Proving that nothing lasts forever — not even bad-luck streaks — the Hawai'i football team yesterday received a boost when running back Daniel Libre received medical clearance to practice.

Libre, who suffered a high ankle sprain against Florida, will make the Warriors' travel roster, and is expected to play in Saturday's road game against Oregon State.

"I'm good," he said, "and I'm ready to go."

The Warriors have had a run of misfortune at running back. Of the six backs entering training camp, only Jayson Rego has remained healthy.

Leon Wright-Jackson, the starter, has a strained arch. He ran on the sidelines yesterday, but is expected to be available to play this weekend.

Jake Heun (herniated disc), David Farmer (sprained medial collateral ligament) and Joey Cadiz (knee) have missed significant time because of injuries. Heun resumed practicing this week, but is not expected to play against Oregon State.

The injuries forced slotback Kealoha Pilares, safety Khevin Peoples, quarterback Bryce Kalau'oka'a'ea and linebacker Corey Paredes to play running back.

Libre was medically cleared after acing two trainer-administered tests — the 1-mile run Tuesday and agility drills yesterday.

"It was cutting, figure-8s," Libre said of the pre-practice drills on the UH soccer field. "I tried to do that before, but it wasn't working out. No matter how hard I pushed, you could tell I was favoring it. There were no problems (yesterday)."

Libre is the Warriors' best second-effort runner. Against Florida, he averaged one broken tackle per rush, and his post-initial-hit average was 8.5 yards.

If Libre and Wright-Jackson are both healthy, it will allow Pilares to return to slotback, where he has practiced since early April. Pilares was a running back as a freshman last season, leading the Warriors with 388 yards.

"I feel bad for having to move Kealoha (from slotback)," Libre said.

Pilares said: "When duty calls, you have to get in."

Pilares said it was not an easy transition to running back.

"I only had four days" to practice there last week, Pilares said. "Last year really helped. (Running backs) coach (Alex) Gerke helped me a lot. He helped me expect what was going to happen out there. It felt kind of good in (last week's Weber State) game. I was just a little rusty."

Pilares said he lost "five or six pounds" during Gerke's strenuous workouts. He weighed 184 yesterday.

"I have to start eating, too," Pilares said.

KIA GIVES O-LINE A BOOST

Aaron Kia was back at left tackle during yesterday's practice.

Kia did not play against Weber State because of tendinitis in his knees.

Kia's availability enabled Keith AhSoon, who started at left tackle last week, to return to left guard.

The moves were necessitated because of the health of Laupepa Letuli, who is recovering from a small tear in his left shoulder.

Letuli is regarded as the No. 1 left tackle. But he has been unable to practice since suffering the injury in the second quarter of the Aug. 30 season opener against Florida.

AhSoon, who started 13 games at left tackle, was moved from left guard last week. But that was a temporary solution. Offensive line coach Brian Smith said AhSoon is a better fit at guard.

Letuli was unable to practice yesterday. He will be tested this morning, although the coaches are preparing as if he will not be available.

"We'll see how it goes," Smith said. "As of now, I'm not expecting much from him."

The Warriors depart this afternoon for the Oregon State trip.

"I'm still at my best right now," Letuli said. "It's very frustrating."

One of Letuli's best friends is Oregon State quarterback Lyle Moevao.

"We're best buds," Moevao said. "We don't talk as much, but we've been best friends since our high school days. We have a great friendship. His parents and my parents are friends. They do a lot of things together."

If Letuli cannot play, the Warriors must make a choice. Are they better off with Kia at tackle and AhSoon at guard, or AhSoon at tackle and Brysen Ginlack at guard.

"We'll evaluate it and make a decision," Smith said.

Kia, meanwhile, has been happy to receive the extra work.

"I appreciate coach (Smith) trying to rest me, but I hate sitting out," Kia said. "I hate not showing that I'm working. I hate not helping out. It feels like I'm not contributing."

Kia said he has been working on his blocking techniques. His inconsistency, likely caused by his physical ailments, were a concern.

"I'm hanging in there," Kia said.

COACHING EYE-OPENER

Safety Desmond Thomas made a big impact yesterday.

An offensive lineman blocked Thomas into head coach Greg McMackin during team drills. McMackin quickly scrambled to his feet, his toughness earning admiration from the players.

Thomas has drawn praise for his cover skills. In the nickel (4-2-5) and Okie (3-3-5) defenses, Thomas enters as a safety.

"I like Desmond," said associate head coach Rich Miano, who coaches the defensive backs. "He's been there. He's done that. He's smart. He's played a lot of football for us. He's made a lot of plays. He's a veteran back there."

Thomas had been slowed because of a hip flexor.

"I'm cool now," he said. "I'm out there 100 percent."