Pick-6 pays off for UH linebacker Iovino in the form of a scholarship surprise

How does a member of the Lion’s Den celebrate?

“Treat my teammates,” said linebacker Giovanni Iovino, who was awarded a University of Hawaii football scholarship during the weekly “Timmy Chang Show” on Wednesday. “Go out to eat. Get some all-you-can-eat sushi.”

Under the pretense of supporting linebacker Jalen Smith’s appearance, Iovino accepted an invitation to attend the UH head coach’s radio show. During a segment, associate head coach Chris Brown — who coaches the linebackers collectively known as the Lion’s Den — called up Iovino to the head table. Brown detailed Iovino’s 41-yard interception return for a touchdown against Sam Houston, then announced the scholarship.

“It was an awesome experience,” Iovino said. “I’m forever grateful.”

Iovino was a walk-on at his two previous schools — Washington State and the University of San Diego.

“It’s everything,” he said of the scholarship. “I’ve been a walk-on guy my whole college career. Getting that scholarship by my name is pretty cool. “

It was Iovino’s ties to Bishop Gorman, a national powerhouse in the Las Vegas suburb of Summerlin, that led to his transfer to UH this summer.

In 2021, Brown, who held several coaching roles at Bishop Gorman at the time, recommended Iovino to then-Washington State head coach Nick Rolovich. Iovino left the Cougars after the coaching change that year. He spent the last two years at the University of San Diego, an FCS program.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, Iovino wanted to return to the FBS level for his final season. Iovino had remained in close contact with Bishop Gorman graduates who played for the Warriors, such as linebacker Jamih Otis, nickelback Elijah Palmer, defensive tackle Aiden McComber and quarterback Micah Alejado.

At Bishop Gorman, Iovino also embraced the Polynesian culture.

“He wanted to come back to the Lion’s Den,” said Brown, who coaches the UH linebackers and assists with the strength-training program. “He saw what we were building here, what we were doing. He knows my mentality. He fits right in there with the discipline and toughness that I demand in the linebackers’ room.”

After committing to UH, Iovino said of Brown: “I’ve known him since I was 14 years old. He’s like family to me. He treats me like that. He’s been training me since I was young. I trust him with everything. I’m excited with what they’re putting together at UH. Can’t complain about being back in the Lion’s Den.”

Iovino added: “I felt something was special here. And the guys — the coaches, the staff, my teammates — as soon as I came in … (it) was like home. It was one of the best decisions I made in my life.”