Hunter Hughes could have felt like the red-headed step-quarterback.

In 2014, Hughes earned a spot on the University of Hawaii football team following a walk-on tryout, a berth that lasted only through spring training. Last year, his tryout did not produce an invitation.

But like a waiter who keeps auditioning for acting roles, Hughes once again signed up when the Rainbow Warriors posted notice of another walk-on tryout last month.

“I was thinking, ‘This is my date to show what I’ve got,’” recalled Hughes, whose on-field persona is as fiery as his hair. “I didn’t have the luxury of being recruited by these guys, but that’s OK. I was going to show them they wanted me on this team.”

In search of passers for spring drills, the Warriors added Hughes to the roster.

“He wanted to be here,” coach Nick Rolovich said, “and now he’s on the team. I like his work ethic. He works out a bunch on his own. And this is important to him.”

Hughes crafted a two-step plan at the beginning of the semester. He quit simple carbs while starting an intensive workout schedule designed to improve flexibility, range of motion and arm strength. His body fat is under 10 percent.

“I knew I could make it back here,” Hughes said. “I just wanted to help the team, and that’s what I told Coach Rolo.”

Hughes said he never considered abandoning his quest for a roster spot, even if there were no guarantees beyond this semester.

“College is such a brief time in your life,” Hughes said. “The friendships and opportunities that you have in school are only going to be there for a very short time. I wanted to capitalize.”

Broman rejoins team

During Tuesday’s 7-on-7 drills, weakside linebacker Max Broman intercepted a tipped pass and scooted 10 yards for a touchdown. It was the second happiest return for Broman. The first came in January 2015, when he rejoined the Warriors after missing the 2014 season because of financial reasons.

After redshirting as a freshman running back in 2013, Broman, who was not on scholarship, left the team — but not UH — because he needed to work full-time to cover school and living expenses.

“It was tough to sit out,” said Broman, who was raised in Utah.

Broman’s parents pay for half his tuition and expenses. He covers the rest with his job as a server for an entertainment company that mostly deals with business-attire events. Sometimes he helps set up weddings, which, he mused, “is a good workout.”

Broman switched to linebacker last season, which appears to match his heat-seeking skills. “It took me back a few steps,” he said of the lost year, “but I feel I’m back in the groove this year.”

Williams no longer lost

Last year, Russell Williams was lost in the nowhere of the middle. There were at least two players ahead at his inside-linebacker position.

“I was young-minded,” said Williams, who joined in January 2015 after one season at Sacramento City College. “Having three guys in my position, I felt I gave up mentally.”

This offseason, Williams added strength while maintaining his 230 pounds. “I had a different mind-set going into the weight room,” said Williams, who focused on footwork and ladder drills.

This past week, Williams has been the No. 1 weakside linebacker.