When the University of Hawaii needed steadiness on special teams, they found it in a player whose job is measured in inches and split-second timing. Jack Mowrey, a transfer long snapper from James Madison, has emerged not only as the team’s short-snapper but as a mentor for incoming specialists on Oahu.
From Charlotte to Honolulu: adapting and giving back
Mowrey moved to Hawaii about 13 months ago after spending his early college career at James Madison. The transition from Charlotte, N.C., to Oahu presented cultural and logistical adjustments, he said, but his new teammates helped him acclimate — offering rides, making introductions and sharing the island way.
That welcome has informed how Mowrey treats newcomers. He now spends time guiding younger players, sharing meals and helping them understand team routines and expectations. Mowrey described those acts as paying forward the support he received.
“My father served 21 years in the Air Force, and he instilled how to be a man and how to treat people the right way,” Mowrey said. “I remember after school, he’d always ask me: ‘What’s the one nice thing you did for someone today?’ I never take that for granted. I try to go out of my way to help someone, to pay it forward.”
Technical roots and a family foundation
Mowrey credits early coaching and family practice for his proficiency. As a freshman at Ardrey Kell High, he learned grip technique from snapping instructor Craig Montgomery. That foundational instruction, coupled with repetitive practice with his father, David Mowrey, helped him develop consistency.
He explained the grip and hand placement that became his standard: using the off hand for stability and a two-point pressure with the dominant hand — a method he trusted and maintained over years of repetitions. His father often served as the catcher during practice, returning snaps and pushing his son to improve.
Playing timeline and the transfer decision
After redshirting at James Madison in 2023, Mowrey played in 13 games as the short snapper in 2024. He then entered the NCAA transfer portal looking for a new opportunity. His availability drew quick attention from Hawaii’s special teams staff.
| Year | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | James Madison | Redshirt |
| 2024 | James Madison | Short snapper, 13 games |
| 2025–26 | Hawaii | Transfer short snapper |
How UH found him
Hawaii special teams coordinator Thomas Sheffield was actively searching the portal with an eye on punters and specialists. The staff watched film and moved quickly once Mowrey’s name appeared. Within minutes, he was on their radar — a testament to the importance of timing and scouting in the transfer era.
Since arriving, Mowrey has worked closely with punter/holder Gehrig Heil, punter Gannon Miller and kicker Hudson Borsari, running snaps and helping integrate new players into the group’s routines. He’s also shared barbecued meals and informal mentorship that extend beyond practice.
Why the role matters on game day
Long snapping is a highly specialized but underappreciated part of football. Successful snaps under pressure enable field goals, extra points and punts — plays that can decide close games. Mowrey’s reliability provides a foundation for the kickers and punters who follow through in game situations.
- Experience: 13 game appearances in 2024 at James Madison.
- Technique: Long-held grip and hand placement learned from a noted instructor.
- Leadership: Active mentoring of incoming specialists and teammates.
Mowrey’s approach reflects lessons from his upbringing and the mentors who taught him the craft. As Hawaii navigates the season, maintaining consistency on special teams will be critical, and Mowrey’s presence aims to provide just that.
Coaches and teammates alike note that mentorship in special teams often takes place off the stat sheet: early morning practice repetitions, trust built in routine, and the small habits that prevent costly mistakes. For UH, a dependable short snapper who also invests in his teammates addresses both technical and cultural needs on a roster that relies on cohesion during the grind of a season.
For now, Mowrey continues to practice his craft, help younger players find their footing, and carry forward the ethic his father instilled — a daily question about doing something kind for someone else. On and off the field, that philosophy is shaping Hawaii’s special teams as much as the soundness of his snaps.
