Hawaii wide receiver Allen Sampson appears to be healthy again after missing 18 games the past two seasons because of knee injuries requiring two surgeries.

Most importantly, Sampson has retained the speed that once was timed at under 4.4 seconds over 40 yards.

"That’s God’s gift to me," Sampson said. "I’m so happy I still have it."

Sampson is 5-foot-7 — the same height he was as a Plant (Fla.) High freshman.

"I wouldn’t trade my height for anything," Sampson said. "It makes me work harder."

He always knew he was fast. In middle school, Sampson won a race around the track by 30 yards.

"There’s a difference between track speed and football speed," Sampson said.

"I realized the key to being successful in football is to learn how to use my speed. I had good teammates and good coaches to teach me the game of football."

Sampson suffered a torn ACL in the seventh game of his sophomore season in 2011. He missed the 2012 season following a second surgery.

This past week, he was allowed to discard the yellow practice jersey for players on limited-contact status.

"I’m fortunate to come back," Sampson said. "A lot of people can’t come back from this. They can’t run. Every day, I pray to God I come back the same as before and that I keep my passion for the game."

Sampson said he never considered accepting a medical retirement.

"No, never," Sampson said. "If I have to keep coming back a thousand times, I’ll come back. I love this game too much."

Saint Juste hoping to return this week

Diocemy Saint Juste, who has been held out of contact drills for nearly two weeks because of hamstring issues, said he expects to resume practice this week.

"I’m very anxious," said Saint Juste, who has missed the Rainbow Warriors’ three full-contact scrimmages. "I hate being on the sideline. I hate not being able to perform. I hate it so much. I want to go out there and play."

UCLA transfer Castro arrives on campus

Former UCLA linebacker Jeremy Castro arrived in Honolulu on Monday.

Castro must redshirt this season in accordance with NCAA transfer rules. After that, he will have four years to play four seasons.