The QB hangs tough

The face of Hawaii football’s offense is covered with stubble.

The shadow is not an act of superstition, rather it is what happens when classes, video sessions, meetings and practices take precedent over personal grooming.

While talk shows and message boards debate the role of the quarterback in this 1-7 season, the quarterback — Sean Schroeder — is focused on solving the riddle of Boise State’s defense. The Warriors and Broncos meet Saturday in a nationally televised game at Aloha Stadium.

"I’m trying to do anything to get something going," Schroeder said. "We’re coming along. We’re looking forward to Saturday’s game."

UH coach Norm Chow has remained committed to Schroeder, a Duke graduate who transferred to UH this past summer. Chow has not wavered during the Warriors’ six-game losing streak.

"I don’t feel sorry," Chow said. "He chose to be a quarterback, and we chose him to be our quarterback."

Former UH quarterback Bryant Moniz empathizes with Schroeder.

"Yeah, you play for the state and you want to make the fans happy, but as long as you have the respect of your teammates, that’s all you can ask for," Moniz said. "There are tough situations you’re in. You try your best, and sometimes that’s not good enough. You have to stick it out and keep working hard and try to find answers."

Chow said Schroeder spends several hours each week studying football videos. After Wednesday’s practice, Schroeder sprinted off to prepare for a three-hour evening class.

"The rest of the time he’s free, he’s always in the office," Chow said. "He studies. He works. He tries to get better."

Schroeder did not throw a pass in three years at Duke.

"This is his first year of playing," Chow said. "There are growing pains involved. I don’t feel sorry for him. He doesn’t feel sorry for himself."

Instead, Schroeder expressed gratitude for the opportunity with the Warriors.

"I feel blessed and privileged to play this game," Schroeder said. "I count my blessings every day that I have this opportunity to come out here and chase my dreams with my teammates. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this group of guys."

After every game, Schroeder is one of the first to answer questions from reporters.

"He’s not going to duck anything," Chow said. "That’s one of the reasons he’s our quarterback. He’s mature."

The Warriors were forced to cancel Wednesday’s two-minute drill because of key injuries to receivers. Trevor Davis is not expected to play this weekend because of a strained neck. Chris Gant remained on non-contact status because of a shoulder ailment. Billy Ray Stutzmann had X-rays on a sprained ankle. Stutzmann is expected to be available for the Boise State game.