University of Hawai'i cornerback Kenny Patton, who is recovering from knee surgery, said he expects to play in Saturday's football season opener against top-ranked Southern California.

"I know I can go," said Patton, who hopes to resume practicing in pads today or tomorrow.

After undergoing arthroscopic surgery Aug. 22 to remove torn cartilage from his right knee, Patton was told he faced a recovery period of up to six weeks.

He began walking without crutches this past weekend, and he jogged on the sidelines during Monday's practice. Yesterday, "I did some of the drills," he said. "I did some back-pedaling stuff. My knee felt pretty good."

He said he did not experience any discomfort or pain.

"Dr. Jay (Marumoto) did a great job," Patton said. "It's amazing to come back a week after undergoing a 'scope to take out cartilage."

Patton is the No. 1 left cornerback. Sophomore Keao Monteilh has practiced with the first team.

ON THE NOSE

With Renolds Fruean expected to miss Saturday's game, the Warriors will rotate Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan, Reagan Mauia and Fale Laeli at nose tackle.

"We'll give a lot of people a chance to play," Glanville said.

Fruean has not competed in contact drills since injuring his right hip flexor last Thursday.

"It's still sore," he said. "I'm probably going to rest this week, and come back next week. Hopefully, it'll get better for next week's game."

Akpan, who moved from the UH basketball team two years ago, has practiced with the first team this week. Mauia has worked with the second unit.

"Situations happen, and they make changes," Akpan said. "I'll do whatever they tell me to do, and we'll see on Saturday."

Akpan underwent reconstructive surgery on his left shoulder in February. He recently resumed limited weight training.

At 6 feet 6, Akpan is considered to be unusually tall for a nose tackle. Aligned across from USC center Ryan Kalil and left guard Jeff Byers, both of whom are 6-3, Akpan must stoop to gain leverage.

"Even when I played end, if I stayed up, I got pushed back," Akpan said. "I've been working on lowering my pads."

Mauia and Laeli are practicing as if each will start. "Coach (Glanville) says we should be ready when he throws us in there," Mauia said. "It's go time."

Laeli, who redshirted last season after undergoing surgery on both shoulders, said he is at full health. "I'll be ready for this game," he said.

STILL IN LIMBO

Freshman linebacker Adam Leonard said his availability is in question for the opener because of his tender right knee.

Nose tackle Lawrence Wilson, defensive end John Fonoti and running back Mario Cox still are awaiting for their eligibility to be approved by the NCAA Clearinghouse.

After earning an associate degree, a requirement for an incoming junior-college transfer, Wilson was allowed to practice. But last week, it was learned that the NCAA still had not finalized his eligibility.

Cox, who has been admitted to UH, is allowed to take classes but not practice. Fonoti has been cleared to practice, but not play in games.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.