In a status check, Jake Schkud decided to take the summer to determine whether he wanted to continue his Hawai'i volleyball career.

"I took a step back," said Schkud, who kept busy playing beach volleyball in California and working out in the gym in his family's house. "I told myself if I came back in the fall and didn't think I could play or didn't think I could compete, I was going to walk away. I felt if I couldn't help the team, there's no point in being out here. I'd be just another body taking up space and a scholarship. That's wrong to take away from someone else who's better and just overall a better athlete."

Two factors erased Schkud's concerns. First, he had missed his teammates.

"This is just like a family," Schkud said. "Just to walk away from them would be tough for me."

What's more, Schkud has developed into an effective opposite attacker, his latest role in his four-year evolving — and revolving — UH career. Since transferring from UC Santa Barbara in August 2004, Schkud has played middle blocker, both left-side positions, opposite and designated server.

At 6 feet 3, Schkud was at a vertical disadvantage in the middle. Inconsistency as a passer limited his playing time on the left side. Head coach Mike Wilton asked Schkud: "Where do you want to play?"

"I told coach I felt more comfortable at opposite," Schkud said of the position that is three rotation turns from the setter. "I know the passing kept me off the court last year. Since I don't have to pass (as much at opposite), it shouldn't have to keep me off the court."

In UH's offense, the opposite hits mostly from the right side or the middle of the back row. In three rotations, the opposite is sometimes the fourth passer. "Just a sliver," Wilton said. "Clearly there's much less passing responsibilities."

Schkud is ahead of Steven Grgas, who played both middle and opposite last season, and will start at opposite in exhibition matches against British Columbia today and tomorrow in the Stan Sheriff Center.

"He's doing a fine job," Wilton said.

In addition to weightlifting and resistance training, Schkud ran daily during the offseason. He weighed 215 pounds at the start of fall training three weeks ago. He is now between 205 and 210.

"One-hundred percent muscle," he said, smiling.

Already a powerful hitter, Schkud has improved the accuracy of his serves. Because of his history in the middle, he is an experienced blocker.

"I'm trying to play my game more consistently," Schkud said. "But I don't have any doubts I can compete right now."

Notes: Matches are 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. today and tomorrow, with UH's first string playing in the evening match. General admission is $5, but there are discounted tickets for $3 apiece. ... In addition to Schkud, tonight's other starters are middle blockers Matthew Rawson and Keali'i Frank; left-side hitters Matias Brizuela and Matt Vanzant; setter Sean Carney, and libero Cory Enriques. Nejc Zemljak will set tomorrow night.

Visit Tsai's blog at www.HawaiiWarriorBeat.com.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.