Frank Loyd’s business-like approach on the University of Hawaii’s upper campus carries over to his education on the Manoa practice fields.

A double major during the school day, Loyd made a point of learning multiple positions on the Hawaii offensive line to better his opportunities at playing time, applying the study skills that helped him earn academic all-conference honors.

The extra work paid off last year when he made starts at both guard and tackle, and he can now draw on game experience as well as the lessons in the meeting room and practice field in his push for a spot in the starting group.

"The biggest classroom is the preparation for the game. When the game comes it’s like taking the test," said Loyd, who will graduate in December with a degrees in business management and finance.

"The whole week is like lectures and the game is your midterm or final exam."

Loyd graduated with honors from Moanalua in 2010 after earning All-State recognition with Na Menehune. He played sparingly in the two seasons following a redshirt year and made his first career start at right guard against Oregon State last year.

He started at right tackle in six other games and the 6-foot-3, 285-pound senior filled that role with the first team in Saturday morning’s practice. But he’s learned to be flexible in his assignments from offensive line coach Chris Naeole.

"I play wherever Coach needs me," Loyd said. "He always tells me, know everything, that’ll give me a better chance of being on the field. … Sometimes I never know where I’m going to play before practice."

Versatility is a trait Naeole works to instill in the linemen, and he said Loyd can play the guard and tackle spots on both sides of the line.

"He gives you everything he’s got in the tank," Naeole said. "He’s smart, he knows his plays and he’s just a total team player. The good thing for Frank is he got a lot of playing time last year, so I think it definitely helps us out now.

"Like I tell my guys, the more positions you can play the more valuable you become. It’s kind of like the NFL — the more you can do, the better for you."

Loyd’s game experience last year also showed him the areas to focus on in the offseason. He concentrated on building strength and refining his footwork while preparing to contribute either on the edge or in the middle of the line.

"Guard is a lot faster, more power," Loyd said. "Tackle is more being patient and you have to deal with more space."

After shuffling in and out of the lineup early last season, Loyd solidified a starting spot over the final four games, during which the UH offense averaged 38.5 points and 512.8 yards. The highlight for Loyd was a nearly six-minute stretch against Navy when the Warriors put together an 18-play, 99-yard that culminated with a Joey Iosefa touchdown run.

"Coach Naeole’s always telling us you have to keep grinding," Loyd said. "When they’re tired, you can’t be tired. You just have to step up to the line, do your thing and keep knocking them back."