Perhaps inspired by Tom Sawyer’s unpainted fence, Hawaii football coach Norm Chow concocted FUBAR.

The Warriors’ last workout of the offseason conditioning program — "fouled up beyond all recognition" — was eight ache-and-regurgitation-inducing disciplines disguised as creative activities.

One of the drills required each player to hoist a teammate while running 20-yard sprints.

"They talked about the symbolism of carrying your teammates," quarterback Taylor Graham said, "and we actually carried our teammates. It got tough toward the end. You needed to be mentally tough to finish."

Now Graham, an Ohio State transfer who redshirted in 2012, will get the first opportunity to carry the Warriors this year. Chow said Graham will take the first snap for Tuesday’s opening practice of spring training.

"We think he can be something special," Chow said.

Graham requested a release after Ohio State hired coach Urban Meyer, who planned to implement a read-spread offense. Graham then contacted Chow, whom UH hired in December 2011. Chow was UCLA’s offensive coordinator when he tried to recruit Graham out of high school.

Graham thrived as the scout quarterback, running the upcoming opponent’s offense during practices this past season. Graham will inherit a UH offense that might undergo some tweaks.

The Warriors are committed to a running attack. But they were in three-receiver sets the majority of plays in 2012, and newly hired offensive coordinator Aaron Price has a background in spread schemes.

"I love to throw the ball as much as anybody," said Chow, who coached three Heisman Trophy quarterbacks at Brigham Young and USC. "I’m not opposed to throwing the football. Believe me, I’d like to do more. And with Aaron coming in, with his experience, we probably will do more. But we’re going to make sure teams have to defend the run and the tight end. When we were tossing the ball all over the lot, we still had a 1,000-yard rusher every single year."

Graham has a strong arm, deceptive mobility and an itch from limited action the past three years.

"It’s a different role I haven’t had in a long time since high school," Graham said. "It’s a new role, but it’s a role I’ve been waiting for, and I feel I’m up to the challenge."