In a surprise announcement, Hawaii tight end Ryan Hall has decided to relinquish a starting job and a football scholarship to pursue opportunities in the arts.

Hall said he struggled to break the news to head coach Norm Chow and tight ends coach Phil Rauscher on Monday.

“I told Coach Rauscher and Coach Chow they’ve been unbelievable mentors and, even, friends to me,” Hall said. “I started feeling in my heart a couple of weeks ago that football was kind of over for me. I just wanted to move on to something new.”

Hall, who was raised in Orlando, earned a bachelor’s degree at Duke in three years. As a graduate, he was allowed to transfer to UH over the summer without having to redshirt.

“I had a great time,” Hall said. “I told Coach Chow I had these dreams of coming here, walking on and, halfway through the season, proving myself. And, really, I got to start the first game. Everything I wanted, I achieved.”

Hall opened the season as an H-back. He finished as the No. 1 on-line tight end.

“I told Coach Chow I felt a peace and a content after the season,” Hall said. “I’ve always been a believer that any time you feel content, it’s time to move on; otherwise you’re not getting any better.

We talked on the team about having aspirations for the NFL. That’s never been my dream.”

Instead, Hall said he has felt a tug toward the arts since high school. He is an accomplished pianist.
“I felt it at Duke the arts were my thing,” Hall said. “I’m really into my music, and I’m really into acting and writing. I think I’m going to stick with that for a while.”

Hall said he will return to Orlando for the holidays. He eventually would like to move to Los Angeles.

“It’s not like I’m dropping out of high school and moving across the country to chase my dream,” Hall said. “I’ve got my degree. I’m only 21. I’m young. I’m forever indebted to Coach Chow and the coaching staff for giving me an opportunity to play one more year. I had a great time, and I’m going to miss everyone here. I love it here. I told Coach Chow and Coach Rauscher they could never understand how thankful I am for the opportunity I got this year. But I think I have to move on.”

Edwards honored

UH cornerback Mike Edwards was named to the CBSsports.com All-America third team as a kickoff returner.

Edwards leads the nation in kickoff return yards with 1,215 and is sixth with a 30.4 average.

Although insisting he will return to UH for his senior season in 2013, Edwards has filed for a draft assessment from the NFL.

“I want to get an overall evaluation going into next year,” Edwards said. “I want to see where I’m at. I want to see what other people think of me.”

Hadden gets MWC award

Tyler Hadden’s preparation involves standing in a darkened bathroom and envisioning different scenarios he will face.

What was clear was Hadden’s three field goals against South Alabama would be good enough to earn him recognition as the Mountain West’s player of the week for special teams. Hadden converted field goals of 41, 42 and 40 yards in a 23-7 victory over the Jaguars on Saturday.

Hadden, who finished his sophomore year, and punter Dunnachie, a senior, were roommates for two years. Dunnachie was known as “Big Dog.” Hadden was nicknamed “Pup.”

Hadden said he hopes to step into the role of the leader of the specialists next year. Long-snapper Luke Ingram graduates on Dec. 15.

“It was good being with those guys for three years,” Hadden said. “We’ll see what the future brings.”