In selecting the University of Hawaii football team’s most valuable player, coach Norm Chow counted to three.

That was the number of roles Scott Harding filled as a receiver, punter and punt returner. (He actually ceded a fourth job as holder this season.)

When Harding’s availability was in question because of a deep thigh bruise, the Rainbow Warriors made two switches to stock slotback, tried out two punt returners, and gave extra reps to punter Ruben Guzman.

"When you say ‘most valuable,’ he’s the most valuable guy we can’t afford to lose on our team," Chow said.

That was confirmed during Sunday’s season-ending luau when Harding was announced as the Warriors’ most valuable player.

It was an impressive ascent for Harding, who was raised in Australia and joined UH after playing six pro seasons of Australian rules football.

The initial plan was for Harding to grayshirt in the 2011 fall semester, then enroll full-time at UH in January 2012.

But Harding did not want to wait, especially since he had no experience in American football. Australia’s version does not include helmets or pads.

Harding decided to use his savings to pay for his first UH semester, and joined the Warriors in July 2011.

Harding played in all 12 games that year, mostly as a punt returner, averaging 7.4 yards per return. He was named to the Football Writers Association of America’s Freshman All-America first team.

In 2012, he appeared in 12 games, making eight starts at slotback. He finished with 20 catches for 321 yards, second on the team. He also was summoned as the punter when Alex Dunnachie was suspended for the first three games.

This season, he perfected his rollout punting style. He averaged 40.2 yards per punt, but only 12 were returned, for an average of 3.3 yards. Five of his punts resulted in turnovers.

In the 49-42 victory over Army this past Saturday, Harding took off to his left and, in the grasp of a Black Knight and nearing the sideline, booted the ball. It was downed at the 5, with 14 seconds to play. Without timeouts, Army was doomed. "That (punt) was the most unbelievable football play I’ve ever seen," Chow said.

Harding was second with 56 catches for 631 yards. He averaged 8.3 yards per punt return.

Sean Schroeder was named the offensive player of the year. Beau Yap was named the top defensive player, and Charles Clay received the award for best special teams player.

The top scouts were offensive lineman John Wa‘a, a freshman from Kahuku High, and defensive end/linebacker David Manoa.

Schroeder, who did not start the first four games, finished with 2,960 passing yards and 28 touchdowns.

"He never quit," said Chow, noting Schroeder ceded his starting job in the spring after undergoing back surgery. "He kept telling me, ‘Don’t worry about it. I’ll be there if you need me.’ We needed him."

Schroeder earned a degree at Duke before transferring to UH in July 2012. Last week, he completed work on his master’s degree in human resources management.

Yap, a fourth-year junior from Kamehameha Schools, led the Warriors in tackles for loss (12) and sacks (5.5).

"Every week he showed up," Chow said. "Every week he did what he was supposed to do. He made plays."

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Read Stephen Tsai’s Warrior Beat at staradvertiser.com/warriorbeat.