For his dual role, Hawaii football player Matt Norman wears two jerseys at the start of every game.

He wears No. 90 as a pass-eligible tight end in power schemes. But when the Rainbow Warriors need an offensive tackle, as they did the past two games, Norman switches to the No. 72 jersey that he wears underneath the No. 90 jersey. NCAA rules require linemen to be numbered between 50 and 79.

“I wear two jerseys every game,” Norman said. “It helps when it’s nice and cold out.”

Norman said the layered approach is a tight fit, “especially the away (uniforms). It’s a little snug around the belly area. It’s a little easier taking it off than putting it on. I just help whenever I can to help us win games.”

The offensive linemen have been quick-change artists this season. Last weekend against San Diego State, in-game ailments led to Fred Ulu-Perry entering at left guard, right tackle Chris Posa moving to right guard, Norman replacing Posa at right tackle, and converted defensive lineman Taaga Tuulima playing the final two series at center.

“We practice all week,” Norman said of the reserves, “and it’s ‘next man up.’ You have to be as good as you possibly can be, and be ready for whatever gets thrown at you on Saturday nights.”

The line was thinned following the spring semester. Kingjames Taylor, who redshirted last year and was expected to compete for a starting job at tackle, did not meet the requirements to return. Elijah Tupai opted not to play his senior season to help his family in Utah. Tupai played in 26 games, starting 17, the previous three years. Austin Webb is not playing this season because of medical issues. Josh Hauani‘o has medically retired.

Of the depth in the trenches, offensive coordinator Brian Smith said, “there are not a lot of pieces to put together in that puzzle right now.”

In spring training and training camp, the linemen cross-trained, a tactic that is proving useful.

“I think it’s good for the overall knowledge,” coach Nick Rolovich said. “In cases where guys go down and you have to shuffle guys around, it’s good to have them ready.”

During the offense’s drills against the scout players last year, Chris Naeole, who was the line coach at the time, praised Tuulima’s strength, flexibility and diligence. It was widely agreed Tuulima should move to offense. In UH’s schemes, the center points out the blocking schemes and voices the cadences.

“Taaga is doing a really good job,” Smith said. “He’s a good communicator.”

Tuulima, a second-year freshman, was mostly an offensive tackle at ‘Iolani School. He said he receives guidance from his line mates.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to step on the field,” said Tuulima, who is 6 feet 2 and 285 pounds.

Rolovich said Tuulima has “worked hard since the day he got here. He’s dialed in with the offense. And he cares.”

Of Tuulima’s move to center, Rolovich said, “we saw him possibly being able to contribute down the road. It’s a good thing we did, because he was able to help us in that game” against San Diego State.