Soon after being named to the Football Writers Association of America’s All-America second team as a punter, former University of Hawaii player Scott Harding asked: "What does it mean?"

Told that FWAA’s list is one of five recognized by the NCAA, Harding said: "Cool. It feels great. It’s good to be recognized and appreciated. At the same time, this belongs as much to coach Demo and the guys on the team. They helped me do my job and be pretty successful. Thanks to Demo. It started from there."

It was UH special teams coordinator Chris "Demo" Demarest who recognized Harding could sub for punter Alex Dunnachie — who faced a three-game suspension to start the 2012 season — and then succeed him the following year.

Harding never imagined he would be a punter when he joined the Warriors in 2011 after six seasons as an Australian rules football player. He was recruited as receiver and, maybe, punt returner.

It was during the 2012 training camp when Demarest noticed Harding and Dunnachie playing "catch" — with their feet. Harding was able to kick the football accurately with either food.

"I said, ‘Let’s put together a (punting) package for you,’ and the rest is history," Demarest said.

This past season, Harding averaged 41.3 yards per punt. Opponents averaged 0.3 return yards on Harding’s school-record 86 punts. Eighty-five percent of his punts were not returned, with 34 downed inside the 20, including 17 inside the 10. Harding played despite suffering injuries to his right shoulder, right hip, ribs and right foot. He also was the No. 1 punt returner and starting slotback.

Dunnachie, who was raised in Australia, was not surprised.

"I grew up watching this guy play Australian rules football," Dunnachie said. "He was my sporting hero growing up. … He was big-time. His highlight film in Australian football is incredible."

Demarest, who was traveling on the mainland the past two weeks, said he is asked about Harding at each stop.

"Everywhere I go," Demarest said, "people ask me: ‘Was your punter really your receiver? Was he really your punt returner?’ They can’t believe it. I’m so happy for the kid."

Dunnachie said Harding’s humility is what "makes him awesome. You wouldn’t know he (won awards) by talking to him."