The University of Hawaii football team will turn the stage over to redshirts and developing players today with a full-contact scrimmage on the school’s grass practice field.
"They practice and practice and practice, and now they’ll get a chance to play," head coach Norm Chow said.
Nine participants in last year’s so-called "Scout Bowl" were part of last Saturday’s 66-player travel squad, including starting quarterback Taylor Graham. Two former walk-ons — running back Marcus Langkilde and slotback Donnie King — earned scholarships this summer based on their work in practices in the past year.
"Hopefully, there will be some guys who kind of have the chance to prove they can play," Chow said.
Last year, Kaeo Alo played well in one of the scrimmages. With injuries to the defensive line, Alo was promoted to the active roster. He was used in the rotation at defensive tackle.
Freshman running back Diocemy Saint Juste, who carried once against Oregon State last week, will benefit from reps in today’s scrimmage.
The scrimmage will provide game-like opportunities for three transfers who are required to redshirt this year — receiver Quinton Pedroza (Utah), linebacker Jeremy Castro (UCLA) and defensive tackle Kody Rasmussen (Colorado).
Quarterback Ikaika Woolsey is expected to take most of the snaps. Woolsey has served as the scout player simulating the opposing team’s quarterback in drills against UH’s top defense.
"I’m the top draft pick out of one draft pick," Woolsey said, smiling.
The UH coaches like Woolsey’s strong arm, but believe he needs a little more time to master the offense. Graham, Sean Schroeder and Jeremy Higgins are the Warriors’ top three quarterbacks. Woolsey gets to travel as the No. 1 holder.
"I want to get on the field and show the coach I can make plays," Woolsey said. "At the same time, the service team is really excited. We want to come out fired up and make plays."
Woolsey is a 2011 graduate of Salesian High in Richmond, Calif. He committed to UH as a grayshirt, agreeing to join in January 2012. In the meantime, he took a couple of classes at City College of San Francisco, a status that allowed him to practice with the Rams during the 2011 fall semester.
In December 2011, Chow was hired as successor to Greg McMackin. Offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich was not retained, and he eventually was hired at Nevada.
While a school is obligated to honor an offer to a grayshirt, the player can opt out. Woolsey briefly considered Nevada before re-pledging to UH.
"I wasn’t really recruited by this coaching staff," Woolsey said. "Coach Chow took a chance on me. I’m grateful for that. I’m blessed to be here. It was a little hard when the coaching staff left, but everything happens for a reason. In life, you can’t get used to one thing. You have to be able to adjust and move forward. You can’t get complacent."
