In the closing stage of his campaign for mayor of Kaua'i, Bernard Carvalho equated the situation with "being on the 2-yard line" and staring at the goal line.

It would be one of many football analogies he drew upon and pushed tenaciously forward with a successful run for office.

But, then, Carvalho has been drawing on his experience as an offensive lineman for decades.

Playing on the offensive line, whether it be at Kapa'a High, the University of Hawai'i or the Miami Dolphins, who drafted him in 1984, shaped Carvalho in ways that have nothing to do with a three-point stance.

It taught him, among other virtues, to set goals, think on his feet, persevere in the face of adversity and work within a team.

There is something about playing on the offensive line, he will tell you, that forges life skills that can be invaluable away from the football field in any number of endeavors.

Indeed, for all the glory that quarterbacks, running backs and other so-called "skill" position players acquire, UH offensive linemen, in particular, seem to be making quite a name for themselves.

In that, Carvalho's election serves to underline just what a contribution those who played on the offensive line for UH — or "hogs" as they proudly refer to themselves — have made across the spectrum in the state.

Turn on a television and there is Shawn Ching (UH 1988-91), an anchor for KITV (Channel 4) and attorney. Mitch Kaaialii (1989-91) is assistant vice president and Business Banking Officer for First Hawaiian Bank. Kelly McGill (1991-94) is chief executive officer for Grand Pacific Resources. Kent Untermann (1981-84) is founder of Pictures Plus. Jim Donovan (1981-82) is the UH athletic director.

Be assured that is merely a tip-of-the-iceberg sampling of some of those who immediately jump to mind. There are many more. But there is a common thread here that, for all the success former Rainbows and Warriors at other positions have achieved, seems to shine bright on the offensive line at the moment.

Donovan will tell you that to play the offensive line positions in this day and age requires the kind of mental dexterity to learn and execute 60 to 70 plays and their various formations, plus what adjustments have to be made to counter shifts by opposing defenses, hundreds of combinations in all. Carvalho suggests that it also takes willingness to sublimate ego and work within a group for a common goal.

Playing on the offensive line has, for decades, meant toiling in an area known as "the pits" or the "trenches." Inelegant places where a premium has been placed on strength and sweat.

But as the success of Carvalho — and those who have followed a similar path at UH — illustrates, lessons learned and polished there have helped shape some of our more prominent citizens.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.