San Diego State running back Donnel Pumphrey appears to have the skills of three players.

In Hawaii’s football practice this week, Pumphrey was three players.

In preparing for Saturday’s game in San Diego, the Rainbow Warriors used freshman redshirt Freddie Holly, junior college transfer Genta Ito and sixth-year senior Samson Anguay to portray the nation’s leader in rushing yards (1,469) and rushing yards per game (183.6). Pumphrey is on track to becoming the NCAA career rushing leader.

“I think (Pumphrey is) LaDainian Tomlinson,” UH defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa said, referring to the future Hall of Fame running back. “I remember we played (Tomlinson, in 2000). Some coaches think I’m nuts, but I think (Pumphrey is) that good. He is that good.”

Pumphrey is listed at 5 feet 9 and 180 pounds. “He’s powerful,” Lempa said. “He’s fast. He’s wiry. He can run. He can catch. He can block. He can do everything. He can do it all.”

Ito and Anguay are both 5-8 and tough runners. Holly, who is 6 feet and 210 pounds, is a mixture of power and quickness. “The main guy who gives us the best look to mimic Pumphrey is Freddie,” graduate assistant coach Marc Moody said. “He’s been doing a tremendous job with a lot of downhill running. He gives us a lot of the perimeter stuff.”

Moody and graduate assistant Makana Garrigan help prepare the scout offense that competes against the Warriors’ top defense in practices. Moody is in charge of the scout offensive linemen and tight ends; Garrigan works with the quarterbacks and receivers. They both coach the running backs.

Their preparation usually begins about 10 days in advance. Before last weekend’s game against New Mexico, Moody and Garrigan already analyzed video cutups and collected data from several San Diego State games. The day after the New Mexico game, Moody and Garrigan presented an initial report on San Diego State.

“We have to be one step ahead of the (coaching) staff so we can answer (their) questions,” Garrigan said.

The defensive coaches then will create a game plan. They also will serve as casting directors, selecting the players who will portray the Aztecs in practice. “We try to see who fits the part,” Garrigan said.

Moody said Holly “knew he was going to carry the ball in some fashion during the week. We let him know what his role will be.”

On Monday, Holly began studying video cutups of Pumphrey and the Aztecs’ offensive plays. On Tuesday, Holly was given jersey No. 19, Pumphrey’s number. During Wednesday’s practice, a visitor noticed No. 19 and said, “Pumphrey?”

“I am this week,” Holly said, smiling.

The Warriors, who departed on Thursday afternoon, practiced against the scouts three times this week. Because the travel roster is limited to 64 players, the second team will serve as scouts during today’s walk-through session in San Diego.

“We get a good look from the 2s because they have the size and speed,” Garrigan said.