Jahlani Tavai was a nose guard at Mira Costa High and a rush end during his first two years with the University of Hawaii football team.

But shortly after the new UH coaching staff was assembled a year ago, it was decided Tavai needed a new job.

Linebackers coach Sean Duggan “told me I looked like I moved like a middle linebacker,” Tavai recalled. “In their eyes, if they imagined me playing middle linebacker, that’s what I was going to play.”

Tavai made an easy adjustment to the play-calling defensive position, amassing 118 tackles, 17.5 backfield stops and seven sacks during the 13-game regular season. On Tuesday, he was the only Rainbow Warrior named to the All-Mountain West first team.

Left tackle Dejon Allen, who switched from guard during spring training, was selected to the second team.

Kicker/punter Rigo Sanchez, wideout Marcus Kemp, offensive lineman Leo Koloamatangi, defensive end Meffy Koloamatangi, safety Trayvon Henderson and cornerback Jalen Rogers received honorable mention.

Sanchez, Kemp and Henderson were surprising omissions from the first and second teams. Sanchez is the only FBS starting kicker with perfect field-goal accuracy, converting on 12 attempts. Kemp is the 12th Warrior — and the first since 2011 — to amass 1,000 receiving yards in a season. Henderson had 85 tackles and 14 pass break-ups.

“It shows about the caliber of player in this conference,” coach Nick Rolovich said. “I know all three of those guys would rather be in the position they are, given a chance to win a bowl game, than individual awards. And that shows the character of this football team.”

Tavai said he does not consider his selection as an individual achievement. “Without this team, I wouldn’t be able to make first team. Credit goes to the team.”

Defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa praised Tavai’s leadership, football IQ and skills.

“And he still can become a better player,” Lempa said of Tavai, a sophomore. “He’s got all the tools to be a great player. He works really hard. He never wants to leave the field.”

Tavai acknowledged that the athletic complex is “the second home for me. This is my second family. I love being with the guys. They’re my support system.”

Tavai also has passion for the sport of football. “I love it so much I gave up rugby for now,” Tavai said, “and I love rugby.”

Rolovich said Tavai “has a lot of physical ability. But it’s his approach and who he is as a person that made him be that successful. His belief in his teammates, his belief in the scheme, you don’t have to be around too long to figure out he’s a team-first guy. He’s all about this program winning.”