With 20-18 vision, Hawaii football player Mike Edwards can read the bottom line of an eye chart.

His on-field vision has been helpful in placing him near the top of the NCAA charts.

Edwards, a junior, is sixth nationally in kickoff returns with a 38.2-yard average.

"It’s about vision and reading the blocks," Edwards said. "I give credit to those blockers. Those guys come out and listen to Coach Demo (Chris Demarest) and work hard every day. I make the cuts, but I can’t do it without their blocks."

Against Lamar, Edwards scored on a 95-yard kickoff return, the Warriors’ first kickoff return for a touchdown since 2008.

"It was a great feeling, but it was what I was working for since I got to Hawaii last year," Edwards said. "I want to continue to execute, continue to listen to my coaches, continue to do what they tell me to do. If I do that, that (touchdown) won’t be the only one this year."

Edwards said he is fully healed from offseason surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left shoulder.

In 2011, Edwards weighed 190 pounds. While training to improve his speed and first-step quickness, he lost weight, and now is 185 pounds.

"I feel better," said Edwards, who is the Warriors’ starting left cornerback. "The results are showing on the field."

Fonua will redshirt

Last week, running back Steven Lakalaka decided to redshirt this season. This past weekend, linebacker Benny Fonua also decided to redshirt.

The two were the top local signees of head coach Norm Chow‘s first recruiting class. Lakalaka is from Punahou School; Fonua is from Kahuku High.

"We would not make a decision without consulting with them," Chow said. "No way. We told them the pros and cons, and collectively made hopefully a good decision. They need to get bigger and stronger. They know that. They know they have to know the offense and defense better."

Fonua’s goal is to gain another 20 pounds.

Quarterback Ikaika Woolsey also is considering whether to redshirt.

Iosefa hurting

Joey Iosefa is listed as "day to day" with an ankle injury.

If Iosefa is not available, Chow said, "We’ll be OK over there."

Iosefa and Will Gregory have started at running back. John Lister, who scored two touchdowns against Lamar, and Sterling Jackson are the other running backs.

Daley in the middle

Brenden Daley practiced as the No. 1 middle linebacker on Tuesday.

Chow would only say Daley will get more reps. TJ Taimatuia started the first two games in the middle.

Daley missed the 2011 season because of an injured left ankle. He said the injury has fully healed. He said he also has gained weight because of a dairy company’s sponsorship. Daley said chocolate milk and POG are part of his daily diet.