Hard work has its rewards. On Thursday, the currency was a football scholarship.

Following a 65-play scrimmage, the Hawaii football team gathered at midfield, where head coach Norm Chow announced that senior linebackers Rykin Enos and Dylan McCagg would be placed on scholarship.

"They certainly deserved it," Chow said.

It was a don’t-pinch-me moment for Enos, who had been cut three times in two sports during his UH career.

Enos was preparing for the rest of his life after he was left off the original training-camp roster.

"My mom told me to never give up," Enos said.

Enos then was added to the roster as a special-teams player. Chow said Enos’ play, leadership and attitude warranted a reward.

"Mom is always right," Enos said. "God has a plan for me."

While Enos relishes his duties as a specialist, he is ready if needed at linebacker.

"I’m prepared for anything," Enos said. "I love being on the team. Everyone is so encouraging. We’re always pushing each other. Even when we’re on the bench, we’re happy for the guys who are playing."

McCagg has been a dual threat as a pass-rusher and pass-defender at strong-side linebacker.

"I didn’t have any expectations of earning a scholarship," he said. "But it feels good to get one."

Enos is scheduled to earn a bachelor’s degree in December. McCagg is on track to graduate in May.

Lutu, Laurel shine

Safety Leroy Lutu and strong-side linebacker Art Laurel made the two biggest defensive plays during Thursday’s scrimmage.

Lutu intercepted a JeremyHiggins pass, and Laurel picked off Sean Schroeder.

"I was hoping the quarterback would throw it, so I was trying to bait him, and he did," Lutu said. "I had to dive in front of it a little bit to make sure I got the ball."

Laurel’s interception came on a third-and-long play, when the defense was in maximum coverage.

"The ball was right there," Laurel said.

A quick whistle abbreviated what surely would have been a return for a touchdown.

The offense struggled early, but made up for it in the red-zone drills, when it scored touchdowns on five consecutive possessions. Schroeder threw two red-zone touchdowns. Running back Joey Iosefa ran 12 yards for a score on a trick play.

Iosefa showed his versatility during the scrimmage. He aligned as running back, fullback, wideout and wildcat. He never went down on the first contact, if he went down at all.

"I have that frame of mind that every time I get the contact, I just secure the ball and move my legs and move forward," Iosefa said. "It’s all about the legs and keeping them moving."

Walk-through today

The Warriors will have a walk-through practice today at Aloha Stadium.

The walk-through is closed to the public.