Hawaii linebacker Paul Scott can make a solid impression.

During the Rainbow Warriors’ recent talent show, Scott did a spot-on impersonation of linebacker coach Mark Banker that had teammates ROFL-ing in the athletic department’s lecture hall.

“He did a great job,” Banker said. “Very accurate.”

Defensive coordinator Corey Batoon gave high marks to Scott’s performance.

“I wouldn’t say he’s on the form of stand-up comedy, but he’s pretty funny,” Batoon said.

Scott was part of the ensemble depicting a typical week for the UH linebackers. His portrayal demanded studying, attention to detail and lots of practice.

>> Photo Gallery: University of Hawaii football practice

“You just pick up stuff as you go,” Scott said. “And you figure out people once you get that relationship with them.”

Banker said: “The good thing is he’s paying attention to what I’m saying. I appreciate that. Hopefully, that translates to knowing what he’s doing on the field. I think Paul is moving in the right direction.”

After redshirting as a true freshman because of an injury in 2017 and then conquering a slow start last season, Scott is now poised for a leading role this season. During training camp, he has taken many reps as the No. 1 weak-side linebacker. Batoon noted the starting job has not been cemented, but Scott “had a good spring, and he’s had a really good fall camp. He brings athleticism and speed to the position.”

Two years ago, Scott was a highly regarded prospect from Oakland’s McClymonds High. He was set to attend California, a 16-minute drive from home, when he withdrew his commitment to the Bears and eventually opted to sign with the Warriors.

“I felt the love here,” Scott said. “I like it out here.”

Scott, a self-described “city guy,” had to adjust to Hawaii’s metronome. He also had to endure an initial season rehabilitating an injury.

Last season, Scott had difficulty breaking into a linebacker rotation that featured volume tacklers Jahlani Tavai, Solomon Matautia and Penei Pavihi. To gain reps, Scott accepted roles on special teams. In the 2018 opener against Colorado State, Scott made three tackles on kickoffs, one of which forced a fumble. He finished the season with nine special-teams tackles. He was named UH’s MVP for special teams.

The coaches. who review every play of practices and games, noticed Scott’s ferocity on special teams. “You could see he’s very physical and makes a lot of tackles and can run,” head coach Nick Rolovich said. “He had a lot of physical qualities that you like in a defensive player.”

After Tavai suffered a season-ending injury, Scott was elevated to an expanded role at linebacker for the remaining five games.

“On special teams for him last year, it was pretty simple: do this, do that, do it in high speed,” Batoon said. “On defense, it was a little bit of … paralysis by over-analysis.”

But in spring training, Scott learned to synchronize his skills with his defensive knowledge. “Now it gets back to special teams: go do this, go do that,” Batoon said, “and now he can do that at full speed. Where he’s taken the big jump is from the mental approach. Now he’s comfortable with what we’re asking him to do (on defense). Now he’s playing the game at the high speed we see out there.”

Scott said: “I’m still learning. There’s room for improvement.”