From "Be prepared" to "Next man up."

The former motto was prevalent in Benetton Fonua’s youth in his ascent to the rank of Eagle Scout; the latter, a mind-set he adhered to for much of his first two years of college football.

Staying true to both concepts served the Hawaii linebacker well last weekend.

A valued member of the Rainbow Warriors’ special teams units, Fonua answered when injuries created a need at inside linebacker during Saturday’s game at Rice.

While he had seen limited game action on defense through four games, Fonua’s vigilance in staying ready kept him poised to contribute and he delivered career firsts with an interception, sack and forced fumble in the loss to the Owls.

"I felt prepared from the coaches and the game plan and I was very comfortable with it and when they called my name I answered and I just had to do my job," Fonua said.

He stepped in for Julian Gener, the team’s second-leading tackler, last week and is likely to remain a prominent member of a linebacker rotation thinned by injuries when the Rainbow Warriors (1-4) open their Mountain West Conference schedule against Wyoming (3-2, 1-0) on Saturday at Aloha Stadium.

Jerrol Garcia-Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury against Oregon State and Gener is expected to miss an extended period with a broken leg. Tevita Lataimua sat out the last two games and is listed as a starter at inside linebacker alongside Simon Poti with Fonua as the primary backup at both spots.

"He stepped in and really took care of business. I can’t say enough right now," said UH defensive coordinator Kevin Clune, who also works with the inside linebackers. "We’re going to need him, we’re going to count on him, and he’s going to have to play well the rest of the way."

Although Fonua contributed to two UH takeaways against Rice, he’s loath to hog the spotlight, a trait carried over from his high school career at Kahuku. When asked about key plays as a catalyst for the Red Raider defense, Fonua rarely failed to mention teammates and coaches who helped create the opportunities.

"That’s the main thing about it," said Fonua, the All-State defensive player of the year in 2011. "It’s 11 guys and we just have to come and bring it."

Fonua had six tackles at Rice, which matched his season total from last year.

"Practice is one thing but to actually get it done in the game was another, and I was unsure before Saturday," Clune said. "It wasn’t a perfect day for him, but he stepped up and did a nice job. There’s still a lot of things he needs to improve upon, but he stepped up in the game.

"He hasn’t sulked one bit (about not playing on defense)," Clune added. "I’ve been hard on him and he’s kept working."

A member of all four special teams units, Fonua was credited with a forced fumble early last week when Rice punt returner Bryce Callahan mishandled Scott Harding’s kick.

His attention to the defensive game plan paid off not long after entering the game in Gener’s place when he snagged an interception on a short throw.

"From what our coaches taught us, I read the receiver from the slot and just dropped to my zone and he was right there," Fonua said. "I just saw the ball and just took it."

Fonua dabbled at tight end at Kahuku and that experience kicked in on his 19-yard return.

"It did for that moment," Fonua said with a smile. "Trying to cover up the ball, it did bring back a little flash."

This week, Fonua can draw on his performance from Saturday to ready himself for another opportunity.

"Every game, every practice, all those reps count and prepare you every week."