could absorb enough of the overall package and put it into play as an impact player. That was the race against time for both he and the Warriors. And it is one he is winning.

Week by week, there has been major progress with little regression. Lately, it has been like watching a symbolic light over his head go on each game as he grasps the intricacies of what the Warriors are attempting to do. Pilares' growing understanding of the offense and mounting confidence are becoming increasingly apparent.

The Idaho game was the best example of that. He rushed for 85 yards on 10 carries and caught two passes for 15 yards. But his smile of accomplishment and the pats on the back from his coaches are an even better illustration.

"He is proving to be what I thought he'd be," head coach June Jones said. "He's becoming more of what we want him to be."

And, fittingly for a running back, he's doing it in a rush.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.