University of Hawaii football player Kory Rasmussen is enjoying life on the other side.

Rasmussen played on the defensive line at Kamehameha Schools and at Colorado before transferring to UH last year.

At the start of spring practice, coach Norm Chow asked Rasmussen to move to the offensive line.

"I told them I’d give it a shot," Rasmussen said. "I ended up liking it. So now I’m trying to master all the techniques and do what I have to do to get on the field."

During Wednesday’s scrimmage, Rasmussen, who was aligned at guard, had several knock-back blocks.

"For the most part, I still have a lot to do," Rasmussen said.

In 2011, Chow, who was Utah’s offensive coordinator, recruited Rasmussen with the intent of moving him to offense. Chow said Rasmussen has the athleticism and knee-bending agility suitable for a blocker.

Rasmussen resisted a similar suggestion at Colorado, but now agrees with Chow’s assessment.

"He must have seen something," Rasmussen said of Chow. "He knows more than me. Defense is home, but you have to do what’s best for the team."

Rasmussen has gained about 30 pounds in the past year, and now weighs about 290.

Henderson tops charts

At the end of Thursday’s practice, Chow declared sophomore Trayvon Henderson as the Warriors’ "best safety."

"Him?" defensive secondary coach Daronte’ Jones said in mock surprise.

Jones then smiled, agreeing Henderson is "having a good camp."

If the season were to start today, Henderson and Taz Stevenson, a Mililani High graduate who transferred from Washington this summer, would be the starting safeties.

Henderson was nickelback Charles Clay‘s primary backup as a true freshman last year.

"This year, his role is more of a safety," Jones said. "He has more responsibilities."

Henderson often can be found studying the playbook, trying to master the schemes defensive coordinator Kevin Clune implemented in switching to a 3-4.

Henderson is known for his speed, fueled in part by his strong calves.

"That’s the first thing people notice when they see me," Henderson said of his calves.

He said they actually are a byproduct of his quest to dunk a basketball when he was young.

"I did a lot of calf drills so I could jump higher," Henderson said.

During an assembly when he was in the eighth grade, a dunking contest was initiated. Henderson quickly volunteered. He parlayed an alley-oop pass into a dunk.

"I still play basketball in my free time," Henderson said, "but football is my life."