In January, wideout Jason Rivers decided to return to the University of Hawai'i football team for his senior season.

A few months later, Rivers made what he described as a more significant life decision.

"I wanted to be baptized," said Rivers, who is a member of the Mormon church.

Rivers completed six discussions — lessons about the Bible and church — and last week he was baptized at the university branch. Quarterback Inoke Funaki performed the ceremonial dunking.

"It meant a lot," Funaki said of the request. "He's a teammate, a brother. I felt honored."

Rivers has had an uneven career of brilliance (he set the bowl record for receiving yards) and obstacles (he missed the 2005 season because of a broken ankle and academic problems).

At the start of last season, Rivers recalled, "I was happy to be back (with the team), but I wasn't enjoying it the way I used to enjoy it."

Near the end of last season, he began to attend church.

"Going through some things, and staying in church," Rivers said, "it made me realize how much I used to enjoy my life, how lucky I am to be able to do all of these things, and the gifts I'm blessed with. I found my spirit."

Earlier this year, Funaki, who had served a two-year church mission before joining the Warriors in 2005, asked Rivers if he wanted to meet with the missionaries to discuss baptism.

"He politely declined," Funaki said. "He said he wanted to make sure he was comfortable. That was cool. It's not something that anyone should feel pressured to do."

Rivers said: "I thought about it. I realized how much God had an influence in the things I was blessed with. It wasn't a hard choice. I was ready to be baptized."

Rivers said his outlook has changed since making the decision.

"I have way more peace," Rivers said. "I don't stress over things. I'm enjoying my life."

Rivers, who will start at left wideout, said he is embracing his role as a team leader. Yesterday, he gave pointers to the first-year receivers.

"If a guy is unsure out there, I'll help him," Rivers said. "We're trying to develop depth on the roster. We need to get everybody up to speed. I want to help. I feel like a leader every year — maybe not by voice in previous years, but by my actions, and the way I practice."

Funaki said: "I think God is using him as a tool help touch others. I told him: 'You're definitely one of our leaders.' There are a lot of guys who look up to him. He knows how to take charge of the team. I told him to continue doing what he's doing. I've noticed a change. He feels happier within. I hope he'll be a light amongst everyone."

FINALLY IN THE CLEAR

Cornerback Keenan Jones received clearance to join the Warriors and practiced yesterday.

"It's great to finally be part of the team ... and not be that bad seed on the team," Jones said.

Last March, he was suspended from participating in spring training after missing mandatory meetings and training sessions. He was stripped of his football scholarship at the end of the spring semester.

He also was arrested following a loud argument with his girlfriend, but no charges were filed and the case is considered to be closed.

"I had my off-the-field things that could have been handled a little bit differently," Jones said. "I drew some attention that shouldn't be drawn to the team. I'm sorry about that. The focus should be on the team, not on me."

Jones was admittedly "stunned" to lose his scholarship.

"It was tough, trust me," he said. "I went home (to Los Angeles) and I had to get my head back right. I trained, stayed focused, stayed in my house, spent time with my family. I talked to my dad about it. My family wanted me to go back to Hawai'i and work hard. That's what I planned to do."

Jones said he took out a student loan. He also is receiving financial aid.

"I'll be all right," he said.

WORKING HIS WAY BACK

Weakside linebacker Adam Leonard, who underwent arthroscopic surgery in June to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, practiced without any difficulty yesterday.

"It feels good to be out here and getting the work in," Leonard said.

Although he had no physical discomfort, Leonard was ready to conquer the "mental barrier" of playing after a surgery.

"I'm trying to get over it right now," he said. "I'll be fine."

TRADING PUNCHES

At an early age, strongside linebacker Blaze Soares learned the importance of speed in competition.

For a brief time as a sixth-grader, Soares was the sparring partner for an up-and-coming boxer — Brian Viloria.

"I couldn't touch him," Soares said. "He had all of the speed."

Soares said that Viloria, even as a teenager, was "somebody."

"It was OK," Soares said of their bouts. "It's like when you get into a regular fight. You have to go out there and bang."

Soares lived in 'Ewa Beach through the seventh grade. He belonged to the Wai'anae and then Waipahu boxing clubs.

In high school, Soares was among 14 friends who created their version of a mixed-martial-arts fight club. They met at a friend's house after school.

"We went over there and trained," Soares said. "It was our own thing."

CATCHING ON FAST

Wideout Joe Avery III caught the attention of spectators at yesterday's practice. Avery, a freshman walk-on from California, is 6-4 1/2 and 180 pounds.

Avery chose UH because of its wide-open offense. "I saw a lot of their games (on television)," he said. "I heard about their quarterback, Colt (Brennan)."

Receivers coach Ron Lee said: "He's coming along fine. He's got height, good hands. He's an athlete. And he's smart."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.