When it comes to football, Hawaii’s Siasau “Saui” Matagiese is a trusted insider.

When the Warriors’ defense is in a four-man front, Matagiese plays the 3-technique (across the gap between the offensive guard and tackle). In a three-man front, he is the nose tackle.

In all scenarios, Matagiese “is relentless,” UH head coach Norm Chow said.

The plan calls for the Warriors to rotate at the two inside positions on the defensive line. The 6-2, 285-pound Matagiese moved to the top of the depth chart with his ability to both move the heels — vernacular for pushing back the offensive line — and occupy double blocks.

“He’s had a great fall,” Chow said. “He’s done a nice job.”

Matagiese, a 2009 Waimea High graduate, played at Portland State as a freshman before transferring to UH. Last fall, he was promised a scholarship for the 2012 season. But then head coach Greg McMackin accepted a “retirement” offer.

During spring training, Chow decided to honor the scholarship promise. Matagiese began receiving scholarship checks this summer.

“It’s been nice,” Matagiese said. “My mom doesn’t have to pay anything.”

A month ago, Matagiese tweaked his left knee, he said. He began intensive physical therapy, and now feels no discomfort.

“Everything is good now,” he said.

Clapp won’t follow his dad

If UH associate athletic director Carl Clapp were to land the athletic director’s job at Montana, don’t expect his son to move to Big Sky country.

“I have absolutely no plans for that,” said Justin Clapp, who is a junior receiver. “I’m a Hawaii Warrior.”

Clapp was a student at De La Salle High in California when his father was hired at UH. He decided to remain in California for his final three years of high school.

“I’m an individual,” Clapp said. “I make my own decisions in life. My parents respect the decisions that I make. I’m a Hawaii Warrior now. That’s what it is.”

Clapp is used at all three receiver positions. He has embraced the new pro-set offense, which sometimes requires receivers to block.

As a high school senior, Clapp was a starting receiver in a veer-option offense.

“I only caught three passes as a senior,” Clapp said. “You have to do something. I’m very physical. I was that way growing up. I’m not afraid to throw my body around — in the house or outside of the house.”

The effort paid off. He was placed on scholarship this summer.

Stutzmann on the move

Billy Ray Stutzmann, who had been practicing exclusively as a single-side receiver, worked out on the strong side during Tuesday’s practice.

“We’re concerned about the depth, so we’re trying to teach him the Z,” Chow said of the receiver position that is aligned on the tight end’s side of the formation.

Stutzmann was held out of contact drills most of last week because of a tight hamstring. He said he undergoes treatment three times a day.

While rest is the best remedy, Stutzmann said he decided it was more important to get reps.

“I’m doing what I can do to help the team,” Stutzmann said.