With Schroeder as starting QB, Graves on the move

As expected, Sean Schroeder was named the Hawaii football team’s No. 1 quarterback on Monday.

The decision triggered a chain reaction in which David Graves, who started two games in 2011 and had entered spring training as the top quarterback, moved to slotback. Graves also will be used as the No. 3 quarterback.

Jeremy Higgins, a Saint Louis School graduate who transferred from Utah State last year, is the No. 2 quarterback.

Schroeder did not throw a pass in a game in three years at Duke, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in May. But after reviewing videos of the first three practices of training camp, head coach Norm Chow decided Schroeder displayed the most leadership and productivity.

"It’s always tough," Chow said of deciding on a quarterback. "You can only play one. You only have one ball. With offensive linemen, you can find the five best. We needed to make a decision. We needed to name a leader."

Schroeder acknowledged he transferred to UH without assurances of a role or a scholarship.

"I thought Hawaii was a good opportunity," Schroeder said. "I trusted my instincts and came out here and worked hard."

Schroeder will have two seasons of UH eligibility.

Winning the job, he said, won’t alter his drive.

"We’re going to be lining up against a great team on Sept. 1," he said of the opener against Southern California. "It’s going to make me work harder."

Chow said he met with Graves on Monday morning.

"I respect and admire him a ton," said Chow, who decided to give Graves a shot at slotback.

Graves has practiced as a receiver and safety at UH. In high school, he was nicknamed "Slash."

"I’m not defined by one role," Graves said. "At UH, I’ve had many roles. I’m taking this new role with open arms. It’s exciting. It’s something new, and I’m all for it. I’m going to do whatever the team asks of me. If they want me to block, I’ll block. I’m here to help the team."