The reel world became a real heart-tugger when the University of Hawai'i football team's "Rudy" — running back David Farmer — yesterday was awarded a scholarship.

Farmer, who lived on a two-meal, $13-a-day budget as a non-scholarship player, was told of the award at the end of yesterday's practice. He sprinted between two rows of teammates, then was hoisted in celebration.

"He's very deserving," head coach June Jones said.

Farmer, a fourth-year junior, said he received an emotional boost after listening to last week's guest speaker, Rudy Ruettiger, whose fulfilled dream of becoming a Notre Dame player inspired the movie "Rudy."

"That Rudy guy came here last week, and he said a lot of things about attitude," Farmer said. "I've had the attitude. Why change? For me, the only thing that mattered was playing here. If you're doing it just for the scholarship, you're not on the team for the right reasons.

"I've got more important things to take care of, like winning a championship and helping us become the best team we can. If you're playing for the scholarship, for yourself, that's an individual goal. It's a waste of a scholarship. There are plenty of kids out there who are team-oriented. That's the difference between a champion and what's not. It's the attitude."

Jones said Farmer is one of four running backs who will play in Saturday's opener against Northern Colorado. Farmer also is a member of each of the six special-team units.

"He's our best blocking back," Jones said. "He does a heck of a job. And he never complains. He just works hard."

Jones said he had planned to award the scholarship in January, but learned that one was available.

Farmer said he still plans to compete intensely.

"When I was in high school, I was an offensive lineman," Farmer recalled. "I wanted to play fullback. My coach laughed at me. I moved, and was the fourth-string fullback. I worked my way to No. 1 fullback one summer on my varsity team. We ended up winning a championship. My whole career I've been fighting. I think if I were on top, I wouldn't know how to perform. I wouldn't have that drive, that want-to. When they put a guy in front of me, rather than being discouraged, it encourages me. I kind of like challenges."

Starting yesterday, Farmer was allowed to eat the two daily training-table meals. He also will receive a monthly stipend.

"Now I can pay for my school books," he said.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.