Lister does some of everything for Warriors

The time John Lister spends in the film room not only gives him an idea of how to attack an opponent but how to fend them off.

Lister’s reliability as a blocker is one of the attributes that earned him a start in the University of Hawaii football team’s backfield last week. And knowing whom to pick up is equally important to the physical techniques.

"Especially with the defenses and how complex they are and how much they shift guys around, it’s just recognition," Lister said.

"(Quarterback) Sean (Schroeder) does a good job of helping our guys identify who we’re supposed to block. That’s half the battle, it’s mentally knowing who you’ve got so you can get in good position. That just comes with film work and knowing defensive schemes."

Lister has established a place in Hawaii’s running back rotation with his steadiness in the various aspects of playing the position. He’s played both spots in the backfield, lining up at fullback — where blocking is the primary duty — and as the deep back in the formation. He has carried the ball 17 times for an average of 4.5 yards per attempt and scored two touchdowns, but statistics aren’t a major part of his motivation.

"I don’t need the ball every play," said Lister, a sophomore from Thousand Oaks, Calif. "I just want to do my part and help get the team where it needs to be whatever role that may be. I get more excited about other guys scoring touchdowns than I do myself scoring touchdowns. I just love being out on the field."

Lister, a prolific scorer in high school, is expected to play a major role on offense and special teams when the Warriors face BYU on Friday in Provo, Utah. The Warriors’ execution will be pivotal against a Cougar defense that ranks seventh nationally.

With Joey Iosefa sidelined with an ankle injury, Lister made his first start of the season and second of his career in last week’s loss to Nevada. UH head coach Norm Chow is hopeful Iosefa will be available this week to contribute to a backfield that has shuttled players regularly so far.

Freshman Will Gregory leads the Warriors with 32 total carries, averaging 67.3 yards per game, followed by Iosefa (41 ypg), Lister (25.3) and Sterling Jackson (30.5).

Chow said the starting assignment hinges mainly on what play he has called to open the game. Last week he wanted a stronger blocker on the field, so the 6-foot, 210-pound Lister was first up.

"I think it started in fall camp where the coaches did a nice job of rolling everybody in," Lister said. "I think everybody takes the responsibility of being the starter.

"I think everyone was mentally prepared and physically prepared to be the guy the team needed."

Chow also praised Lister’s route running as a receiver out of the backfield and his role extends to most aspects of special teams as part of the all of the Warriors’ coverage and return units. He’s also part of the front line on kickoffs that helped clear the way for Mike Edwards to average 39 yards per return, good for third in the country.

"Mike is doing a great job of hitting the hole and he’s making us all look good," Lister said.

Lister takes a certain pride in helping others look good after being the featured back at Thousand Oaks High School, where ran for nearly 5,000 yards and set a program record with 52 career touchdowns.

After a redshirt year at UH, he carried the ball seven times for 17 yards as a freshman and didn’t take a handoff in the season opener against USC. He reached the end zone for the first time in college in UH’s win over Lamar on Sept. 15 when he ran for two touchdowns.

"In high school I never celebrated a touchdown. That was kind of my role in the offense and I had to get it done," Lister said. "Now college touchdowns are hard to come by so I was excited about it."

Still, there’s satisfaction in contributing to a score in less glamorous ways.

"You have to take a lot of pride in that as well," Lister said. "There’s certain amount of guys who get the glory, but it starts with the O-line and works out from there."

Clapp out with knee injury

Justin Clapp knows how to play each of the three receiver positions; he just won’t be playing any of them for at least a few weeks.

Clapp suffered a torn meniscus during a team drill on Tuesday. He will undergo surgery next week.