University of Hawaii football player Dejon Allen initially came across as, well, um …

"Angry?" interim head coach Chris Naeole said.

It was the summer of 2013, and Allen and Naeole were in their first year with the Rainbow Warriors.

Allen, who was raised in Compton, Calif., had spent the previous year trying to meet the requirements to enroll at UH as a freshman. Naeole, a Kahuku High graduate who played 12 seasons in the National Football League, was hired to coach the offensive line.

Allen was held out of the offseason conditioning program after arguing with strength/conditioning coordinator Gary Beemer. Naeole recalled thinking Allen "was a hard head."

But Naeole recognized that, like himself as a young player, Allen was raw, strong and determined. Allen started off on the offensive line, moved to the defensive line, then was sent back to offense.

"He came back over, and I didn’t give him back," Naeole said. "I knew he was a great athlete."

Naeole was tough on Allen, asking him to diagram plays in meetings, imploring him to watch videos until the images became part of his dreams.

"He was always in my head, making sure I did everything the correct way," Allen said. "He was on me the most."

But Allen knew what Naeole would not say.

"He was tough on me because he cared," Allen said. "He knew the potential I had."

Allen wanted to play as a freshman. Naeole saw Allen’s ability to steer his power with his nimble feet. But Naeole knew Allen needed a full year in the weight room and video room to polish his talent.

"I didn’t want to redshirt," Allen said. "But Coach guided me."

Last year, Allen played in 12 games, starting 11. He did not allow a sack in 439 pass plays.

This season, he has played even better at right guard, overpowering defenders on pulls and straight-up blocks. NFL scouts have asked about "No. 50," then expressed surprise he is only a sophomore.

"He’s starting to play really well," offensive coordinator Don Bailey said of Allen. "He’s starting to get into the groove. The last three weeks have been tremendous. Other coaches from other teams have said the same thing. He’s very strong, physical, and he’s playing consistently tough."

The coaches noticed that Allen and senior Ben Clarke scored the highest on the offensive line grading system. It also was apparent that the younger linemen were looking to Allen for guidance.

When Naeole was selected as the interim replacement for Norm Chow, who was dismissed Sunday morning, the first move was to name new team captains. Naeole felt Allen earned a "C" patch.

"He’s come full circle," Naeole said. "That’s just the maturation process of college. He’s buying in. He deserves to be a leader on this team. When guys watch the film, they know he’s the most athletic lineman on this team. He’s stepping up to the plate. He’s bringing up the younger guys. He’s been a good example. That’s why he’s a captain."

Allen said: "I was a little surprised. I guess a lot of guys respect me. I’m honored."