In 10 days, Genta Ito will walk as part of the University of Hawaii’s graduation ceremony.

For now, Ito is grateful to run … block … serve as a decoy …

“I’m happy to be back,” said Ito, a running back who received medical clearance to participate in the Rainbow Warriors’ practices in advance of the Dec. 22 SoFi Hawaii Bowl. “I’ve been waiting for a long time.”

It was during the Warriors’ first practice of spring training in March when Ito suffered injuries to the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee.

Ito waited for the MCL to heal before undergoing surgery to repair the ACL in May. “I believed,” Ito said of the possibility of being able to play during the 2018 season.

Three days after the surgery, Ito began to do light stretching.

“He inspired the whole team since he got injured,” coach Nick Rolovich said. “It was the way he approached it. He didn’t sulk. He didn’t feel bad for himself. He picked himself up, and started working toward his goal of playing for this football team.”

Ito worked intensively during physical therapy. “I went to the gym almost every day,” he said.

During the regular season, he did not miss a practice at the UH facilities. For parts of practices, he took mental reps during drills. He also would perform strength and conditioning exercises in the “pit,” the area where recovering players train.

“All the players helped me,” Ito said. “I still felt I was part of the team even when I wasn’t practicing. Even though I was hurt, I felt I could do something to help the team.”

Two months ago, he was able to jog in a straight line. He gradually improved to where he could make jump cuts. He took reps during Tuesday’s practice.

Of Ito’s return, slotback John Ursua said: “That’s the greatest news we can get for this program. … He worked hard to come back, and it’s exciting to have a player like that on our team. We look up to that. It’s not an easy injury to come back from.”

Quarterback Cole McDonald marveled at Ito’s work ethic.

“We respect him for it,” McDonald said. “And we respect him for his dedication to this team, and the role he plays.”

Since transferring from Santa Monica College in 2016, Ito has played in one UH series. In 2016, he was named the team’s top offensive scout. In 2017, he received an award as the Warriors’ top scholar.

“I’m blessed to be part of this team,” said Ito, who was born and reared in Japan. “I think few Japanese players get this chance. I feel blessed, and I cherish this.”

Ito will be earning a bachelor’s degree in economics. He hopes to work in Japan while playing for a semi-professional team on weekends.

“He’s going to be a success in life for who he is and how he approaches things,” Rolovich said.