By narrowing his view, strong-side linebacker Benetton "Benny" Fonua might have an expanded role with the University of Hawaii football team.

"He’s come in and played well," UH defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer said.

The Rainbow Warriors are seeking to tinker with their defense, and part of the alterations might involve more playing time for the Star-Advertiser’s 2011 high school Division I state defensive player of the year out of Kahuku High.

As a UH freshman middle linebacker in 2012, Fonua played in eight games, starting two.

He moved to strongside linebacker in the spring. With TJ Taimatuia and Jerrol Garcia-Williams atop the depth chart at that position, Fonua was used mostly on special teams the first six games. In Taimatuia’s absence against Colorado State last Saturday, Fonua played four defensive snaps. He also was on special teams for 10 plays.

"It’s a matter of believing in what he’s doing," Kaumeyer said. "For the linebacker corps, it’s about confidence in what you’re doing."

Fonua might have been too studious when he was at middle linebacker.

"He wanted to learn everything and come up with all the answers," Kaumeyer said. "It hurt him in the sense of keeping him focused on what he needed to read. Then all of a sudden he’s running with the plays instead of focusing on what his reads are."

On the strong side, Kaumeyer said, "it’s a little easier. He can line up (across) the tight end. The reads are right in front of him. He’s a little more physical being able to do that."

Fonua said he is more at ease on the outside.

At whatever position, Fonua said, "whatever they want me to do, I’ll do. I’m trying to do the best for my team, and help us get a win."

Fonua, who aspires to a post-football career in engineering, said the sport has always been a passion.

"I love the game," Fonua said. "It’s about life. You can be beat, you can get knocked down, but you have to get right back up. It teaches me about life. That’s what I love about this game. You have to keep working."

Taimatuia and safety Marrell Jackson, both of whom did not play against CSU because of ailments, are expected to be ready for Saturday’s road game against Utah State.

Taimatuia said he has recovered from an undisclosed medical condition. Jackson will wear a cast on his surgically repaired thumb.

"It was tough not being out there," Jackson said.

Last week, Jackson studied video, took mental reps, and coached the younger players, such as freshman safety Trayvon Henderson.

Jackson said: "I told them to go out there, believe in your keys and play fast."

Defensive lineman Kennedy Tulimasealii also is expected to play this weekend. He was held out of the second half of the CSU game as a precaution after suffering an elbow injury.