University of Hawai'i cornerback Kenny Patton, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Monday night, says he will know within the next four days whether he will be able to play in the Sept. 3 season opener against two-time defending national champion Southern California.

Patton, a 6-foot, 187-pound junior whom coaches consider the team's top corner, said he originally hurt the knee in an Aug. 15 practice. Monday's surgery helped to repair a damaged meniscus (cartilage) in the joint.

Patton said UH trainers told him that the recovery period for this type of injury can take 4 to 6 weeks, but UH coach June Jones said it's "different for different folks."

"I've had kids play in four days. I've had other kids who take three weeks," Jones said. "It's up to the player. Hopefully, he'll be a fast healer."

Defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville also remained hopeful Patton will make a quick recovery.

"I'm not declaring him dead," Glanville said. "He didn't die. He will come back. ... It's up to the rehab program. The rehab is 75 percent more important than the surgery. Rehabilitation is bigger than the doctor."

Rich Miano, who coaches the defensive backs, reaffirmed that "we haven't ruled anybody out."

For now, Patton's immediate replacement at left cornerback is sophomore Keao Monteilh, a 2004 Saint Louis School graduate. Omega Hogan ascends to top backup. Miano said Ryan Keomaka, who entered training camp as the top nickelback, is the No. 1 right cornerback.

Monteilh played cornerback at Saint Louis, but also practiced at safety as a UH freshman. Last season, he was listed as the backup at right cornerback, behind Patton and Turmarian Moreland. Patton moved to the left side in the spring.

"Everybody's kind of sad Kenny's going down," Monteilh said. "He's one of our top guys. We have to step it up."

As for being named the successor, Monteilh said, "I'm nervous, but excited at the same time. Corner is where I've played my whole life. I feel more comfortable playing corner. Going to safety was fun, but corner is a lot better for me."

In the past year, Jones said, Monteilh has "matured a lot. He got into the games last year to get a little experience. He worked hard this summer to get bigger, stronger and faster. He's a good football player."

Miano said Monteilh is "not going to make a mental mistake. He's going to compete."

"... and he's not afraid," Glanville added.

But Glanville said Monteilh has a visible fault.

"He's got the worst haircut in camp," Glanville said. "You see it? It's a $3 haircut; a buck a side. When you see him out there with that haircut, it moves him back to a freshman."

Miano and Glanville said they evaluate the secondary deep into the night, constantly shuffling the depth chart. That is how, for now, Keomaka surpassed Moreland at right cornerback.

"We want there to be competition at every position," Miano said. "As of today, Ryan is on the right and Keao on the left. Then again, there's a week and a half to go. Check with me at 12:59 on Sunday, Sept. 2, and I'll let you know."

"Sunday?" Glanville interjected. "You missed the game."

"Oh, no," Miano added. "The bus left without us."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.