The exit door was open for University of Hawaii football player Joey Iosefa.

After closing the 2013 season with the best four-game production by a UH running back in the past two decades — 586 yards and five touchdowns — Iosefa had a clear path into the NFL Draft. He was built like a fullback with a running back’s speed, receiver’s hands and quarterback’s arm (two career TD passes).

But Iosefa chose to return for his senior season, deciding it was more important to walk at a graduation ceremony before running in the pros.

"I can be the first person in my family to get a college degree," said Iosefa, who is majoring in political science and sociology. "A degree is something to always fall back on."

Iosefa said he spoke with some people familiar with the NFL Draft and "I got some good vibes. But school comes first."

He was on track to earn a degree in May. He now will wait until December.

Iosefa declined to purchase an insurance policy protecting against a severe injury in a college game.

"I put my faith in my hard work and trust in my teammates," Iosefa said.

Iosefa, who missed nearly eight full games because of a foot injury last year, was expected to be used sparingly in spring ball. But he was with the first-team offense during team drills, and he caught two long passes from quarterback Ikaika Woolsey.

"I’m enjoying my last year as a UH student-athlete," Iosefa said.

If he were to have applied for next month’s NFL Draft, Iosefa said, "I would miss a lot. You can’t go back and go to school and play (college) football again. Things go forward. They don’t go backward."

Woolsey takes most reps, though doesn’t top chart

Quarterback Ikaika Woolsey took most of the first-team reps during Thursday’s practice.

The rotation turn does not mean Woolsey is atop the depth chart. The Rainbow Warriors remain faithful to a schedule of extending the quarterback competition through this summer.

"Competition breeds excellence," Woolsey said. "I’m looking forward to it."

Taylor Graham, who had surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder in January, and Jeremy Higgins split the remaining reps. Beau Reilly, who watched from the sideline, will join the Warriors after his scholarship is activated in June.