Northwestern doesn’t just assign it’s No. 1 jersey to any random player. Under head coach Pat Fitzgerald, wearing that jersey number is presented as an honor to one special Wildcat.

Fitzgerald instituted a requirement for a player to be awarded the opportunity to wear that special uniform, saying the honoree should be “the young man who truly embodies the values and character of the Northwestern football family.”

On Tuesday, Northwestern announced who will wear No. 1 for the 2018 season.

Senior running back Chad Hanaoka, affectionately known as the “Flyin’ Hawaiin,” was presented with the jersey for his contributions to the team. Hanaoka started out as an intern in the program’s video office before walking on to the team.

Hanaoka is studying biological sciences, with a concentration in molecular & developmental neurobiology.

The first person to be awarded the jersey was Bo Cisek in 2011. Other players to be honored with the jersey are Tim Hanrahan, Max Chapman, Anthony Walker Jr. and Tyler Lancaster.

Hanaoka has appeared in two games in his career at Northwestern, taking two carries for seven yards. You can read more of Hanaoka’s story here.