University of Hawaii football player Charles Clay’s blood is a cocktail of half Serbian and a quarter each of Cherokee and Portuguese.

His heart?

"It’s all UH," Clay said.

His family’s commitment is skin deep.

"My dad loves UH football," Clay said. "He has the (H) logo tatted on his calf. … He’s seen my struggle, and where I ended up, and how it’s working out for me. I call him every day. I tell him how happy I am to be here."

Clay was born on Oahu but moved to Hawaii island when he was 3. Although he might be the "only half Serbian playing college football," Clay said, he admittedly speaks with a "local" accent.

The 2009 Hilo High graduate, was a walk-on receiver at Southern Methodist for two years. After that, he transfered to UH.

Clay did not have to redshirt because he was an SMU walk-on joining UH as a non-scholarship player. He played in 13 games on special teams in 2011. He switched to defensive back last year, playing in all 12 games.

This past January, coach Norm Chow offered to put Clay on scholarship for only the spring semester. Clay, a fifth-year senior, played well in spring training as a nickelback and third safety.

During the exit interviews in May, Chow renewed Clay’s scholarship for the coming semester.

"It definitely helps me and my family financially," Clay said. "It’s a blessing. I thank Chow for it every day."

Chow said: "He earned it. He’s a leader and he works hard."

In the first week of training camp, Clay suffered a bruised sternum. He missed one practice, then was back, wearing the yellow jersey assigned to players on limited-contact status.

"Even with that, I have to kind of hold him out," said Daronte’ Jones, who coaches the defensive secondary. "I have to remind him: ‘Charles, you have a yellow jersey. You can’t have contact.’ You have to love Charles Clay. He’s an extremely hard worker, and he pushes the other guys to work hard. We wish we had more guys with Charles Clay’s effort and energy."

Clay, who is majoring in interdisciplinary studies, said he made the right choice in transfering to UH.

"SMU was great, but this is home," Clay said. "There’s nothing like playing for the home team. I love it here. Until the day I die, I’ll be a UH guy."