Hawaii quarterback Ikaika Woolsey has a split personality.
Sometimes, Woolsey is Max Wittek, a strong-armed quarterback from Mater Dei High in Newport Beach, Calif. Other times he is Cody Kessler, an energetic quarterback from Bakersfield, Calif.
To help the defense prepare for Thursday’s season opener, Woolsey is portraying USC’s quarterback in drills. The Trojans have not announced a starter and said Saturday that both Wittek and Kessler will play, leaving Woolsey to learn both QBs’ tendencies.
"Two years in a row, we had scout quarterbacks who are throwing dimes," UH defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer said, noting quarterback Taylor Graham had that role last year while redshirting.
Woolsey, who also is an elusive scrambler, has been told to stay in character. That means even if there is no pass-rusher nearby, Woolsey said, "I have to stay in the pocket and make throws."
Woolsey’s portfolio includes an acting class in high school and a drama course at UH. But his strong arm and intelligence made Woolsey an easy choice to run the scout offense.
The second-year freshman was told last week that the UH quarterback rotation was narrowed to Graham, Sean Schroeder and Jeremy Higgins. Schroeder is a senior who started 11 games last year. Graham and Higgins are juniors.
"We talked, and (Woolsey) understands he’s not quite ready, and the other three guys are," head coach Norm Chow said. "He gets it. A normal college quarterback, if you have a decent program, has two years (of playing time)."
Chow, a former BYU offensive coordinator, coached future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young.
"Steve Young redshirted and sat on the bench for two years (at BYU)," Chow said. "That’s how it goes. … I think (Woolsey) understands it’s his turn when Taylor leaves, and we’ll go from there."
Woolsey embraced his new role.
"I came here for one reason, and that’s to win games," said Woolsey, who was raised in California. "If that means I’m on the service team to help my defense win games, by all means, I’ll do whatever it takes. It’s not easy to not be on the field. I have to make the best of the situation. My mom always told me, if you’re going to do something, do it 100 percent, or don’t do it at all. I’m going to give 100 percent."
