Donovan and Clay like playing on the edge

The help-wanted ads have no listings for "edge setter."

"It takes a special player to do that job," said Chris Demarest, who coordinates the special teams for the Hawaii football team.

The two edge setters on the kickoff unit are responsible for narrowing the lane for the opposing returner. The theory is this: Squeeze the space and increase the chances of trapping the returner.

Josh Donovan and Charles Clay are the edge-setters who have helped improve the Rainbow Warriors’ kickoff coverage this season. In 2012, the Warriors were 72nd nationally in kickoff coverage, allowing 21.83 yards in returns. This year, they are 35th nationally — and second in the Mountain West Conference — with an average of 18.80 yards.

"To the general public, it’s not the most glorified position," Demarest said. "But in my meetings, it is. I make no bones about it. The people who do their jobs are called out all the time and told how responsible they are and how they help us. Josh Donovan and Charles Clay do a great job."

Both players study videos, statistics and tendency charts of opposing kickoff returners.

"You look for the outside (blocker) and hit him, then you keep everything inside and wait for the posse to come," Donovan said.

Donovan had two tackles on kick coverages against Oregon State.

Demarest said it takes discipline and restraint to not abandon a post.

"What can happen is the play’s not coming his way, so he thinks he can relieve his responsibility and do something outside his 1/11th, what I call his job," Demarest said. "He has to do his job. You never know when the return is going to come your way. You have to go up there, set an edge and force everything back inside. You have to have the trust to do your job so the other guys can do their jobs."

Clay recalled allowing a Colorado State returner to go wide in a game last season.

"You learn from your mistakes," he said.

Demarest said he prefers linebackers and defensive backs to play on kickoff coverage.

Kickoff coverage "is a defense," Demarest said. "You want guys who are used to tackling to be on kickoffs."

Demarest said Donovan and Clay met the desired requirement of joining the Warriors as walk-ons. Clay, a senior, earned a scholarship last spring. Donovan, a sophomore, is still a walk-on.

"I like what I call ‘journeymen’ — guys who are trying to prove their way on the team, guys who are trying to earn scholarships," Demarest said. "Those guys will do the little extra."

Donovan was motivated to return from ACL and MCL injuries that abbreviated his senior season for Pac-Five in 2011.

"The (physical) therapy made me a better person," Donovan said. "It helped me on how to train hard and keep your eyes on the goal."

He also did not seek favors. Head coach Norm Chow said it was Donovan’s talent, not his surname, that merited a roster spot. His father is former UH athletic director Jim Donovan.

The elder Donovan tried to keep his distance, declining to watch any of his son’s practices. Besides, Josh Donovan said, "he was a busy dude. Even though he didn’t come to practices, he loves and supports me. We have a great relationship."

Demarest said: "Josh Donovan and Charles Clay are dependable guys. They’re trustworthy. They’re responsible. … We have men running down on kickoffs."