It was a chicken-skin moment two weeks ago when center Eliki Tanuvasa put on a Hawaii football jersey for the start of spring training.

The thrill will continue this fall. The NCAA granted a waiver that will allow Tanuvasa to play for the Rainbow Warriors this coming season. Tanuvasa, a 2018 Saint Louis School graduate, enrolled at UH in January after spending the fall semester at Eastern Illinois. A player usually is required to redshirt after transferring between NCAA schools. But the NCAA ruled that Tanuvasa qualified for a hardship waiver — and immediate playing eligibility — because of a family situation.

It was during winter break in December when Tanuvasa learned the severity of his father’s illness. Eric Tanuvasa, a police officer, was suffering from a muscle disorder that led to several hospital stays.

“He couldn’t even roll over,” Eliki Tanuvasa said. “That’s how bad it was. He needed 24-hour attention. There was a lot of hard work for my mom.”

The elder Tanuvasa’s health has improved, and he is able to work light duty.

Tanuvasa admittedly was feeling “regret” when he first enrolled at Eastern Illinois last summer. “I should have come (to UH) in the first place,” he said. “But I didn’t want to look like I coudn’t handle myself on the mainland. My parents didn’t tell me a lot of stuff (about his father’s condition) when I was up there. They knew if I heard anything about my dad, I would have come home right away. When I came home for winter break, I saw it with my own eyes. … That was the main trigger to (stay) home. … I wanted to help take care of my dad. … Being the oldest sibling, the next man in the house, I had to step up.”

With Eastern Illinois’ blessing, Tanuvasa was granted a release. He then contacted UH. The Warriors welcomed Saint Louis’ former three-year starter. Tanuvasa was the center for quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa in 2016 and Chevan Cordeiro in 2017. Tanuvasa was named to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s 2017 All-State first team as a senior.

“It starts with the snap of the ball,” Saint Louis coach Cal Lee said, “and he was the guy. He was the point guy. You like everything about him.”

Tanuvasa, who had a 4.1 cumulative grade-point average (4.3 as a junior) was named recipient of the Marianist Centennial Award, one of Saint Louis’ most prestigious academic honors, at the 2018 commencement ceremony.

“I’ve known this kid since he was born,” said Kawika Hallums, a Spectrum Sports commentator and the elder Tanuvasa’s best friend. “He’s such a role model. My son is an offensive lineman, and I want him to follow in Eliki’s footsteps. You want to model everyone’s son after Eliki. He’s such a great kid.”

In Eastern Illinois’ 2018 opener against Arkansas, the starting center was injured in the first half. Tanuvasa was summoned for his collegiate debut.

“I had to step up to the plate,” Tanuvasa said, noting the Razorbacks had “big nasty guys. It was good fun.”

Tanuvasa played well, not relinquishing a sack. At the end of the season, he was named to the FCS All-Freshman third team.

Tanuvasa said he followed the Warriors through internet reports and social media posts last year. When he finally was able to put on a UH practice jersey, Tanuvasa said, “it was like a childhood dream come true. I was so excited.”

Tanuvasa has been getting work behind starting center Kohl Levao. “He’s smart, he works hard,” offensive line coach Mark Weber said of Tanuvasa. “He has a good football sense.”