Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin always implores his players to find their role.

In a Friday night meeting, it was announced that wideout Jett Jasper, offensive lineman Andrew Faaumu and cornerback Kawika Ornellas have found roles on the payroll. McMackin awarded football scholarships to all three.

"If we have an extra scholarship, I’d rather give it to someone who’s worked hard for us, and done all of the right things on and off the field, rather than to go out and give it to somebody else," McMackin said. "They’ve done the right things. They’ve represented the team and the school in the right way. I appreciate that, and I wanted to find a way to honor them."

According to a UH official, a UH football scholarship will be worth about $10,000 a semester for a local resident this academic year. Jasper is from Kauai, Faaumu from Maui, and Ornellas from Mililani.

Jasper and Faaumu are fifth-year seniors who already have earned bachelor’s degrees. Ornellas is a fourth-year junior.

Jasper, a graduate of Kauai High, is a reserve right wideout. Because of injuries, he has practiced as a second-team receiver in training camp. Jasper is president of the UH Student Athletic Advisory Committee, and serves as the student representative for Ahahui Koa Anuenue, the athletic department’s primary fund-raiser.

"He’s a leader in all kinds of organizations," McMackin said. "His role hasn’t been as a starter, but he’s been a positive person who helps his teammates. We’re going to find him a role on special teams."

Faaumu, a Lahainaluna High graduate, was cut from the team in 2008.

"He came into my office and talked about the passion he has for football," McMackin said. "I thought that anybody who cares that much about football, who has that much passion, we’re going to let him come out for our team."

Faaumu lost weight, gained strength and earned a spot on the roster. Now he is the Warriors’ No. 2 left guard and backup long-snapper.

Ornellas, a Mililani High graduate, conquered leg ailments and a low depth-chart position to claim a No. 2 cornerback’s job.

"He works hard, never complains and is a good student," McMackin said. "He’s someone who’s earned respect."