They have been waiting in a line where nobody yells, “Next.”
They have paid their dues, as non-scholarship football players and scout members, preparing for University of Hawaii practices each morning before the roosters crow.
And they have not played a down this year — nor are they expected to compete in Saturday’s regular-season finale against Massachusetts at Aloha Stadium.
But receiver Kalei Letoto, tight end Andrew James-Ho and nose tackle Jeremy McClam have cherished their behind-the-scenes roles.
“They have sacrificed for this team, and they enjoy being part of it,” coach Nick Rolovich said. “Not everybody gets to play. You’ve got to take pride in the experience and the process and the friendships. They’ve helped this team. This senior night is meaningful to them.”
Letoto, who graduates next month in family resources, said he relishes his role as a scout-team receiver. “I try to give a good look to the defense,” said Letoto, who worked out up to six hours each day this summer. “I try to keep a positive attitude. Every day, I wake up thinking, ‘What can I get better at?’”
James-Ho recalled playing street football with his best buds Brett Summers and Shaun Davis. Summers pretended to be former UH quarterback Colt Brennan; James-Ho was slotback Davone Bess.
“We wanted to be Warriors,” James-Ho said. “I made it happen, and they’re hella proud of me.”
James-Ho, who earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and history last spring, said he accepts his place, realizing, “I’m a part of something greater than myself. I’m happy to be out here, to be with my boys, to have friendships that will last forever.”
At 28, McClam is the FBS’ second-oldest player. He served 61⁄2 years in the Army before enrolling at UH. He earned a spot on the Rainbow Warriors following a successful tryout in February 2015, then began the process of transforming from a fullback candidate to a defensive lineman. He gained nearly 60 pounds, weighing 297 at his heaviest, before slimming to 260 this season.
“To be an Army vet and to walk on to a Division I football team is a blessing,” said McClam, a father of three. “I have a lot of outside responsibilities and I have priorities with the team. Every minute counts. I can’t do anything irrelevant. I have to make sure I’m there for my family and for my team.”
McClam, who will earn a degree in public health in December, said his time at UH is “not a sacrifice, it’s an investment. I want to show the younger guys that a college education is important.”
Samson Anguay, slotback
Education: Earned a degree (sociology) in December 2015.
What it means to be a Warrior: “Never giving up on your dream. Most of us local boys grew up watching Warrior football and wanting to be a Warrior. Some are fortunate to go away. Some are fortunate to stay home. I was fortunate to stay home. I got to play for my home state, with Hawaii on the front (of the jersey) and my family name on the back.”
Isaiah Bernard, wideout
Education: Will graduate in May (sociology).
Being a Warrior: “It’s having pride in doing it for this state. Being a Warrior is being accountable and doing what you need to do to accomplish any goals in life.”
Dejaun Butler, safety
Education: Will graduate on Dec. 17 (political science).
Being a Warrior: “It means to be relentless.”
Makoa Camanse-Stevens, receiver
Education: Will graduate in May (political science).
Being a Warrior: “It’s something so special being here and being part of something. I feel we really turned this program around this year. I’m very thankful and blessed to be a part of it.”
Jerrol Garcia-Williams, linebacker
Education: Will graduate on Dec. 17 (family resources).
Being a Warrior: “It’s a great honor and privilege to be blessed with a scholarship.”
Paul Harris, running back
Education: Will graduate in May (sociology).
Being a Warrior: “Pride in representing the islands.”
RJ Hollis, right guard
Education: Will graduate on Dec. 17 (economics).
Being a Warrior: “It means the world. It means being part of a brotherhood that played before you and people that will play after you.”
Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea, defensive end
Education: Will graduate on Dec. 17 (sociology; studied criminology at Arizona).
Being a Warrior: “I grew up watching UH football. It’s a dream come true to be a Warrior.”
Marcus Kemp, X receiver
Education: Will graduate in May (economics).
Being a Warrior: “It’s meant a lot. I got a chance to represent a state. I can’t put a word on it, but it’s meant a lot.”
Leo Koloamatangi, offensive lineman
Education: Earned a bachelor’s degree in May (business, with focus on entrepreneurship), pursuing master’s (public administration).
Being a Warrior: “It means an opportunity for me and my family.”
Steven Lakalaka, running back
Education: Will graduate in May (kinesiology).
Being a Warrior: “Being born and raised here, it means a lot to me. I’m happy and honored to wear this uniform the past five years. I’m grateful.”
Jamal Mayo, cornerback
Education: Will graduate on Dec. 17 (sociology).
Being a Warrior: “To me, it means everything. You put your heart and soul into this program. You fight every game and every practice to get it done.”
Brodie Nakama, short-snapper
Education: Will graduate in May 2017 (kinesiology, rehabilitation science)
Being a Warrior: “It means to take pride in what you stand for. We’re a team where we have guys from all around. We all take pride in representing Hawaii and also representing our families and where we’re from.”
Damien Packer, safety
Education: Will graduate on Dec. 17 (sociology, family resources).
Being a Warrior: “It means getting an opportunity to represent my home state.”
Kory Rasmussen, defensive tackle
Education: Will graduate on Dec. 17 (communication, sociology).
Being a Warrior: “Everything.”
Jalen Rogers, cornerback
Education: Will graduate on Dec. 17 (sociology).
Being a Warrior: “This is life right now.”
Rigo Sanchez, kicker/punter
Education: Will graduate in May (sociology).
Being a Warrior: “It means a lot trying to defend this rock and playing for this island.”
Ikaika Woolsey, quarterback/holder
Education: Will graduate on Dec. 17 (family resources, sociology).
Being a Warrior: “It gave me an opportunity to come to school and get my education paid for. I had the time of my life out here.”
