Auditions began in the search to replace the Hawaii football team’s most versatile receiver.

Billy Ray Stutzmann suffered a fractured left hand during Wednesday’s practice. On Thursday, he underwent surgery in which a plate and eight screws were inserted into his hand. Stutzman was told he might be able to return earlier than the initial prognosis of six weeks of rehabilitation.

"We’ll play it week by week," head coach Norm Chow said. "It depends on whether you’re an optimistic doctor or a pessimistic doctor."

Stutzmann has started 16 consecutive games dating to the 2010 season, the longest streak among current Warriors. He was the starting X receiver, aligned on the single side of the formation, although he also can play on the strong side and in the slot.

In the offseason, the 6-foot Stutzmann gained 15 pounds and now weighs 190. He adjusted to the Warriors’ bump-and-run coverages in daily practices.

"He told me he liked this rugged type of ball, the press coverage we’re trying to play, because he felt he accomplished the other stuff with the off coverage," Chow said. "For him to get to the next step, he’ll have to play against these types of defenses."

Trevor Davis and Chris Gant practiced at the X on Thursday. A surprise candidate was Corey Paclebar, a junior slotback.

"He’s a feisty guy," Chow said of Paclebar. "We wanted to give him a chance."

Paclebar said he is 5-7 "on a good day, when I inhale and have cleats on."

He said he is about 170 pounds, which is lighter than when he joined the Warriors in 2009.

"I was surprised when I got the call," Paclebar said of his move to the outside. "Mostly X is a taller person. When they told me to learn up on X, I was pretty shocked."

The X is used often on post patterns and go routes. Think Terrell Owens. Or not.

"I’m definitely not Terrell Owens-esque," Paclebar said, laughing.

Paclebar said he might have played wideout in high school.

"I lined up everywhere — outside, inside, running back," Paclebar said. "To be honest, I caught the ball and I ran. I was fortunate enough to be faster than everybody."

Paclebar still is quick (sub-4.5 seconds over 40 yards), but on the outside, he has to fight off jams on the line of scrimmage. Of Thursday’s drills against aggressive cornerbacks, Paclebar said: "They were welcoming me."

Paclebar is sporting a different look this season. Complying with team rules, he cut off the long hair he had been growing for four years. He donated his hair to Locks of Love, which provides hair pieces for children undergoing cancer treatments.

Paclebar, who was raised in the Bay Area, is not on scholarship. With help from his parents and a job as a tour-bus driver, Paclebar pays for his school and living expenses.

"I’m a lowly walk-on," he said, smiling. "I pay for my own food. But I’m going to school in Hawaii. Life can’t get too much better."