It was during Tuesday’s lunch that Damien Packer was asked to put more on his proverbial plate.

Coach Norm Chow proposed moving Packer from safety to wideout. Packer accepted the offer and, a couple of hours later, was running routes in a number-less white jersey.

"They needed help," Packer said, "and I was willing to help."

The Warriors were short at Z, the receiver position on the strong side of the formation. Bubba Poueu-Luna retired, Keith Kirkwood transferred to Temple, Vasquez Haynes had shoulder surgery and freshman Devan Stubblefield tore the ACL and meniscus in his left knee.

That left freshman Don’Yeh Patterson as the only scholarship receiver to back up Quinton Pedroza at Z. Pedroza, who redshirted last year after transferring from Utah, is a converted slotback.

Packer gained notice while running routes in a walk-through session last week. He played tight end and wide receiver at Keaau High.

Packer, who earned a scholarship during the spring semester, caught a pass during a scrimmage-like sessions on Tuesday.

"It’s been a long journey," Packer said, "but I’m ready for it."

SHIGEMATSU HEALTHY AND READY

Sean Shigematsu has suffered injuries from head to foot during his first four years at UH. A cocktail of injuries kept him from participating fully in the offseason conditioning drills.

But on Tuesday, for the first time this training camp, Shigematsu was on the No. 1 offensive line at right tackle.

"I’m excited to be back and working with my fellow brothers and putting in the grind," Shigematsu said. "It’s my senior year. I want to go out a winner. The past three years were rough. I felt they were building years. This year, we’re kind of getting it."

Shigematsu is best suited for offensive tackle, although he can be used at guard.

Left tackle Ben Clarke and right tackle John Wa‘a were with the first team last week. With minor injuries to guards Dejon Allen and RJ Hollis, Wa‘a moved to right guard, and Shigematsu found his way back into the rotation.

Shigematsu has made 12 starts the past two seasons.

"I’ll never give up," he said.

IT’S GOOD TO BE THE KING

The dean of UH receivers is 5-foot-7 and about 160 pounds.

"Size only goes so far," slotback Donnie King said. "You can be 6 feet on the field, but I’m 7 feet in my heart. That’s how it goes."

King, a 2010 Kapolei graduate, is the Warriors’ lone fifth-year receiver.

"I’m just getting old," King said, smiling.

During Tuesday’s scrimmage-like session, King caught three passes for 24 yards.

This offseason, he worked on quickness and pass-catching. He wore a breathing mask that improved his stamina. He also used special glasses that served as blinders, forcing him to focus on the football.

King said he finds motivation from a comment made by former UH coach Mouse Davis.

"He told me, ‘Either you’re getting better or worse, there’s no such thing as staying the same,’ " King recalled. "I took that to heart. I’m always working hard."

He said he adheres to another saying: "I hate losing more than I love winning."