Hawaii quarterback Taylor Graham made a good first impression, firing a 16-yard scoring strike in Saturday’s football scrimmage.

But it was a preview for a show that won’t be released for another year. Graham will likely redshirt this season after transferring from Ohio State.

"Isn’t he something?" head coach Norm Chow marveled.

Graham said: "It felt good to be in there finally. I wish I was going to play this year."

Graham has a skinny-to-none shot. The NCAA requires a player transferring between FBS schools to sit out a season. Graham’s father petitioned the NCAA for an exemption. Ohio State changed head coaches and ditched an offense Graham was recruited to play.

"I’m always going to hope, but I realize I’ll probably have to sit out," Graham said. "As much as it hurts to sit out, I’m glad to get into practice when I can."

In the final two stages of the 94-play scrimmage, Chow shouted toward the sideline.

"He said, ‘Taylor, get in there,’ and I did," Graham said. "If there was another ‘Taylor,’ I was going to go in."

Graham’s first pass was the 16-yarder to David Graves at the end of a post pattern for a touchdown. Graves moved from quarterback to receiver earlier in the week.

Graham played two series and finished 3-for-7 for 27 yards. He was not intercepted.

Phillips, Jackson shine

Two freshmen from Florida — cornerback Ne’Quan Phillips and safety Marrell Jackson — made big defensive plays during Saturday’s scrimmage.

With cornerbacks Mike Edwards and Tony Grimes held out of practice, Phillips worked with the No. 1 defense.

On a third and goal from the 3, Schroeder lofted a pass toward Trevor Davis in the left corner of the end zone. Phillips raced over and batted away the football.

"If it weren’t for the D-line getting the pressure, I wouldn’t be there," Phillips said.

Jackson made a diving interception of a Jeremy Higgins pass to end another threat.

"Hard work pays off on that one," said Jackson, who is being trained to focus mostly on the receiver and not the quarterback.

Jackson played nickelback in place of John Hardy-Tuliau, who was shaken up on a play earlier in the scrimmage. Jackson also can be used as a corner.

"Marrell is young, but he has a lot of potential," said Edwards, who serves as mentor to Jackson and Phillips. "He’s been making plays since day one. This isn’t anything new."

Jackson and Phillips said they are adjusting to Hawaii. Phillips said he went to Waikiki Beach last week for the first time.

"I’m getting used to things," Phillips said.

Jackson said he’s grown since arriving in Hawaii. He’s gained 12 pounds, and now weighs 192, and "I’m an inch taller. I’m 6-1 now."

Captain is also a holder

Inside receiver Miah Ostrowski is learning the co-captain’s role comes with extra duties.

Ostrowski was the holder on place kicks on Saturday.

"It’s cool," he said. "I’m getting used to it. I could never do it before. Now, it’s becoming second nature."