For University of Hawaii football player Liko Satele, one of life’s lessons is there are no secrets from his mother.

Following Thursday night’s team meeting during which he was awarded a football scholarship, Satele tried to call his parents with the good news. Before he could hit speed call, he noticed there was a congratulatory voice message from his mother, former Rainbow Wahine volleyball player Lee Ann Satele.

"She knew before I knew," he said, smiling.

LeeAnn said: "We have our saying: ‘You can’t go far before I find out what you’re doing.’"

Head coach Greg McMackin said Satele was an easy choice for the scholarship.

"Here’s a kid who went to Lambuth (University in Jackson, Tenn.), then came back because he missed Hawaii," McMackin said. "He’s really worked his way up from the bottom. I couldn’t be happier. If we have a guy on our team who is good enough to help us win, then he should be on scholarship. He deserved it."

Satele, a 2007 graduate of Word of Life Academy, joined the Warriors in August 2008. He redshirted that year, in accordance with NCAA transfer rules, and was a part-time starter in 2009. He is the No. 1 defensive left end in training camp.

"He’s worked so hard," said defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga, who has served as Satele’s mentor. "He’s one of those guys who gets better and better. It’s all due to his hard work. He’s one of the hardest-working guys out here. When I heard he got (the scholarship), it gave me chicken skin."

Lee Ann Satele joked that her son now can afford to chip in for gas money.

Liko Satele said he is happy to abandon the liquid-only breakfasts. During the regular season, only scholarship players are allowed to eat training-table meals for free.

"I can eat training table after practice," Satele said. "I don’t have to go lift weights to get (a protein drink) to eat."

Umu makes most of opportunity

Kamalu Umu had a difficult path to the starting job at defensive right end.

Umu, who redshirted in 2009 after transferring from Charleston Southern, needed to earn 18 credits this summer to be eligible to play this coming season. He took three three-credit classes in each of UH’s two summer sessions. The second term ended yesterday.

"There was plenty of pressure," Umu said.

With practices, weight training, meetings and a lights-out curfew, Umu figured he had a little more than 2 hours for studying each day.

"It’s tough because you only have so much time," he said. "During the free time, you’d rather relax than do homework. But you have to do what you have to do."

Davis cleared for takeoff

Lametrius Davis, the No. 1 left cornerback, resumed practicing after receiving medical clearance.

David had undergone surgery to repair a slightly torn meniscus in his right knee suffered during spring training.

He said his knee is sound.

"I’ve been running on it all summer," Davis said. "I’m pretty sure there’s nothing wrong with it."

Davis has bulked up, and now weighs about 200 pounds. Yesterday, he wore a blank green jersey.

"I outgrew my jersey," he said. "I needed a bigger jersey."

McBride moving on up

Darryl McBride, a walk-on safety from Mendocino (Calif.) College, has quickly ascended the depth chart. McBride, who is 6 feet 3 and 200 pounds, is in the rotation in the defensive backfield and is a key member of four special teams.

"He’s a hitter," McMackin said.

McBride said: "That’s my game."

McBride said he finds motivation in opening his UH career without a scholarship.

"Not being on scholarship is telling me to work harder," he said. "Maybe one day I get one, maybe one day I don’t. But I’m pushing myself. I’ve earned everything my whole life. I’ll work hard for this team. I want to contribute. If it means scout team, trying to make the others better, I’ll do that."