The University of Hawaii football players did not wear shoulder pads for Wednesday’s opening of spring practice.

Instead, “a lot of us had big chips on our shoulders,” middle linebacker Jahlani Tavai said, “because we expected things to be better (in 2017). We had to put that in the past. It looked like a lot of the boys did. There was a lot of running around (at practice). Everybody was excited to be there.”

After five consecutive losing seasons, the Rainbow Warriors went 7-7 in 2016, Nick Rolvoich’s first as head coach, but slumped to 3-9 last year. Five assistant coaches departed since October. Quarterback Dru Brown, who started 22 consecutive games, also announced he would transfer to Oklahoma State after earning his degree this June.

But Tavai, who led the Warriors in tackles the past two years, opted to return to UH for his senior season and not apply for the 2018 NFL Draft. Tavai said he made his decision after consulting with family members and former players such as Trayvon Henderson.

“When you put so much effort into one program and you make such great bonds with the guys, it’s hard to leave,” said Tavai, who will earn a bachelor’s degree in December. “I don’t want to leave Hawaii without a winning season. And, plus, I want to create history. I want the boys to experience history by trying our best to win the Mountain West Conference.”

Rolovich said his staff helped Tavai access feedback from pro evaluators.

“He got that information, and decided (to get) his degree and (play) another year in a defense that will give him more knowledge moving forward,” Rolovich said. “And I think he loves this team. I think he loves Hawaii. If he had left (after) last year, he would have left with some unfinished business. He was a production leader for us. But now this is his team.”

Tavai said: “It’s the senior class’ team.”

Wednesday’s practice was the public unveiling of the resurrected run-and-shoot offense and multi-look defense. Rolovich will call the offensive plays this season, as he did in the final four games last year. Corey Batoon, a Saint Louis School graduate who was Florida Atlantic’s co-defensive coordinator last year, was hired in January to direct the Warriors’ defense.

Rolovich is easing the transition from a hybrid offense to a run-and-shoot base. “There’s this receiver-quarterback process that need to get to here,” said Rolovoch, raising his right hand to eye level. “We still have a way to go. They’re very willing.”

Rolovich said the starting quarterback’s job is open. Cole McDonald, Kyle Gallup, Jeremy Moussa and Justin Uahinui took reps on Wednesday. Larry Tuileta, a libero/outside hitter on the volleyball team, did not practice. Chevan Cordeiro, a senior at Saint Louis School, and Kolney Cassel, who previously played at SMU and Sacramento State, will join this summer.

“There’s no pecking order,” Rolovich said. “We’ll see who played better today, and pick a No. 1 for tomorrow. If that guy stays No. 1, then he’ll be No. 1 the next day.”

McDonald, who will be a third-year sophomore in the fall, is the only player on the spring roster who has played quarterback in a Division I game. McDonald was one of the leaders of the players-only workouts this offseason. McDonald relishes helping teammates and competing against them.

“No matter who you put beside me, behind me, in front of me, I’m going to compete,” McDonald said. “If you don’t have that mentality, you know, ‘it’s me, I should be starting,’ I don’t know why you’re here. If you can’t compete, if you don’t have that competitive outlook, I don’t think you should play any sport.”

Rolovich was pleased with the first practice’s tempo and enthusiasm.

“We’ll see,” Rolovich said. “It’s Day 1. There was great energy from start to finish. It’s going to be a grind for three days (this week). But these guys are trying, and I appreciate that. It’s fun to come to work when it’s like that.”