This football season has been a wake-up call for University of Hawaii defensive back Dejaun Butler.

Many of them, actually.

“I remember my first actual day here,” said Butler, recalling the summer of 2015. “I was late (to practice). I kind of had that image.”

This year, Butler sets his cell-phone alarm before going to bed early each night. A friend in California also calls every morning as a backup wake-up alert.

“The first year was a little rough waking up,” said Butler, who said he’s only had one “little incident” with tardiness this year. “It’s about earning the coaches’ respect. That’s my main focus.”

Nick Rolovich, who was hired as head coach in November, said Butler has “matured. It’s a process. He wants to contribute to this team.”

Butler is admittedly a chatty, fun-loving person. But now, Butler said, “I’m focusing on coming out here, taking it serious, and saving the other stuff for another time.”

Butler rotated between cornerback and safety in 2015, his first UH season after transferring from Santa Monica College.

This season, he has contributed on kickoff and punt coverages, and as a kickoff returner. He is averaging 20.6 yards per kickoff return. But he also said he relishes his role as the off-set returner, who essentially serves as a lead blocker.

“I like to block,” Butler said. “I like to help my guys out. I’ve got some blocks, too.”

Butler has been involved in two key plays on kickoffs. He forced a fumble against Tennessee Martin and induced a 9-yard penalty when he was held by an Arizona player. Rolovich said Butler, Metuisela ‘Unga and Jeremiah Pritchard are “inspirational” on kickoff coverage.

“Special teams is just like defense,” Butler said. “It’s a little faster because of angles and you’re working with the whole field. It’s definitely a great opportunity to make plays. … I’ve been taking special teams, like, overboard. I’m running down every kickoff trying to make a big hit, just trying to make something happen. It’s definitely been paying off. Coach (Rolovich) is seeing me make those tackles.”

On Friday, Butler was practicing as a safety with the first-team defense.

“I’ve been trying to get an opportunity with the defense,” said Butler, who has made six tackles as a defensive back. “Coach Rolo is really big on who’s serious about this program. Coach Rolo wants to see that extra push out of (the seniors). He wants to see us bring it harder every day. I’m trying to work my tail off.”