When it comes to the running game, the University of Hawaii football team is thinking big.

Penitito Faalologo, who is 5 feet 11 and 250 pounds, returned to the backfield this week after spending three practices on the defensive line.

The rebooted plan was for Faalologo to serve as the lead blocker for 6-foot, 248-pound running back Joey Iosefa. But Faalologo was pressed into duty at running back on Tuesday after Jason Muraoka suffered a hamstring injury and Iosefa was held out of team drills.

"It was good to take some reps there," Faalologo said.

Faalologo was raised in American Samoa, where he played football and rugby. He was recruited as a linebacker, but did not join the Warriors until January 2013 because of a family situation. Soon after moving to defensive end, the coaches recognized his frenetic aggressiveness would be more suitable at fullback.

While practicing on the scout team last year and in the early workouts this spring, Faalologo proved to be a ferocious blocker. But he struggled as a receiver on screen passes, a key change-up play in the offense.

He moved to defense last week. But after reviewing videos of practices, the coaches decided Faalologo’s best fit was at fullback.

"I have to work on my hip flexure," Faalologo said. "I can catch. I have to work on the timing when I make the quick turn. That’s what I’ve been working on now."

Strength/conditioning coach Gary Beemer has scripted a fitness plan for Faalologo.

"Penitito isin charge of his own shaping," Beemer said. "I give him the map. He follows the map."

Beemer said the goal was to improve Faalologo’s hip flexibility, mobility and ability to change directions.

"He’s top heavy," Beemer said. "His body weight is tricky for him. The position is new for him. He did a great job over the spring of bringing his weight down. He’s still strong and fast. We have to get him a little more agile. But he’s working on that. He has a great attitude."

Running backs coach Wayne Moses has worked on Faalologo’s technique.

"We’re working on balancing his footwork, and having his feet in the proper position to be able to use his size," Moses said. "Sometimes if you get out of position, it doesn’t matter if you’re 250 or 150, you’re not going to be able to bring the power you need to bring if you’re feet are not correct. We’re working on his feet and his hips so he can roll his leverage, all 250 pounds, into his blocks. He’s 250, but that doesn’t mean anything if you can’t take 250 and play like you’re 250 in terms of hitting guys."

Faalologo said his rugby background has been helpful, particularly in carrying the ball.

"Rugby has no gear," he said. "It’s straight-up tackling."

Moses said: "He’s certainly a physical presence. If he gets ahold of you, he can really do some damage. He’s getting better with his ball skills, catching the ball. He’s going to help us."