Simon Poti envisions himself one day exhorting athletes to raise the bar for one more rep … then another … and another.

For the moment, Poti is busy applying the benefits of heeding the guidance of those who forged his weight-room work ethic.

"I get that from my dad," Poti said. "He’s always pushing me, telling me to work hard and he always says extra work always pays off."

Poti’s workouts with his father, Pua, at a 24-Hour Fitness in Fullerton, Calif., powered him to decorated high school and junior college careers and eventually a Division I football scholarship at Hawaii.

When Poti took up station at inside linebacker for the Rainbow Warriors’ first snap on defense last Saturday, the moment wasn’t lost on those who’d followed his journey closest.

While Poti warmed up at Aloha Stadium, his family gathered at a pizza place back home to watch his Division I debut. Their fellow patrons would have to excuse an outburst in the fourth quarter, when Poti chased down Washington quarterback Jeff Lindquist for UH’s lone sack of the night.

"He always wanted to play D-I football and we told him, if you work hard doors are going to open for you," said Poti’s mother, May. "It was a blessing for the whole family."

Poti contributed five tackles, including the sack, to a spirited defensive effort that kept UH within reach of the then-No. 25 Huskies before a comeback bid fell short in a 17-16 defeat.

The Rainbow Warriors are preparing for another Pac-12 opponent when Oregon State visits on Saturday. Poti is again slated to be an integral part of the linebacker rotation.

Poti proved a quick study upon joining the program this summer as a transfer from Fullerton Junior College. He can now play both inside linebacker spots and earned a start in last week’s opener, sharing playing time with Julian Gener and Tevita Lataimua.

"He’s definitely caught on fast," UH defensive coordinator Kevin Clune said. "I actually have him playing two different positions, so for a guy to come in late summer and learn all that stuff is tremendous. Good hitter, good effort, good energy."

Poti initially accepted an invitation as a preferred walk on at San Jose State coming out of Fullerton Union High School and traveled with the Spartans on their road trips his freshman year.

He was on the cusp of the two-deep, but didn’t see any game action, thus preserving his freshman year.

"I was really close (to playing)," Poti said. "If somebody got hurt I’d probably step in. But I kept my redshirt and it helped me."

After a year at SJSU that "helped me know how to be more professional," Poti returned to Orange County to enroll in junior college in hopes of earning a Division I scholarship.

Poti drew interest from several schools following two productive JC seasons but pounced when Hawaii offered.

"When I came on my visit I felt like everybody was hungry," Poti said. "Last week we kind of fell short again, but I could feel it out there, the vibe’s changing."

When he arrived on campus, Poti took note of the pace and intensity dictated by strength and conditioning coordinator Gary Beemer in the UH weight room. He aspires to fill that role for other players as a coach down the line.

In the meantime, he continues to build on the foundation his father helped set in their trips to the gym while also chasing his marks.

"When I go home that’s my strength and conditioning coach. He’s always there for me," Poti said. "Pops is a strong man. I’m working at it, but he’s up there and I always wanted to be like him."