Joey Iosefa’s fresh start includes going back to a vintage look.

Iosefa wore number 30 in his freshman year as a University of Hawaii running back. Before embarking on the new season under a new coaching staff, he signed up for 7, the number he grew attached to when he first started playing football in American Samoa.

"It’s a new start for the system. New number," Iosefa said.

Iosefa and the Warriors running backs figure to get their numbers called more often this season than in years past as the UH offense makes the transition to a scheme placing greater emphasis on the run under head coach Norm Chow.

"The one thing we’re going to try to do is to get the ground game going," running backs coach Keith Uperesa said.

"Now they feel they’re more involved and it takes a lot of teamwork between the guys up front and the running backs. Collectively we have to get those guys going on the same page because they’re all helping each other."

Iosefa is part of a diverse group working to earn some of those carries in the fall.

Iosefa started 11 games last year and led the Warriors with 548 yards on 110 attempts. He scored seven touchdowns while playing in a pass-first run-and-shoot attack. He also had 20 receptions, primarily on shovel passes.

"This year it’s going to be a lot more of the running game. It’s a good chance for me and all the running backs to get a shot to carry the ball," Iosefa said.

"When I got the playbook I noticed it’s going to be a lot more running plays for us, so it’s really exciting. So I’ve been working hard, getting in shape and getting into the playbook to learn."

Iosefa reported for spring practice with a leaner look, though he said he’s still right around 235 pounds. He said his offseason conditioning included more running and picking up the tempo in his weight-room sessions.

"I felt I had to step up and get stronger from last year," he said.

Iosefa’s natural strength was among the qualities that caught the attention of the new coaches as they began evaluating the returning Warriors.

"We understand he got a lot of his yards after contact, so he’s got some good strength and power that’s going to help him quite a bit," Uperesa said.

Though Uperesa is new to the UH program, his connection with Iosefa stretches back to Iosefa’s freshman year at Fagaitua High School in American Samoa.

"I saw leadership in him," Uperesa said of his first impressions of Iosefa while working a camp on the island. "He was very successful as a quarterback leading his team to the championship down there, and he’s a blue-collar kid. … All the programs down there, they’re tough-minded programs and that’s how they’re built."

The group of running backs Uperesa is working with this spring includes an array of builds and abilities.

Sterling Jackson, who shared time with Iosefa last year, hasn’t participated in practice while he recovers from an injury. For those currently taking handoffs, the spring is a chance to fit their styles into the new system.

"Everybody’s got their different qualities," Uperesa said. "With Joey, you’ve got that power back. In Will Gregory, you’ve got that slasher. With John Lister, to me he’s an all-around guy. He’s a good inside runner, he’s got great hands out the backfield and he’s beginning to understand the scheme. And little Samson Anguay just gives us a spark.

"We’re still experimenting; we’re trying to find out who’s going to fit where in some of the things we want to do and they’re all contributing."