The dean of Hawaii defensive backs — Kenny Estes — will have an expanded role in Saturday’s road game against Washington.

Estes, a 2006 graduate of Waimea High, is the only current Warrior to have played in a UH game in 2007.

This weekend, Estes will play the rover-like position called quarter in several defensive schemes.

"Kenny is a senior, a great athlete, and we consider him one of our starters," associate head coach Rich Miano said.

Freshman Mike Sellers, who joined as a grayshirt in January, was used as the quarter in UH’s 34-17 victory over Colorado Saturday.

"I can’t say enough good things about Mike," Miano said. "What he did in his first game and what we asked him to do are far ahead of the curve. He’s going to be a big-time football player for us. (Estes’ expanded role) has nothing to do with Mike. Kenny is just bigger. We’re looking for a more physical presence (against Washington)."

Estes is 6 feet and 210 pounds. Sellers is 5-11 and 175 pounds.

"I definitely was looking for this opportunity for a while," Estes said. "I come out every day and work hard. I care about the team, and I’ll play where they need me."

The past two seasons, Estes was one of the top kick-coverage players.

"You just react on kickoffs," Estes said, "and hit guys."

Estes was a part-time student in 2006 before joining the Warriors in January 2007. He was supposed to redshirt that year, but was summoned to play special teams late in the season.

"I’ve been here longer than I was in high school," Estes said. "It’s become part of my life."

Back with No. 1 units

Recently reinstated linebacker Aaron Brown and wideout Darius Bright practiced with the No. 1 units Tuesday.

Brown and Bright had been suspended for the Colorado game because of their arrests following their alleged involvement in a Waikiki fight Aug. 28.

"It was good to get out there," said Brown, who reclaimed his job as weak-side linebacker. Corey Paredes, who played that position Saturday, moved back to middle linebacker.

"It’s nice to have Corey on my side," Brown said. "He’s comfortable there."

Bright and Allen Sampson are splitting reps at left wideout. "It felt pretty good to be out there," Bright said.

Bright skipped many of the drills in training camp because of a sprained big toe on his right foot. He acknowledged the turf-toe injury will bother him the rest of the season.

"It’s going to kill me, but I’m going to keep playing (on it)," Bright said.

Faaumu to start again

Andrew Faaumu will start at right guard on Saturday.

Faaumu started against Colorado in place of Chauncy Winchester-Makainai, who had missed two practices because of a stomach virus. Winchester-Makainai was in for about 20 plays Saturday before suffering a sore right knee. He was on crutches Tuesday, and it will be decided today whether he makes the trip to Washington. The Warriors depart this afternoon.