Jason Ferguson and Davone Bess will be the University of Hawai'i football team's starting slotbacks, all but completing the Warriors' offensive lineup for tomorrow's opener against top-ranked Southern California.

The only unsettled position on offense is at quarterback, where Colt Brennan and Tyler Graunke will split time.

Ferguson and Bess have been the most productive inside receivers in preseason training, although both are listed as left slotbacks. But coach June Jones said both will start, meaning Ferguson will move to right slotback, where he has practiced in several rotations in the past two weeks.

In choosing Ferguson and Bess, Jones said, "They've been out there practicing the most. They know their assignments the best."

Ferguson, a sophomore from Los Angeles, was the immediate backup to All-America receiver/returner Chad Owens last season. Ferguson is wearing Owens' No. 2 jersey this season, as well as assuming the role of punt returner.

Bess, a freshman from Oakland, Calif., is the cousin of former UH linebacker/safety Robert Grant.

Jones said Ryan Grice-Mullen also will play extensively. Grice-Mullen ascended to No. 1 right slotback on the first day of training camp. But he suffered a strained right shoulder the next day, and has spent most of preseason training rehabilitating. On Monday, he resumed competing in limited contact drills.

Nate "Nasty" Ilaoa, who has overcome hamstring and weight problems, also will play at slotback. He was listed as the No. 1 right slotback on the preseason depth chart. But he ceded the job after reporting to training camp weighing 249 pounds. He has lost nearly 20 pounds since then, and yesterday he made a leaping catch, prompting right guard Brandon Eaton to yell: "That's the Nasty we know!"

The other offensive starters are left wideout Ian Sample, left tackle Tala Esera, left guard Samson Satele, center Derek Fa'avi, Eaton, right tackle Dane Uperesa, right wideout Ross Dickerson and running back Bryan Maneafaiga.

A DAY AT THE BEACH

USC yesterday practiced for two hours in Los Angeles, and was scheduled to arrive last night via a charter flight. The Trojans are staying at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort, the regular hotel for the Pro Bowl players.

"We're excited," USC running back Reggie Bush said. "It's certainly going to be good to visit Hawai'i."

Asked about the expected humidity for a 1:05 p.m. kickoff, safety Darnell Bing said: "It's been pretty hot out here lately. We're pretty much getting used to the heat. And the (three-hour) time difference, I don't think that will be a bit of a concern for a day game."

The Trojans have been practicing on artificial turf to get used to Aloha Stadium's FieldTurf.

Two weeks ago, USC coach Pete Carroll decided to break the monotony of training camp, taking his players to the women's final of the Manhattan Beach Open volleyball tournament. The day at the beach, in part, was designed to prepare the players for Hawai'i's distractions.

"It was a fun experience, just going out there hanging out with other people besides your teammate," Bing said. "It was good thing. We were able to relax pretty much."

USC spokesman Tim Tessalone said a representative Trojan Marching Band also is traveling to Hawai'i.

PATTON MAY NOT PLAY

Left cornerback Kenny Patton did not participate in limited contact drills yesterday, dooming his chances of playing against USC. Except in special circumstances, Jones' policy is not to use a player who does not practice in the week leading to a game. Patton is recovering from arthroscopic surgery to remove damaged cartilage from his left knee. Keao Monteilh has practiced at left cornerback with the first team.

Slotback Patrick Olchovy, who suffered two broken back ribs during the Aug. 22 scrimmage at Aloha Stadium, said he expects to be available to play by the end of September.

"It's definitely not going to be eight weeks," as originally announced, Olchovy said. "The breathing is good. I'm riding a bike now. Maybe I can start lifting next week. I hope to get into the mix quickly."

Meanwhile, freshman Laupepa Letuli is on the move again. Recruited as an offensive lineman, Letuili was moved to running back in the first week of training camp. But he suffered a strained right shoulder during his first practice at that position, and has since practiced sparingly. Now Letuli has returned to the offensive line.

WALK-ON ON THE RUN

These days, the walk-on is known as the sprinter.

Andre Taylor, who transferred from Santa Rosa (Calif.) College, has been impressive as a speedy wideout and kick returner. In last week's scrimmage at Aloha Stadium, Taylor scored on a 100-yard kick return.

"That's one of my specialities," he said.

Taylor is listed as one of the candidates to return kickoffs against USC.

This summer, Taylor followed Santa Rosa teammates Blake Robinson and Nick Hill to Manoa. Robinson and Hill will redshirt this season.

"I'm getting by on financial aid, and I had to take out a lot of loans," Taylor said. "I have to pay them back when I get out of college. Hopefully, I'll have a good job."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.