Hawaii cornerback/returner

Mike Edwards

said he is "80 percent" certain he will return for his senior season in 2013.

"I can’t guarantee anything, but that’s where I’m leaning toward," Edwards said.

Edwards, a co-captain, is the Warriors’ best cover defender. He is fifth nationally in kickoff returns with an average of 31.04 yards. He has scored on two kickoff returns this season.

Edwards said remaining in school will help him earn his bachelor’s degree next summer.

Edwards and UH head coach Norm Chow discussed the situation this week. Edwards said at the end of the season, he will seek a draft-placement grade from the National Football League. If he decides to not apply for the 2013 NFL Draft, he will take out an insurance policy against a career-ending injury and "get ready for my senior season."

Chow said Edwards definitely has the skill and work ethic to eventually play in the NFL.

"I told him I think he needs another year (in college)," Chow said.

Chow said a recent report showed 2.4 percent of college players make the NFL, with the average NFL career at 3.3 years.

"You’d better make sure you’re ready for that (NFL) job interview," Chow said.

Afusia moves to guard

Offensive lineman Kody Afusia said he is willing to play anywhere to help the Warriors. The search, it appears, is leading to a job as the starting left guard.

During warm-ups on Wednesday, Afusia recalled, "coach said, ‘You’re going in with the 1s today.’ I’m not complaining."

Afusia, who was recruited as a center, said playing guard allows him to get into a stance quicker than when he has to snap a football. He said he enjoys UH’s running attack in which guards often pull.

"We’re not going to sit back," Chow said. "We’re going to find the best guys we can find to compete, and I think Kody’s done a nice job."

If Afusia were to start, it would be his first time in an opening lineup since 2009, when he was an Ocean View (Calif.) High senior.

"That’s why I’m really excited," Afusia said. "I’m getting an opportunity, and I plan to take full advantage of it."

Fonua’s knee healing

Middle linebacker Benetton Fonua has been medically cleared, and he was back practicing on Wednesday. Fonua was held out because of swelling around the ACL in his left knee.

"I really wanted to get back, and I worked hard to get back," Fonua said.

Of being on the sideline, Fonua said: "It feels like you’re going to work but not coming back and putting bread on the table. I want to practice. I want to work. I want to bring something back."