This week, quarterback Matt Barkley has tested Hawaii’s defense with his passing, rollouts and mastery of top-ranked Southern California’s football offense.

Only this No. 7 in the gold jersey is Taylor Graham, a UH redshirt who is portraying Barkley in the Warriors’ practices.

"(Graham) is Matt Barkley," UH linebacker George Daily-Lyles said. "His name is officially Matt Barkley."

In crafting a scout offense to pose as the Warriors’ season-opening opponent, the casting call for quarterback was brief. Graham, who is redshirting this season after transferring from Ohio State, has Barkley’s blonde hair and rocket right arm.

"He was an easy choice," UH head coach Norm Chow said.

Asked about channeling his inner Barkley, Graham said: "Wouldn’t that be nice to be a Heisman Trophy contender and the first overall pick projected next year?"

Graham said he has never acted and does not do impressions.

"I would just embarrass myself," he said.

But he has managed to get into character. He watched hours of USC videos during the offseason "just to see what Barkley is doing."

Graham also has watched video cut-ups with graduate assistant Jared Vanderbeek, who coordinates the scout offense. Vanderbeek has analyzed and charted videos of every 2011 USC game up to 20 times.

Defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer tells Vanderbeek which plays he wants run against the Warriors’ starting defense. The scout offense will be shown the plays through drawings and videos during pre-practice meetings.

"It’s not like we’re just drawing cards," Kaumeyer said. "We’re showing how it looks and how to block things. In turn, it helps us become more prepared."

Graham relishes his scout work.

"In practice, I don’t get many reps," Graham said. "To finally get out there to do something is fun. All of the guys know I’m jacked up when I’m out there. I get to go slinging."

Kaumeyer said the scout offense provides a good portrayal of the Trojans’ pro-set attack. Maybe too good.

"(Vanderbeek) is always telling me how he’s trying to score 40 on us," Kaumeyer said. "It’s a fun deal. We enjoy it. The more they can press us, the more prepared we’ll be to get things done."

One thing Graham will not do is strike a Heisman pose after throwing a touchdown pass against the UH defense.

"I’m not pulling a Desmond Howard out there," he said, smiling.