Warriors QB Brown depends on faith to keep him grounded

We know that Dru Brown is the University of Hawaii’s starting quarterback, and that as a sophomore last year he led the Rainbow Warriors to their first nonlosing season since 2010 — back before Brown had even entered Los Gatos High School in the California Bay Area.

We know he’s an accurate passer, deceptive on the option and can take a hit.

But who is he off the football field?

Brown is reserved by nature, but understands fans want to know more about what makes him tick. He answered 10 questions after Saturday’s practice that are more about Dru Brown the person than Dru Brown the football player.

Question: What are you most interested in outside of sports?

Answer: I really like being with family. Since I’m not around them very much, when I am I like to take advantage of the time to be with them. Faith is also important to me, the top priority.

Q:What’s the best thing about being the quarterback for the University of Hawaii football team?

A: I think it’s the platform. At first I didn’t understand why I was given the ability to play football. But now I understand it’s given me a platform, whether it’s sharing my testimony at church, or telling a 10-year-old to chase his dreams. I really enjoy that aspect of it. I didn’t realize that out here college athletics is basically the professional team, and it took a while to sink in. But I got a lot of experience doing those things this offseason. I also spoke at four or five different churches, giving testimony. … It keeps you grounded and you understand that everything can be taken from you and that (the Lord has) a plan. It really does help you stay grounded. From a young age that’s how it’s been for me.

Q: Your coach, Nick Rolovich, has been very creative to keep things interesting. What’s your favorite Rolo stunt?

A: I don’t know if it’s a stunt, but maybe my favorite thing is the way he carries himself. There’s no one who enjoys being around his team more than he does. Specifically for a quarterback, he’s been in our shoes. He can really help us, but at the same time he tests us everyday. I know he’s done a lot of weird stuff, but you can tell he has strong morals and beliefs and that’s what you need in a coach and a leader.

Q: What class are you most excited about in the upcoming semester?

A: I want to see how my Samoan class goes because I think it would be awesome to communicate on the field in Samoan. I don’t know if that’s realistic or not, but maybe just a few things. I think it’d be neat because we have so many Samoans on the team, and just to be open to the culture.

Q: Before the game at San Jose last year you talked about your favorite food being your mom’s salmon. What makes it so good?

A: I’m not going to tell you what she puts on there. I don’t want anyone to know. It’s a secret.

Q: What’s your favorite Hawaii local food that you’ve tried?

A: Ahi, laulau. Everything is really good. I had to cut back on it because last fall I got a little pudgy.

Q: Because of some of your earlier answers I’m going to guess that your favorite book is “The Bible.” Is that right?

A: It’s up there. I like a lot of books based on faith because I’m big on improving myself and improving my faith. “The Bible” is the manual for life, like a car manual. That’s what my pops told me since I came to faith.

Q: Do you have a favorite TV show?

A: As of recently I’ve really liked “Last Chance U.” I’m a junior college transfer, so it’s cool seeing that. It’s a little different than California junior colleges, but it’s fun to see the reality of it and how it compares.

Q: Do you have a favorite band?

A: I really like Hillsong United, a Christian band. One of my favorite songs is called “Oceans.” Check it out, I think you’ll like it.

Q: Are you into video games?

A: I used to be, but kind of cut those out. My game station is back home. I’m afraid if I did bring it out here I’d play it too much.

Q: Did you have a specific favorite game?

A: NCAA Football. I always dreamt of playing in that game. But now they don’t make it anymore.