University of Hawai'i slotback Davone Bess used breathtaking moves to earn Freshman All-America honors this past football season. His next move will be his most surprising.

Bess yesterday confirmed he will compete at cornerback during UH's spring practice in March.

"I used to joke around with the coaches, 'Put me in the secondary,' " Bess recalled. "They're going to give me a shot. They're going to let me try out at cornerback or whatever. ... Receiver is my thing, but I'm willing to play DB, whatever I can do to help the team."

Bess said it would be his preference to be used as a two-way player, serving as both a slotback and cornerback. He also has volunteered to return punts.

"If I've got the ability to do it, I shouldn't limit myself," Bess said. "I want to go out there and try to do better. I might be better at corner than receiver. But I won't find out until I actually go to corner."

UH defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville said he lobbied for the move after watching Bess chase down a defender who intercepted a UH pass.

"He raced all the way across the field," Glanville said. "I looked at June (Jones, UH's head coach), and he smiled at me, and we both knew we were watching someone special."

Bess, who is 5 feet 9 and 187 pounds, said he also played free safety and cornerback in high school in Oakland, Calif.

"I wasn't a super big hitter," he said. "I was known for my coverage skills. I liked to defend the fade (pass). I liked to go up there and get it."

Bess also said he does not worry about fatigue caused by playing two positions.

"I think it will motivate me to get into even better shape," Bess said. "I don't want to leave the field. I don't mind playing two positions."

Bess said he trains daily by lifting weights and catching passes. He said he will resume running drills in a week, allowing two injuries to heal. He has endured a groin injury since training camp. In the next-to-last game, against Wisconsin, Bess injured his upper glute when he landed on his back while trying to make an off-balance catch.

"I'm not doing any running right now," he said. 'I'm resting my legs. Doc says I'll be fine in a couple of weeks. I should be good to go."

Since completing a 5-7 season — the second losing record in Jones' seven years as UH head coach — the coaching staff has planned several position changes. Last week, Jones announced cornerback Kenny Patton will practice at wideout during spring training.

Glanville said he hopes Bess will not be the only offensive player to audition on defense.

"I want (freshman slotback Ryan) Grice-Mullen to come over, too," Glanville said. "We could do a lot with (Bess) and Grice-Mullen at the corners. We could play a lot of bump-and-run coverages. We could have a lot of success."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.