Hawaii quarterback Sean Schroeder and tight end Ryan Hall won starting jobs this training camp.
Now they have earned football scholarships.
Coach Norm Chow confirmed that Schroeder and Hall have been rewarded for their play and leadership.
"There’s no question (Schroeder is) our No. 1 (quarterback)," Chow said.
Hall moved atop the depth chart at the F position, which is basically a hybrid of tight end and H-back. Craig Cofer is the No. 1 on-line tight end.
Schroeder and Hall both moved to Hawaii in June after earning bachelor’s degrees at Duke. Both were admitted into graduate programs last month.
Schroeder turned down offers from other schools to join the Warriors as a walk-on.
"There were no guarantees," Schroeder said. "You have to believe in your abilities and be confident and go for it. I think I made the most of it."
Schroeder, David Graves and Jeremy Higgins entered training camp two weeks ago in contention for the starting job. After the third practice, the position belonged to Schroeder.
"My main focus was to get on the field and try to help this team," Schroeder said. "After that, I knew everything else would take care of itself."
Schroeder had remained upbeat at Duke despite not throwing a pass in three years there.
"I’m a competitor," he said. "I always want to play. There were some tough times there, but they made me mature and stronger. Everything has worked out. I can’t say enough great things about the people at Duke. But I’m happy to be here."
Hall also had the same no-promise offer when he decided to transfer to UH. He said his decision was independent of Schroeder’s.
"I came out here and wasn’t expecting anything at all," Hall said. "I just wanted to play. I told (Chow) I would do whatever it takes."
Of the scholarship, Hall said, "I’m really happy and appreciative."
DL Friel has fibula fracture
Defensive lineman Calen Friel will miss the 2012 season after being diagnosed with a fractured fibula.
Friel was in contention for a spot in the defensive-line rotation.
"He’s one of those guys we like leading us," Chow said of Friel.
Friel, who is 6 feet 2 and 305 pounds, is a 2010 graduate of Kailua High. He signed with UH in February of that year, but delayed enrolling until the following January while he recovered from a knee injury.
He redshirted in 2011.
Friel is the third Warrior who will miss the season because of an injury. Receiver Allen Sampson and nickelback Ryan Pasoquen will undergo surgery for ACL injuries.
Woolsey moves up depth chart
Ikaika Woolsey has moved into a tie with Higgins for the No. 2 quarterback’s job.
"They’re 2A and 2B," Chow said.
The role is significant because Chow only wants to take two quarterbacks on the season-opening road trip against Southern California. Graves, now a receiver, will travel as the emergency quarterback.