LAS VEGAS — The Hawai'i football team's defensive secondary is undergoing physical therapy with Lametrius Davis reclaiming the left cornerback's job.

Davis, who transferred from Butte College in January, started in the Sept. 4 season opener against Central Arkansas. He had lukewarm results.

"The first game, I had to get used to everything; get used to the crowd," Davis said.

Tank Hopkins, who had been bothered by an injured hip flexor, started at left corner in last Saturday's 38-20 road victory over Washington State. But Hopkins aggravated the injury during the game, and Davis finished at left corner.

"Lametrius played well this past game," said associate head coach Rich Miano, who coordinates the secondary.

UH head coach Greg McMackin confirmed that Davis will open at left corner in Saturday's game against Nevada-Las Vegas.

The 6-foot, 195-pound junior is a preferred defender against the Rebels' spread offense. Davis is an experienced man-to-man defender. He also is an efficient open-field tackler, a key against an offense that uses option plays to attack the perimeters.

"We need some physical presence out there," Miano said. "He's a competitor. He plays man coverage well. He gives us size and strength and speed. He gives us the whole package physically. He's still continuing to work on technique and the mental game, but physically, he's probably the best guy we have (in the secondary)."

At Butte, the corners played man-to-man in a three-deep zone coverage. The Warriors often use a two-deep zone — two safeties in coverage — in their base 4-3 defensive scheme. The key is for the corner to be in sync with a safety, ensuring that the receiver is covered if the corner moves up to defend a running play.

"I have to be more comfortable and play mistake-free football," Davis said.

McMackin said: "It takes guys time to pick up what we're doing. (Davis) was here during the spring, but we played him at safety because he's such a good athlete and we were a little concerned about our safety positions. But our young safeties have come on, and now we can play Lametrius at corner. What I like is he's close to 200 pounds, and he's a physical corner. We've always had these little-bitty corners. We're trying to change that a little bit."

Miano said Hopkins, Lewis Walker and Kawika Ornellas also will rotate at left corner.

"We feel all of those guys are good players," Miano said.

ENDS ARE HURTING

Second-year freshman Paipai Falemalu, the Warriors' best pass-rushing defensive lineman, suffered an apparent sprained right ankle during yesterday's practice at Palo Verde High.

At the hotel where the team is staying, Falemalu was on crutches.

"Just precautionary," said Falemalu, who predicted he will play in Saturday's game.

Fetaiagogo "John" Fonoti did not participate in yesterday's practice. He has not practiced since suffering a hyper-extended left kneecap more than two weeks ago.

FILLING UP, FILLING IN

For Vili Nauahi, the next stop is ...

"... Offensive line?" he said, laughing.

That would be the logical progression. Nauahi, a former All-State defensive back from Kahuku High, opened his UH career as a free safety. He moved to strong safety and, last year, to outside linebacker. Last week, he switched to defensive end.

"I do like it," Nauahi said. "It's a new challenge."

Nauahi weighed 225 pounds at the end of the 2008 season. He tried to bulk up during the offseason.

"I guess I put on too much weight," said Nauahi, who is now 250 pounds.

Nauahi endured personal "issues" during the summer. It was decided he would skip training camp and join the team on the first day of the fall semester.

"I'm fine now," Nauahi said of his situation.

Last year, Nauahi won more than $40,000 as a contestant on the "Wheel of Fortune" television game show.

He said he has kept most of the money in the bank. "I've done a little shopping," he said. "The biggest thing I've bought is food — a lot of food, as you can tell."

This is Nauahi's senior season, and he is committed to "working hard and enjoying" himself. He appears to be happy at his new position.

"No matter where he is on the field, he looks the same," linebacker Mana Lolotai said. "It won't change the way he looks."

"... Which is good-looking," Nauahi said, smiling.