HONOLULU—Running game discussion isn't at the top of the list when it comes to the University of Hawai'i football faithful. Then again, why should it? 
 
Without question, the Rainbow Warrior football program as a whole has made an impact on the history of college football and the offensive attack. Before junior Cole McDonald, sophomore Chevan Cordeiro, and sophomore Justin Uahinui took snaps behind center, dawning "Hawai'i" across their chest there was Timmy Chang, Colt Brennan, Bryant Moniz, and of course current head coach Nick Rolovich. When name such as those are entrenched in the history of a program or the history of college football, it's not hard to understand why the running game isn't a hot topic of sorts.
 
Regardless of the thrill of a fast-paced offense, the running game and it's personnel still play a vital role in the overall success of the game plan.
 
"Our running game is a part of our toughness as an offense," said offensive coordinator Brian Smith. "In this offense, it's always a pass-first philosophy. We want to attack teams down the field and spread the field. So the running game becomes a counter to that and complements it."
 
In the traditional sense of football, it was always the opposite. Establish the running game, control the clock, then when the defensive back are drawn in, use the play action for a big play. The UH style is quick throws, always looking for a deep threat, then use the draw to utilize the running game for a big play. It's an exciting brand of football, but with two added wrinkles, the shovel pass and added pass protection.
 
"Our group has become more well rounded, and no one has a specific role," said Smith. "Dayton (Furuta) is great in pass protection and between the tackles, while Fred (Holly III) has developed into a good pass protector, and the same thing with Miles (Reed) he's gotten stronger while adding some weight. Fred is better with his straight-ahead speed; Miles is shifty and hard to tackle."
 
The key to all of this, and it has shown every day during spring practice, has been the running backs working as a unit and buying into Smith's plan of being versatile.
 
"The biggest thing in this offense is protecting the quarterback, and we know that," said senior Dayton Furuta. "As a unit, we're a family, and we all want what is best for each other. If I get a hundred yards, great, they're happy for me. If Fred has a big game, we're happy for him. Personally, for me, the competition for playing time isn't a big deal; I want to do what I can to help the team win."
 
Collectively this group did its job a year ago averaging over 100 yards rushing per game, with both junior Holly III and Furuta racking up over 400 yards on the season each with an offense averaging nearly 40 pass attempts a game. A mobile quarterback like McDonald helps the average as well, totaling a net of 359 rushing yards on the year.
 
The wild card of sorts is sophomore Miles Reed and what he can add to the mix from the running back position. Reed saw time in 10 games a year ago but was limited. His performance on the road at San Diego State gave a glimpse into what could be with 47 yards on 12 carries. Since the start of spring practice, Reed has been known to tally up a handful of big plays, showcasing his skills of quick feet and a burst to get through narrow holes set by the offensive line.
 
"He has so much energy when he's on the field, and tends to play much bigger than his size," said Smith. "Last year he showed us his explosiveness, but right now he's playing very physical and showing his toughness as a pass blocker."
 
The running game may not be as flashy as it as other programs, but its importance doesn't waiver. As fans make their way to Ching Field on Saturday afternoon to get a glimpse into what this year's team will feature on Saturdays in the fall, pay attention to the running backs on Team Mauka and Team Makai.