On Monday, Penitito Faalologo was Hawaii’s smallest defensive lineman.

"Now I’m the biggest running back," said the 5-foot-11 267-pounder, who switched sides for Tuesday’s practice, the fifth of training camp.

Faalologo, a freshman from Fagaitua High in American Samoa, had practiced as a defensive end since joining the Rainbow Warriors in January.

Faalologo was in the weight room when he received a text from defensive line coach Lewis Powell Monday afternoon.

"He said I had to go to the running backs’ meeting," Faalologo said. "I was like, ‘What is this?’ I was guessing I was moving to offense."

Faalologo was handed the CliffsNotes version of the playbook. He then watched videos of the offense, "not even understanding what was happening."

On Tuesday, a white No. 26 jersey hung in his locker in place of the black No. 93 jersey.

"Everything happened fast," Faalologo said.

The plus-sized back is a familiar weapon in UH’s recent football history. Former UH running back West Keliikipi earned YouTube fame with his stiff-armed knockdown of a USC player in 2003. Reagan Mauia, a converted nose tackle, was known as the "Juggernaut" after a video was posted of him breaking through a wall while training. Jason Laumoli, another converted defensive lineman, had some success as a UH back.

Those three played the lone back in UH’s four-wide offense. In UH’s offense under coach Norm Chow, there are two positions — fullback and F — that can employ big backs for running, blocking or receiving.

Chow sought a big back similar to former Utah fullback Shawn Asiata. In 2011, Chow was Utah’s offensive coordinator, UH graduate assistant Jordan Wynn was the Utes’ quarterback, and Asiata was a threat on power plays.

David Fangupo, a 350-pound back from Kealakehe, was supposed to fill that role for UH. But he is working to resolve academic issues and won’t join the Rainbows until January.

Chow then turned his attention to Faalologo, whose height presented problems for offensive linemen accustomed to blocking taller targets.

"We think Penitito can block on inside zones and catch a pass every so often," Chow said.

UH quarterback Taylor Graham was pleasantly surprised to see Faalologo line up as a fullback.

"It’ll be a big advantage for us because of his size and speed," Graham said. "He has a unique combination. I know that unique combination because I’ve seen it coming at me (during practices)."

Faalologo participated in all of the position drills on Tuesday. During scrimmage-like drills, he was used on one play, in which he had to roll from the strong side to block the back-side defender. Faalologo made a clean block on David Manoa.

"We’ll see how it goes," Chow said.

Faalologo said: "Playing defense was fun. I learned the plays and chased after the quarterback. Fullback is all new to me, but I’m learning a lot."