Bill and Ramona Stutzmann’s reservations were finalized and the bags were packed for last month’s football trip to Corvallis, Ore.

What was missing was their son, University of Hawaii receiver Billy Ray Stutzmann.

Stutzmann, who did not participate in training camp because of a concussion suffered in a single-car accident in July, was not on the Rainbow Warriors travel roster for the Sept. 7 game against Oregon State, nor for the following road trip to Nevada.

Stutzmann was deemed not physically fit for the first trip. For the Nevada game, the Rainbow Warriors brought extra special-teams players, reducing the number of receivers needed.

Stutzmann made his debut against Fresno State two weeks ago, catching three passes for 46 yards and a touchdown. Against San Jose State on Saturday, Stutzmann had four receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown.

Not only is Stutzmann on the 64-player travel roster for Saturday’s game against UNLV, he is expected to start at Z receiver.

"It feels good to be traveling with the team, to be back with everyone," Stutzmann said.

During the hiatus, Stutzmann bit his mouthpiece and did not complain.

"I kept working and trying to get back on the field," he said.

It was a long recovery for Stutzmann, who apparently blacked out seconds before his car struck a tree. The car was totaled, and Stutzmann suffered a concussion. Several medical exams, including a heart-stress test, did not show what caused him to pass out while driving. Stutzmann said he was told the condition probably was stress-related. He said he undergoes several relaxation techniques, such as yoga.

"It shouldn’t recur," Stutzmann said.

He said he never considered accepting a medical retirement.

"I made a promise when I signed with the school I would be here until I graduated," said Stutzmann, who will earn his bachelor’s degree in December. "I had to stick it out."

Stutzmann made an oral commitment to UH at the start of his senior season at Saint Louis School in 2008. He had amassed enough credits to graduate a semester early, allowing him to enroll at UH in January 2009.

"I’ve been here a long time," said Stutzmann, who is in his 10th semester at UH. "You see a lot of people come and go in five years — players, coaches, faculty. I can’t remember some of the guys who were around when I was a freshman. It’s been a great experience."

Stutzmann also has compiled extensive medical records. He rattled off a list of injuries: Concussion. Broken hand. Dislocated fingers. Hamstring. Knees. Ankles.

"As a football player, you have to prepare for the worst," Stutzmann said. "Injuries are the worst things."

Stutzmann’s return provided a boost for a group of youthful receivers. He has been helpful in breaking off routes when the quarterback is scrambling.

"That’s just from playing the game for so long," Stutzmann said. "Basically, on a play like that, you have to go where the defender isn’t. Once you get a feel of the defense, it comes naturally and a lot easier."

Stutzmann also is skilled in fighting for extra yardage. His yards-after-catch average is 6.43 yards. He is averaging 4.71 yards after an initial contact.

Stutzmann can play both wideout spots and the slot.

"There are seven games left," Stutzmann said. "I’m focusing on this week’s game."