If not for the face mask, it would hardly be necessary for University of Hawai'i linebacker Blaze Soares to wear the No. 53 on his uniform for identification purposes Friday night at Aloha Stadium.

Soares would be easily recognizable as the guy with the end zone-to-end zone, glad-to-be-here grin.

As it is, he is likely to stand out for the considerable pent-up energy he will bring to season opener against Central Arkansas.

It wasn't like Soares ever needed much to rev him up for a collision, but an injury-enforced, season-long absence has left him, "looking forward to hitting somebody. I have a lot of steam held inside of me and it is ready to explode," Soares said.

Explosions — the kind that can blow up plays, turn games and even change seasons — have been Soares' calling card, when healthy. The fumble he forced at San Jose State famously set the stage for the rally that lifted UH to a 42-35 overtime victory, preserving the Warriors' unbeaten 2007 regular season.

The Warriors missed Soares' passion to punish in 2008 when a torn calf muscle during fall camp sidelined him for the season. But his presence and joy at being back have been unmistakable. "He's probably the first guy out on the field each day," said defensive coordinator Cal Lee. "He beats me out there."

Through two-a-day practices and 90-degree heat this fall camp, an enduring smile — and battering ram shoulder — have been Soares' constant companions. "Coming to practice makes my day," Soares said. "I'm happy to get up and know I'm coming out here. Practice starts at 7 a.m. but I start (looking forward to it) from 5:30 a.m."

Curious teammates initially asked, " 'Why are you so happy to be practicing?' " Soares said.

Now, they know. "It is because I look at being out here as a blessing," Soares said. "You don't know how much you miss something until you have it taken away."

Soares was eerily reminded of that yesterday when defensive end Fetaiagogo "John" Fonoti suddenly went down with a knee bruise. (Fonoti is listed as "very probable" for the opener). "It flashed back for me," Soares said. "I was just thinking that was me right there. It can go at any time."

Which is another reason he says, "I just feel so fortunate, so blessed to have (a senior) season. I'm going all out. I'm gonna bring it 'cause there are only so many guys that get to play Division I football each year. And, I get to represent the state of Hawai'i. I'm one lucky person."

And, it shows.