Graham has surgery; other QBs move up

Quarterback Taylor Graham was scheduled to have surgery on his fractured right foot Tuesday.

Graham is expected to miss the rest of his senior season, effectively ending his UH football career.

With quarterback Jeremy Higgins also undergoing long-term rehabilitation for a fractured left (throwing) hand, the Warriors shuffled the depth chart on Tuesday.

Beau Reilly was promoted to primary backup to quarterback Ikaika Woolsey.

Eric Prater was summoned from the scout team.

Slotback Keelan Ewaliko is being considered as a wildcat quarterback.

"I thought they performed well, especially Beau," coach Norm Chow said following Tuesday’s 90-minute practice. "He’s rusty. He hasn’t played for a while."

Reilly initially signed with Colorado State before going on a two-year church mission. He signed with UH this spring.

"Even though he’s a freshman, he’s an older guy because he’s a returning missionary," quarterbacks coach Jordan Wynn said. "He’s a competitive guy. He wants to learn. We have to make sure he’s ready."

Reilly received extended reps on Tuesday, allowing Woolsey to get more rest.

Prater spent the past few years in the Army’s Airborne Special Forces. He joined the Warriors as a walk-on this summer. Wynn described Prater as "another mature freshman."

Prater’s promotion leaves Max Wittek as the scout quarterback. Wittek is redshirting this semester after transferring from USC.

Versatile Vele

Justin Vele joined the Warriors as a linebacker before moving to tight end a year ago. This season, he opened at the F position — a hybrid of fullback, tight end and H-back. Two weeks ago, he began taking reps at running back, a position he had not played previously.

Vele said he receives guidance from running back Steven Lakalaka and assistant coach Wayne Moses.

"They preach ball security," Vele said.

While some players carry footballs around campus, Vele holds onto something more precious — his tablet-sized cell phone.

"Idon’t want to drop it," Vele said. "I’ll hold it tight."

He also has simplified his approach to pass-catching.

"You see the ball," he said, "you grab it. You don’t want to let your team down."

Awesome Diocemy

Running back Diocemy Saint Juste did not have time for the pain.

"I had little injuries here and there," said Saint Juste, who busted out for a career-high 135 yards on 17 carries in a 38-28 victory over Wyoming. "I’m fine now. I’m going to keep working."

Saint Juste excelled in attacking the middle.

"That’s what we’re taught to do," he said. "That’s what we have to do. It’s not a big deal."

He also demonstrated his elusiveness.

"It’s like second instincts to me," Saint Juste said. "I wiggle around and get loose."