Pereese Joas did not like to sleep, preferring to walk Honolulu’s streets for hours at night. After all, Joas needed to be awake — and moving — to chase his football dreams.

“I gave everything I had,” Joas recalled.

A year ago, Joas was added to the University of Hawaii football roster as a running back. On Sunday, Joas and wideout Duke Bukoski were awarded football scholarships.

“To work this hard, to come this far, to get a scholarship is truly a blessing,” said Joas, who is on track to earn a bachelor’s degree in May.

Coach Norm Chow announced the scholarships to a rousing ovation from the players and coaches during a talent show. Joas, with smoke in his eyes, thanked the coaches and teammates, particularly linebacker Julian Gener and former UH offensive lineman David Griffin.

“I’m so happy for him,” Gener said. “I felt like I got the scholarship all over again. I’m so proud of the kid. … His story is so tough. This was huge.”

More than two years ago, Joas, who was raised in Texas, sold several belongings to buy a one-way ticket to paradise with the intent of joining the Rainbow Warriors. He produced the top times in speed and agility tests during a walk-on tryout in February 2013. But Joas did not have enough transferable credits to join the Warriors.

By the end of that spring semester, his financial aid expired, leaving him without a place to live. He used what remained on his meal account to buy energy bars that would serve as his daily bread. He worked out every day, using the rope ladder, parachute and bungee cord that he kept in his backpack as training devices.

Gener, who joined UH that summer after transferring from a junior college, noticed Joas’ grueling workouts. They became friends.

“He wasn’t even on the team, and he was working like he was the best player on the team,” said Gener, who eventually learned of Joas’ situation. Gener extended an invitation for Joas to move into the dormitory apartment he shared with Griffin and former UH wideout Cecil Doe. Joas declined, then Gener insisted, then Joas relented.

Gener said his family’s code is to not “turn anybody away. We have open arms so everybody can enjoy life.”

Gener set up an inflatable bed for Joas. He also shared his leftover food.

“He has a good heart,” Joas said. “Julian Gener really cares about everybody.”

Gener said: “It wasn’t like I was doing anything so great. He was my friend. He was somebody who needed help. To me, if I were in that situation, I would hope somebody would do the same for me. That’s how my parents raised me to be.”

Joas, who was added to the roster in August 2014, is competing as a running back and punt returner. Chow said it is a puzzle to distribute the 85 scholarships. “He fit the puzzle,” Chow said.

Joas said: “It’s great to get a scholarship, but I’m not done. I’m going to keep working hard.”