SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH » For the fifth consecutive game, quarterback Sean Schroeder has been handed control of Hawaii’s offense.

Schroeder said he is merely one of several investors.

"We all share ownership," Schroeder said. "It’s not one particular guy. It’s everybody. This is our offense."

The quarterback’s position has evolved — and revolved — this season. Taylor Graham started the first three games before suffering a shoulder injury. Ikaika Woolsey was in the opening lineup for two games, although he was pulled after one play against San Jose State.

While Graham, who has fully recovered, and Woolsey have specific roles for Saturday’s game against Navy, UH coach Norm Chow made it clear that No. 19 is No. 1.

"Schroeder will be the starter," said Chow, whose Rainbow Warriors head east this afternoon after training since Sunday in Salt Lake City. "He’s led the team. There’s been an improvement on offense. He gets a lot of credit for that."

Since entering in the third quarter against Fresno State on Sept. 28, Schroeder has completed 56 percent of his passes and is averaging 310 yards per game. His completions average 14.1 yards.

There are several reasons for his recent performance. He is healthy. He is in his second year in this offense. His primary targets are seniors Clark Evans, Billy Ray Stutzmann and Chris Gant, and junior Scott Harding.

"We have more experienced guys on the O-line," Schroeder added. "That’s helped."

The Rainbow Warriors also are playing with a nothing-to-lose attitude.

"This is probably the last few games I’ll ever play," Schroeder said. "I’m giving it my all every game. That’s all we can do. You owe it to the game, you owe it to your teammates, you owe it to the state to give it your all."

Schroeder understands the game’s physical and emotional pains. Last year, he was hit more than 120 times, suffered at least two concussions. He missed spring training to have back surgery on April 1.

"I tried to stay engaged as much as I could," said Schroeder, who spent lots of time in the video room.

"When you’re coming up and you’re a young quarterback, you want to model yourself after the most successful quarterbacks," Schroeder said. "You see the Peyton Mannings, the Tom Bradys, all those type of guys, and they’re film guys, gym rats, so to speak, and that’s what you try to do. I’m not nearly as athletically gifted to get by on just my athleticism — I’ve always had to work. I try to be the hardest worker out there."

Schroeder said the season has admittedly been frustrating. The Warriors are 0-8 heading into the Navy game.

"It’s the attitude of this team, We don’t quit, we don’t get discouraged," Schroeder said. "We keep moving forward. Imua, so to speak."