Hawai'i football player Lewis Walker's position is cornerback.

His life's position is: Giving back.

Walker, who is expected to have an expanded role in Saturday's game against Boise State, is the team leader in assists.

When he is not involved with school or football, he is an active volunteer. He has worked with the homeless and Foster Family Programs of Hawai'i. He also has been a guest speaker at elementary schools.

As a high school student in Utah, Walker used to serve food and distribute clothing every day at a homeless shelter.

"I wouldn't call it community service," he said. "It wasn't a job. It was something I wanted to do. It was a way to talk to people from different sides of life."

His first day at the shelter, he befriended a drug addict who used to hang out in an area Walker had passed every day. They developed a friendship.

"It was cool," Walker said. "He trusted me enough to open up."

Walker also met the father of a professional athlete. The man abandoned his family when the children were young. Later, he was unsuccessful in trying to re-establish family ties.

"His son was a professional athlete, and he didn't have a relationship with him," Walker recalled. "It's odd to see how some end up (in the shelter). It can take one little thing, one broken relationship, and it's out the window."

Walker said he was not able to get his friends or cousins to work at the shelter.

"You have to be bigger," he said. "It's not all about you."

Walker said the volunteer work helps him gain perspective. It also taught him patience, which has been helpful as he crafts a role with the Warriors.

"I like helping others," he said. "It really makes you open up your eyes and see how you're blessed to have what you have. There are so many people who don't have close to what you have. Helping others, talking to people from different situations, it's the greatest feeling."

THE QB WHISPERER

In this corner ... freshman quarterback Cayman Shutter?

Shutter has served as the cornerman for starting quarterback Bryant Moniz, offering observations and motivation during the game.

"He offers encouragement," Moniz said. "I like his company."

Moniz and Shutter will stand next to each other on the sideline when the Warriors are on defense.

When Moniz is in the game, Shutter said, "I watch what he can't see."

Shutter said his comments are concise.

"I know he's hearing a lot of different things," Shutter said. "I try not to overload him. I give him little pieces."

Nick Rolovich, who calls the offensive plays, said the arrangement has been helpful to Moniz.

"(Shutter) is very observant," Rolovich said. "He's good to have in meetings. He asks good questions. He takes pride in the program and the position."

Moniz, a third-year sophomore from Leilehua High, joined the Warriors in January. Shutter is a 2009 Punahou School graduate.

"I never thought I'd like him, but I like him a lot," Moniz said. "He's a good friend."

A MORALE STORY

Mänoa chancellor Virginia Hinshaw yesterday delivered a rousing pep talk during yesterday's practice.

"I thought it was a good time to come back and reinforce the support, and face the reality that we're a young team, and we're going to have to have some time to learn," Hinshaw said.

The Warriors have 44 first-year lettermen.

"We have to be with them," Hinshaw said. "You're there to pick them up and push them back on and help them learn. These are student-athletes. These are people's children. We have to help them succeed in all dimensions."

Hinshaw also was hopeful the Warriors would do well against fourth-ranked Boise State.

"They're a tough team," Hinshaw said of the Broncos, "and they're great, but on any given day ..."