For two years, Greg Salas has put up with the quizzical looks and disbelieving words, patiently awaiting an opportunity like the one that looms Saturday night at Aloha Stadium.

For when somebody has learned Salas is on the University of Hawai'i football team, their response to him invariably has been: " 'You play football?' "

Well, yes, although, "I don't look like a football player, especially if you see me in street clothes," the 6-foot-2, 195-pound Salas sheepishly admits.

But to see him on the UH practice field, where his one-handed catches have been almost a daily staple, is to quickly understand that not only is Salas a football player, he's far from an ordinary one. Rather, he is one whose remarkable hand skills tout him as somebody of whom much is expected this upcoming season.

Trouble was, except for a couple of cameo appearances in mop-up situations last year, where he got three catches, few got to see Salas beyond the campus practice field. Such was the fate of being a redshirt freshman on a team blessed with four senior receivers who had 367 catches — and 44 touchdowns — between them in 2007.

So, when people would ask Salas what he did at UH and he'd say "receiver" the response was often along the lines of, " 'like you play?' I got that a lot." he said.

That figures to start changing with the Warriors' spring finale when Salas gets his chance in the spotlight. "I don't think anybody knows who I am right now," Salas said "So I have to take advantage of opportunities to make a name for myself."

In that he is the poster player for the new-look receiver corps — Salas, Michael Washington, Aaron Bain, Malcolm Lane, Dylan Linkner, etc. — all of them capable and hungry, none of them previous starters or household names except in their own homes.

Salas is the one from whom the most is expected and you'll get few takers around UH who think that Salas will remain cloaked in that anonymity very much longer. "He's known that as soon as Jason Rivers left he was going to be the guy (at left wideout)," quarterback Tyler Graunke said. "And, he's made himself a really good receiver. He's worked hard to make himself one. You'll see. He's worked on what he needs to — strength and speed — and doesn't make the same mistake twice. "

Indeed, receivers coach Ron Lee doesn't spare the superlatives where Salas' play in practice and potential are concerned. "Best one-handed catches I've seen," Lee notes. He just wants to see it with two hands, too. He would like all he's seen reaffirmed "when the lights go on. That's where the big players make plays," Lee said.

Salas said, "the last (two) years I had to wait ... and wait. Finally, I feel like it is my time."

That clock starts ticking Saturday.

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