Hawaii’s third football practice of the spring began with fear and ended with rousing cheers.

Thirty seconds after the Warriors gathered for pre-practice stretching, two tardy players raced to the entry of the grass practice field. Both were sent away, and their teammates were forced to do up-downs as punishment. The theme of head coach Norm Chow’s first spring training: If you’re not early, you’re late. And if you’re late, the bill is spread among the entire team.

Two hours later, the Warriors gathered at midfield, where Chow announced defensive tackle Siasau Matagiese would be awarded a football scholarship.

"Did this just happen?" Matagiese recalled wondering.

During the 2011 season, Matagiese was told he would receive a scholarship in 2012. But no paperwork was filled out, nor was there mention of the promise when Greg McMackin "retired" as UH head coach a day after the season ended.

"I wondered what was going to happen," Matagiese said. "God has a plan. Whatever happens, happens, and we go from there."

Chow said Matagiese showed leadership and dedication during the offseason conditioning program.

"We had an extra scholarship, and we felt he deserved it," Chow said.

"I’m thankful," said Matagiese, who relied on financial aid and loans to pay for his school expenses.

Thursday was the first practice in pads and the last one before spring break.

"When you put on pads, everybody kind of forgets their techniques," Chow said. "(Defensive coordinator Thom) Kaumeyer reminded the defense we can’t do that. We still have to use our techniques."

Quarterbacks David Graves and Cayman Shutter took most of the reps. But in the second 11-on-11 drills, Ikaika Woolsey received extended play. With his long hair and scrambling ability, Woolsey has drawn comparisons to former UH QB Bryant Moniz.

"I wish we had the other Moniz," said Chow, smiling, before adding, "we like (Woolsey’s) presence. When he knows what to do, he’s pretty good. We tell him he can’t run around like that against (Southern California) in the opener."

Woolsey is a grayshirt who attended City College of San Francisco this past fall. He practiced with the Rams but did not play in any games. He was the scout quarterback for the Rams, who won the junior college national title. He enrolled at UH in January, and is eligible to play this season as a true freshman.

"The first day I walked in, everybody started calling me ‘Baby Mo,’ " Woolsey said. "Moniz is a great player. Down the line, I hope to make a name for myself."