For Hawai'i football player Calvin Roberts, inspiration is available in 2-inch-by-3-inch photos.

"I have four pictures of my daughter I keep in my wallet all of the time," Roberts said of 2 1/2-year-old Layla, who lives with Roberts' girlfriend in San Jose. "I'm always thinking of her. The pictures are always with me."

This week, Roberts will be reunited with the daughter he has not seen in person since Aug. 10, when he left the Bay Area to report to the Warriors' training camp. Roberts, a cornerback, is on the 64-player travel roster for Friday's nationally televised road game against San Jose State.

"It was pretty hard for me to leave, but I knew it would be a better future for her and a better future for me to finish my education," Roberts said. "It's in our best interest."

Roberts actually was set to play for San Jose State this season. But after being penalized for failing to meet the NCAA academic-progress minimum requirements, the Spartans were forced to rescind the scholarship offer in late April. By then Tom Williams, the defensive coordinator who had recruited Roberts to San Jose State, had left to accept a coaching job with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"It was a desperate time for me," Roberts said. "I was put in a bind. I kept patient, and kept working out."

In July, UH called with a scholarship offer.

"Everything worked out," Roberts said.

Not so fast.

Because of the lengthy process in certifying his junior-college transcripts, Roberts had lost valuable practice time when he finally was cleared to join the Warriors.

"He got here late and was a little behind, but he's really worked hard in doing what we need him to do," head coach June Jones said.

Roberts was not included on the travel roster for the Warriors' first three road games. He had cameo appearances in three of the first six games.

"Frustration kicked in a little bit," Roberts admitted. "But my teammates helped me out, and told me to 'keep my head up, don't ever let go.' I listened to them, worked hard, and prayed to the Lord every day that I'd get my chance. Hard work pays off."

Yesterday, Roberts practiced as the No. 2 left cornerback. He also is a backup on the punt-coverage team. Roberts was told he would travel to San Jose, replacing Keenan Jones, who has been ill the past two days.

"It was a football decision, it wasn't a personal decision," defensive coordinator Greg McMackin said. "If he couldn't help us, we wouldn't take him. He's a good athlete. We knew that when we brought him here. He was just waiting for his opportunity. We're going to give it to him."

SOARES STARTING OVER

Outside linebacker Blaze Soares yesterday took repetitions with the first-team defense. He said he has fully recovered from a shoulder stinger and hamstring injury.

Brad Kalilimoku, Solomon Elimimian and Adam Leonard were the starting linebackers the first six games this season. Soares, who was projected to start at strongside linebacker before suffering the injuries in the second week of training camp, will receive extended playing time.

"He's right in the starting rotation right now," McMackin said. "He'll get as many reps as the other guys."

Soares was held out of the first four games. He played 10 downs against Idaho and four against Utah State last week.

"I've been gradually getting myself into it," Soares said. "The coaches are taking their time with me."

Of his increased playing time, he said: "I feel great. It's great to whack somebody."

McMackin said: "He's back right where he was. He hasn't played for really two months. He had to get up to speed playing fast. Now he needs an opportunity to go and make plays. He's going to rotate in right with the starters."

PATEK ARMED AND READY

Right safety Jacob Patek is enjoying his new role as gunner on the punt-coverage unit. The gunners are aligned wide, resembling an offense's wideouts, and are supposed to lead the charge toward the punt returner.

"It's fun," Patek said. "You almost feel like a receiver for those two seconds on the line. After I get off the line, I go right back to being a DB."

Patek's best friend, left wideout C.J. Hawthorne, is the other gunner.

"These two gunners are the hardest-working players in show business," said Rich Miano, who helps coordinate special teams."

TOMEY STANDS IN WAY

A victory Friday over San Jose State would tie UH's best start against an all Division I schedule.

The 1981 UH team, which won its first seven games, was coached by Dick Tomey, now San Jose State's coach.

"It's kind of ironic when you think Dick Tomey was the (UH) coach and now we're going against San Jose with an opportunity to be 7-0 again," said Miano, who was a safety on the 1981 team.

Among Miano's teammates were running backs Gary Allen, Anthony Edgar and David Toloumu; offensive linemen Jesse Sapolu and Ed Riewerts; defensive linemen Falaniko Noga and Itai Sataua; linebackers Andy Moody and Carl Kenneybrew; and defensive back Dana McLemore.

That team finished 9-2, closing the season with a 33-10 rout of South Carolina.

"Tomey is very motivational in his talks, in his stories, in his approach to everything," Miano recalled. "He's like a general. I remember him throwing tape against the blackboard. He was a very good public speaker."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.