There has been a vast amount changes within the football program at the University of Hawaii. The Warriors have a new head coach and several new assistants along with a new offense, just to name a few of the many transformations going on at the Manoa campus.
One of the biggest concerns heading into 2012 was at quarterback (see related articles). Only one returning player comes back with any playing time. Several transfers and a holdover from last season (but now suspended for first four games) - that is what coach Norm Chow was looking at to who would lead Hawaii at quarterback in his maiden voyage as a head coach.
The quarterbacks
David Graves started a couple games and played in several more and was thought to be the leading contender for the starting position, heading into fall camp. Cayman Shutter was considered his likely number one competition but a drunk driving arrest earlier this year and subsequent four-game suspension may have derailed his chances. Ikaika Woolsey is a redshirt freshman transfer from junior college that had a good start to spring practice and appeared capable of fighting for the starting position. Redshirt sophomore Jeremy Higgins, a transfer from Utah State, looked solid as spring practice came to a close.
But none of those are likely to be the Warriors starting quarterback. Huh?
There's another transfer quarterback that has quietly moved his way to the top of the depth chart: Sean Schroeder. Sean who?
ACC transfer
Those of you who follow the Atlantic Coast Conference might, and I mean you might, have heard of Sean Schroeder ... okay, maybe not. The lefty is a transfer from Duke University Blue Devils. He's 6'3" 200 pounds and originally played high school ball in Orange County, California. Because Schroeder has graduated in three years at Duke, he could transfer anywhere he wanted. Since he redshirted his fist year in '09, he still has two years of eligibility, therefore comes in as a fourth-year junior.
Schroeder has a big arm, can make all the throws, is very intelligent, has a commanding presence plus he's picked up Chow's new pro-set offense very quickly.
Interestingly enough, Graves, who came in as the leading candidate for the starting position, isn't even considered the backup at this point as Higgins has received many more snaps in practice than Graves. Higgins started training camp getting the same amount of snaps as Graves until it became apparent Schroeder was the man and Graves wasn't.
It's rumored that Chow will announce the starting quarterback today, which will give him three solid weeks to prepare for the season opener (source - KITV). Hawaii starts their 2012 schedule on the road in Los Angeles, California, against the USC Trojans on September 1st.
Source - Star-Advertiser, University of Hawaii
Related articles:
Mountain West's Top Six Offensive Players to Watch in 2012
Hawaii Warriors at Colorado State Rams - Fan's Early Preview
Hawaii Punter Alex Dunnachie to Fight Possible Suspension
2012 Hawaii Warriors Quarterback Battle
2012 Hawaii Warriors Four Toughest Games
Hawaii Warriors 2012 Football Schedule
Through thick and thin, Daryle has been a huge fan of Hawaii since visiting there 40 years ago and dozens of times since. Go 'Bows!
