Erik Robinson has a gold-capped smile and a steely resolve.

Which is why he shrugged off the shoulder surgery that kept him from competing in the Hawai'i football team's spring training.

"In my life," Robinson said, "I've been through way more discouraging things than that. I've had tough times, but I've handled (them). Everything is good now."

Indeed, Robinson has played well enough to move into the rotation at strong safety. He was with the first unit during yesterday's morning practice. Head coach Greg McMackin said Robinson, Mana Silva and Desmond Thomas are the top candidates.

"We have to solidify who will be the guy pretty soon," said associate head coach Rich Miano, who coaches the defensive backs.

Robinson has complicated the situation with his improved play. He made two interceptions during Tuesday's practice at Aloha Stadium. He also played well in yesterday's full-tackle scrimmage between the receivers and defensive backs.

"We know he can hit," McMackin said. "He came into games (last season) and did a great job for us. He has game experience."

Robinson said he has recovered from surgery to repair ligament damage in his right shoulder.

"I've been working hard," Robinson said. "When I mess up, coach Miano is correcting me. I try to get better every day. I'm here to compete."

Robinson, who was raised in Texas, has looked at football as a way to earn an education and improve his life.

"My dad was in the penitentiary the majority of my life," Robinson said. "My brother was in jail. Things like that. I was the man of the house at the age of 14, 15. ... Family members were incarcerated. I didn't want to go down that road. I played football. I thought, 'I can do this.' I had to get on the right track. I can do it."

Robinson played at Navarro Community College in Texas before transferring to UH last year.

Robinson easily bonded with his teammates. One of his best friends is No. 1 free safety Keao Monteilh.

"He was one of the first guys to help me out," Robinson said. "He's a good guy."

Monteilh introduced his sister, Makala, to Robinson. Now they are dating.

"Most brothers are like, 'You can't talk to my sister,' " Monteilh said. "He's a good guy."

William Monteilh, a retired detective who now owns a limousine service, always has opened his Papakolea home to his son's friends.

"They're always welcome," he said.

Keao Monteilh said: "We had a lot of guys over. 'You need somewhere to sleep?' Come on over."

The Monteilhs embraced Robinson, safety Spencer Smith, cornerback Ryan Mouton and other defensive backs from the Mainland.

"Keao's dad is amazing," Miano said. "He was over 40 years old and he was benching 400 pounds. He's a bull, and he's old school. If you're from the Mainland, he'll teach you the ropes. It's good he's part of our 'ohana."

Robinson said: "The family is wonderful. They treat me like I'm one of their own. I love them like they're my parents."

A UH tradition is for senior players to design personalized T-shirts that are distributed to teammates. Makala is designing a shirt picturing both her brother and Robinson.

"It's going to be nice," Robinson said. "We're going to have it for the first game."

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