Hawaii football: Jared Smart, UH look to make heady plays

If he could, Jared Smart would trade every one of those 11 catches and 140 yards receiving Saturday for a win against Air Force.

“No doubt, definitely,” said Smart, a 6-foot, 190-pound junior who posted career highs in the University of Hawaii’s 56-26 loss to the Falcons. The junior college transfer has 43 receptions for 417 yards and one touchdown in his first year at Manoa.

But the Warriors might need similar production again from Smart if they are to beat New Mexico in Albuquerque this Saturday and snap a two-game losing streak. Fellow receiver Melquise Stovall is no longer on the team after sitting out the entire second half against Air Force, following an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Stovall had scored two receiving touchdowns in each of UH’s last two games, and in just three halves against Boise State and Air Force, he had 11 of his 18 catches for 185 of his 248 yards on the season. He was making an impact on the kick return game, too.

Whatever potential the former blue-chip high school recruit, who played as a freshman at Cal, had to star for UH is now gone. Some of the Warriors’ pass-receiving depth is gone with him.

“Each person has to do it, has to man up,” said Smart, who is third on the team in receptions and yards with 43 and 417. “We have to pick up the pace, take advantage of our opportunities, especially on deep balls.”

UH was penalized for less yardage than Air Force (50 to 55) and Hawaii has been flagged for less yardage overall than its seven opponents. But coach Nick Rolovich said after Saturday’s game he was “embarrassed” by 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalties against Stovall and offensive lineman J.R. Hensley.

“I have to take accountability for penalties,” said Hensley, a senior and UH’s most experienced O-lineman. “I was not at my best, wasn’t playing well.”

Smart was called for what he called a “frustration” penalty in the second game of the season, against Oregon State.

“I know I can’t do that, because a personal foul can change the momentum, change the game,” Smart said. “It’s just about mental toughness and staying focused on what I need to do.”