Larry “Tui” Tuileta is an All-America volleyball player who has trained with the national team and one day will be representing the United States in the Olympics.

But in University of Hawaii football practices this week, Tuileta is Wyoming quarterback Tyler Vander Waal. Last week, he was San Jose State’s Josh Love.

“It’s good fun,” Tuileta said of portraying the upcoming opponent’s quarterback in UH defensive drills.

Tuileta, a fifth-year senior who completed his UH volleyball career in the spring, and Justin Uahinui have embraced the unheralded role of leading the scout team against the Rainbow Warriors’ top defensive units in practices.

“You always appreciate guys who are willing to sacrifice for the betterment of the team,” defensive coordinator Corey Batoon said. “Both guys do a great job of taking command of the huddle and getting the scout guys going and really giving (the defense) a good look.”

Tuileta is a dual-sport athlete who is in his second — and final — season with the UH football team. He missed training camp while working out with the U.S. national volleyball team in the summer. Uahinui is a second-year freshman. Both were assigned to the scout team when Cole McDonald, Chevan Cordeiro, Jeremy Moussa and Kolney Cassel formed the top tier of quarterbacks.

“For Tui, it’s the last go-around,” coach Nick Rolovich said. “I think he likes to go out there and throw the football around. He’s part of a team that he feels is special. Justin is a younger guy who could use all the reps that he can to improve. I think (scout team is) his opportunity.”

Tuileta and Uahinui study videos of the upcoming opponent’s schemes and quarterbacks. At practice, graduate assistants hold up a play card before every snap. The Warriors run two scout groups that switch off quickly, with Tuileta and Uahinui each leading a unit.

“We fire two huddles at the defense,” Batoon said. “It allows us to maximize our time and get a good look going into Saturday.”

Batoon said the goal is to average between 130 and 150 snaps each practice.

“Most times you’re dealing with younger guys (as scouts),” Batoon said. “Both guys are veteran guys. They’ve been around. To still be of the mind-set to do whatever it takes to help the team says a lot about their personality.”

Tuileta said playing on the scout team is a way to contribute.

“As much as we want to go and play, we have a job to do,” Tuileta said. “You’ve got special teams, your offense, defense. Scout team is pretty much a fourth of that. The defense isn’t going to see anyone but us before they play. The better look we can give, the easier it is for them in the game.”

Tuileta, who starred on Punahou’s football and volleyball teams, said he is enjoying life on the other side.

“I’ve played with a lot of teams,” Tuileta said. “I’ve played a lot of different sports. The one thing that all sports have in common is the teams they have on the B side, from my experience … whoever has the best bench is the team that comes out on top. We try to do the best we can and execute. I can’t ask for a better group (on scout). These guys are all good fun. They love playing football.”