Close the polls.

With two games remaining in the season, it appears Scott Harding has established a comfortable lead in the competition to be the University of Hawaii football team’s most valuable player.

The Rainbow Warriors are open to unique selections. Last year’s MVP was center Ben Clarke.

While Harding has gained attention for his rugby-style punts, he also has emerged as the Warriors’ most reliable receiver. He has a team-high 44 catches. Most significant, Harding leads in fourth-quarter receptions (22 for 251 yards) and third-down catches (10 for 116 yards).

"My favorite part of the game is third down," Harding said. "I love being the guy they want to go to and move the chains in important situations."

Harding is one of the top options on third-down plays, especially on crossing routes.

There is no question Harding also is favored on fourth down. Of his 46 punts, only 10 were returned, for 40 yards. Three of his punts resulted in lost fumbles, including one last week that ricocheted off a slow-to-react San Diego State returner.

In this winless UH season, it is actually the punt unit that is generating a buzz.

"I think the fans are enjoying the excitement when we go out to punt," said Harding, who often waits until the last nano-second before booting. "I think it’s another chance to make an exciting play and treat it like an offensive play."

Coach Norm Chow said: "Isn’t he something? He does stuff I don’t know if we coach necessarily. … In all the years, I’ve never seen anyone punt like that."

Chow said he believes Harding’s rugby-style punts would be a "weapon" in the NFL. But Chow acknowledged the NFL is resistant to change.

Chris Demarest, who coaches special teams, said college rules help UH’s punt coverage. In college, once the ball is snapped, the other 10 players can head downfield. Harding’s rollouts buy time for the coverage unit to attack the returner. In the NFL, only the two outside players can head downfield before the ball is punted.

Harding said he is fully healed after suffering a bruised thigh against Navy on Nov. 9. He was used sparingly as a receiver against San Diego State to ensure he would be able to play the whole game as a punter and punt returner.

"Now I’m able to practice through (this) week and get a full game (against Wyoming)," Harding said.

Meanwhile, it is doubtful right guard Ben Dew will be available to play this weekend. He is recovering from a high-ankle sprain.

But defensive ends Beau Yap (groin) and Tavita Woodard (ankle) and offensive lineman Sean Shigematsu (stinger) should be ready.

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Read Stephen Tsai’s Warrior Beat at staradvertiser.com/warriorbeat.