Hawaii football player John Hardy-Tuliau is a natural fit at cornerback, safety or nickelback — anywhere, it seems, except in the spotlight.

But that’s where Hardy-Tuliau found himself Monday after being named the Mountain West Conference’s defensive player of the week.

Hardy-Tuliau, a junior from Temecula, Calif., intercepted two passes, parlaying one into a 38-yard return for a touchdown, in the Warriors’ 48-10 victory over UNLV.

He also made six tackles and broke up two passes.

Hardy-Tuliau was admittedly uneasy when he was invited to a news conference to discuss the weekly honor.

“I’m not a selfish player,” Hardy-Tuliau said. “I take my achievements and I praise God for them.”

Hardy-Tuliau is quick to thank his Christian faith during each interview.

On his acrobatic interception, he said, “When I caught it, I was focused on staying up. After that, my vision expanded to the right. I saw a cutback lane and, once again, I thank God for that vision. Once I saw that, I scored. It was a great boost for our team and defense.”

UH coach Norm Chow said Hardy-Tuliau is a “heady guy. He anticipates well.”

The awareness can be traced to the hours of video sessions. Hardy-Tuliau said the defensive backs together will watch videos of opponents. Hardy-Tuliau also will study opponents on his laptop.

“I try to break down formations and tendencies on first, second and third downs,” Hardy-Tuliau said. “The coaches have focused a lot this year on how to watch film, how to create plays from watching film. They’ve expanded our football IQ.”

Hardy-Tuliau said his high school coaches used to emphasize the importance of studying opponents.

Now he is proficient in recognizing plays and schemes.

“Once you figure out your technique and more about the game, you can play fast and anticipate and take calculated risks,” Hardy-Tuliau said. “It’s a fun game. It’s a chess game.”

Sai might sit

Kapua Sai, who started at left guard against UNLV, might not be available for Saturday’s regular-season finale. Sai has been suffering from concussion-like symptoms.

He had earned the start after Chauncy Winchester-Makainai began experiencing knee problems.

The first option would be for Winchester-Makainai to play left guard. If not, Mike Milovale can move from right tackle, and Sean Shigematsu can start at right tackle.

Tight end Ryan Hall has been diagnosed with a sprained wrist and might be able to play. It was feared initially that he suffered a fracture.

Schroeder to start

There won’t be a quarterback controversy this week.

Asked about it, Chow offered a smirk.

Sean Schroeder will make his second consecutive start, and 11th in 12 games. He was limited during Monday’s practice because of back spasms.