When all of the football practices, meetings, classes and homework are finished, there is one final item remaining on Hawaii linebacker Aaron Brown‘s to-do list: Go to the student weight room for a late-evening workout.

"He’s always working out, always trying to get better," said associate head coach Rich Miano, who recruited Brown to UH in 2009.

Brown’s hard work — nine tackles, including a fourth-and-1 stop for a loss, and a timely interception in front of the goal line — earned him the honor of Western Athletic Conference player of the week for defense.

"He’s a beast," defensive tackle Kaniela Tuipulotu said. "Every play, he’s going to give it everything he’s got. He won’t shy away from a challenge. You have to love guys like that. We need to put it on the line every time we step onto the field. As a D-lineman, it’s great to know the guys in the back are just as physical as anybody and ready to drop bombs on whoever comes across the middle."

Miano’s first image of Brown came on a highlight video received from Saddleback Community College.

"We kept watching it over and over," Miano said. "He had the ability to hit and make plays. We thought he’d be a great player."

Brown joined UH as a safety, but was sidelined for the 2009 season because of a severe hamstring injury. He earned a starting job last season, and this season has emerged as both a physical and vocal leader.

"I try to lead by example," Brown said.

That was apparent during the offseason, when he was co-coordinator of unsupervised workouts. He brought the water, as well as the rope ladder for footwork drills.

"I wouldn’t say he’s a gym rat, but he does what it takes to get ready," Tuipulotu said. "He’s a great leader. He’s an energetic type of guy."

The past three weeks, Brown has suffered from a sprained ankle that has limited his work in practice. Two weeks ago, he incurred a bone bruise on his left knee. Still, he has played all but one series the past three games.

"I can’t think about (injuries)," Brown said. "I have to put it out of my head. When game time comes, I have to be ready."

Winchester-Makainai has MRI

Right tackle Chauncy Winchester-Makainai underwent an MRI on his right foot. He suffered the injury during the Idaho game.

Center London Sapolu also left that game with an injury. Sapolu is expected to start in Saturday’s game against Utah State.

Head coach Greg McMackin said safety Richard Torres has a deep bruise on his heel, but won’t miss any playing time.

Fresh teams face UH

McMackin acknowledged the quirkiness of the WAC schedule in which three opponents in a row — Idaho, Utah State and Nevada — have byes before facing the Warriors. Idaho used the extra week of practice to change quarterbacks. He said it won’t be a factor.

"There are no excuses in football," he said.