Gonzales will play
against Brigham Young

Stephen Gonzales is getting by with a little help from his friends and will be in the lineup for Saturday's game with Brigham Young.

The third-degree ankle sprain he suffered in the Arkansas State game was supposed to keep the Hawaii linebacker sidelined for at least another two weeks.

But after learning of the injury, his girlfriend's father contacted his best friend. It seems he (Mike Mesenbrink) is the head of a company that produces an enzyme from a fruit extract that helps reduce swelling.

"It really feels a lot better since I started taking it," Gonzales said after yesterday's practice. "I'm still in shock that I was able to get back this quickly. Today, I was able to run a mile, do some cuts and it feels fine.

"I've sprained my ankle before, but this was the worst. I can't believe how much better it feels. I went from not being able to wiggle my toes (two weeks ago), to this. I'll definitely play Saturday."

That was good news for UH defensive coordinator Tom Williams. The linebackers and safeties didn't play particularly well in the 35-13 loss to the Aztecs.

If the Rainbows weren't overpursuing and missing tackles on the cutbacks, they were in the wrong gaps at the worst times.

"Having a guy like Gonzo in the huddle settles everyone else down," Williams said. "We've missed his leadership out there the last couple of weeks.

"He could tell the guys what to do in certain situations and they'd listen. We welcome him back if he's ready to go full speed."

The UH medical staff isn't ready to pronounce Gonzales fit for duty. The team physician was due to review Gonzales' status today. At this point, he is questionable.

"It's looking good, but I haven't heard anything definitive from the sawbones," UH head coach Fred vonAppen said. "He feels pretty good. He's moving. He's running. I'd like to get him back as soon as possible."

Despite missing the better part of three games, Gonzales is still tied for 10th on the team in tackles with 16. He also has one quarterback sack.

"I want to get back in there because this is my last year," said Gonzales, who is a nominee for the Dick Butkus Award. "At first, I thought I might miss as many as six games. But now, it looks like I'll be back this weekend."

INJURY UPDATE: Leading tackler Donnell Williams will have surgery in six days to place a pin in his dislocated thumb.

The free safety, who has 34 tackles in five games, injured the thumb in the third quarter against SMU. He was able to come back for not only that game, but last Friday's at San Diego State as well.

"They just fitted me with a soft cast and I was ready to go," Williams said. "I didn't know I was going to have surgery this quick. But I do know this -- I won't miss any games."

The UH medical staff agrees. Next Monday's procedure is a simple one that should allow the senior to keep playing for the remainder of the season.

It's also possible that running back Anthony DiIeso will return after missing several weeks with a stress fracture in his lower leg. He is still listed as doubtful.

"I'm hopeful I can make it back," said DiIeso, who has decided not to seek a medical hardship. "I miss New York. I want to keep playing and get through this season."

DiIeso only has one carry for 4 yards. He and fellow senior Calvin Mims missed the last game, clearing the way for freshman Derek Zoller at fullback.

Mims is recovering from knee surgery and will be out at least one more week. He injured it in the 28-0 loss to SMU.

Safety Phil Austin also will be out the rest of the month with a sprained knee. He was hopeful to return for the Texas-El Paso game on Oct. 31, but the UH trainers don't believe it will be that soon.

SKINNER WANTED REDSHIRT: Quarterback Josh Skinner wanted to seek a medical redshirt this season after suffering several concussions and hamstring pulls since the start of fall camp.

But the problem is, he has played in too many games to qualify for the standard.

"I wanted to redshirt, but I don't think I can now," Skinner said after practice. "I had only one play in the Arkansas State game and the only thing I did in San Diego State was be the holder."

League rules state a player who participates in more than 25 percent of the games is not eligible. Skinner probably wouldn't qualify under those strict guidelines.

"We aren't thinking about redshirting him because we need him to play now," UH offensive coordinator Don Lindsey said before practice. "If that hamstring gets better, we need him to run the option phase of our offense."

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By Paul Arnett, Star-Bulletin