The moments come in quick flashes like Kealoha Pilares himself, smooth, fluid bursts from an unseen gear that propel the freshman University of Hawai'i running back through defenses and into the open with a seeming ease.

It is only fall camp with little on the line and not much belligerence behind the hitting, but to glimpse Pilares in one of his moments — and there have been several these past two weeks — is another reason to be excited about the season ahead. At times the Sept. 1 opener against Northern Colorado almost can't come soon enough to see if, under game conditions, Pilares can become everything his potential teases that he might.

For now, on the practice field in Manoa, you understand at once the possibilities that quickly grabbed UH coaches Mel deLaura and Rich Miano when they first spied Pilares at their speed and quickness camps while he was at Damien. Why they were disappointed when he chose to go off to Air Force Academy Prep School. And, finally, why their hopes took flight when Pilares said he wanted to be a Warrior after all, transferring to UH in January.

Pilares could be that rarest of the rare among running backs hereabouts. Someone from a local high school with a gear that allows him to knife past defenders and is willing to invest four years of big-play potential in UH.

To be sure the Warriors have been blessed by a number of talented, locally produced running backs. Witness Heikoti Fakava, Nuu Faaola, Tupu Alualu, James Fenderson to name a few. But most were power backs who ran over their obstacles, rattling bones.

Pilares, as he continues to muscle up a 5-foot-10, 185-pound frame, may do some of that, too. But his calling card is sleight of foot. His trade marks are acceleration and separation. He doesn't dismantle as much as he undresses opponents. Not through pure speed, either, though he does a 4.5-4.6 in the 40 yard-dash, coaches say. "He's one of those guys, like Chad Owens, who will just take you out and embarrass you in the open field," Miano said. "He's got that kind of ability. He's so smooth, he's like a (thoroughbred)."

Remarkably, Pilares has just begun to show what he might be capable of. Not until his senior year at Damien was he a full-time offensive player, having started as a defensive back as a sophomore and junior. In that one season he became The Advertiser's All-State Offensive Player of the Year, bolting for 1,741 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Yet for all his eye-opening natural ability there is an admirable eagerness to make that just a starting point. "He's talented; he's smart and what sets him apart is how hard he is willing to work," running backs coach Wes Suan says. "He's a luxury to have."

A curious one at that, someone who gave up dreams of being a fighter pilot to try and lead UH's infantry.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.