Hawaii football: Single-digit jersey numbers must be earned

After earning a scholarship last fall, Hawaii slotback Jason-Matthew Sharsh wasn’t done striving for something else he wanted — a coveted single-digit jersey number for the Rainbow Warriors.

Sharsh finally got it heading into his last fall camp, making the switch from 89 to 3 in time for his senior season.

“It started at JUCO,” Sharsh said of his affinity for the number. “JUCO, I wore 3 my second year because of Odell Beckham. I became a Giants fan. Odell, Sterling Shepard and Victor Cruz all wore 3 in college, so that’s kind of another reason why I chose No. 3.

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“These last two offseasons, I just had to work hard in whatever we’re doing and give it my all. I’m always trying to prove myself and do what I can to help us win.”

Regardless of the reason why a player would want a certain jersey number, head coach Nick Rolovich has a clear policy for who gets to have it.

“No first-year players will get a single-digit number,” he said. “Throughout the spring semester, they can put in a request for a number and their actions throughout the spring academically, just responsibility-wise.”

JoJo Ward heard that message loud and clear. The receiver will don No. 9 this season after wearing 19 in 2018.

“This being my senior year, being around here I have to earn what I have to get,” he said. “I want to keep earning the number in practice, on the field and off the field. Getting to wear it this year is going to be a lot of fun.”

Ward wanted 9 last season, but it already belonged to former Rainbow Warrior Devan Stubblefield.

“It means a lot to me. I wore 9 my high school career, JC career and I couldn’t get it last year,” Ward said. “I’m glad to get it this year. I was born on December 9, so that’s why I wear it. It’s just a nice number for me.”

Penei Pavihi has been requesting No. 1 ever since he was a freshman. The junior linebacker will get to wear it this season following Noah Borden’s graduation.

“When I came in as a freshman, I requested it just because it was my high school number,” Pavihi said. “This last offseason, I requested it again. Coach Rolo said I’d get it if I do good in spring ball, and I eventually got it.”

Other Rainbow Warriors who made the change to single digits:

>> Junior linebacker Jeremiah Pritchard switched from 10 to 2
>> Senior safety Kalen Hicks switched from 16 to 3
>> Sophomore safety Khoury Bethley switched from 13 to 5
>> Junior punter Stan Gaudion switched from 99 to 9

“You can’t ask for No. 1 and miss class,” Rolovich said. “You can’t ask for No. 5 and think you’re gonna miss treatment. It’s who’s most deserving at that point.”

When the Rainbow Warriors take the field on Aug. 24 against Arizona, chances are the players with just one digit under their names did something to earn it.

“They have,” Rolovich said. “Or, they’re doing the most right of the people that wanted that number. I think that’s a way you can put it.”

Saturday morning marked the first practice for the ‘Bows at Aloha Stadium this fall camp. With the team exactly three weeks away from its Week Zero contest Arizona, time is of the essence.

“It’s moving fast. We got a lot of guys here, a lot of guys that filled in spots,” Ward said. “I’m feeling really excited about this season coming up. Still got a lot to work on, still got a lot to improve. Defense is coming with a lot of power, getting us ready every day.”

Ward scored the first touchdown of the team’s controlled scrimmage, connecting with Cole McDonald on a deep touchdown.

McDonald was intercepted by Noa Kamana in the end zone on the first drive, but not before hitting Sharsh on consecutive third-down conversions.

“It’s really awesome to be out here and get reps at the field we’re about to play home games at. It’s nice to get in work,” Sharsh said. “The 1s, 2s, 3s, it’s nice to see everyone produce and show what they got.

“This journey of five years playing football, I can’t ask for anything better.”

Rolovich was encouraged by the dress rehearsal. As the team boarded the bus to return to campus, one thing was certain: The opener is near.

“It’s coming quick. Football season always comes quick,” Rolovich said. “You’re dying for it in January and in August you wish you had more time to prepare. But the guys’ effort and coaches’ and players’ has been high. We just gotta make sure we’re healthy and ready as we can be when the Wildcats come to town.”