Circumstantial evidence points to Ikaika Woolsey being proven as the University of Hawaii football team’s No. 1 quarterback this spring.
Woolsey has worked mostly with the No. 1 offense and played well in different schematic and weather conditions.
Head coach Norm Chow reaffirmed he is not ready to name a starting quarterback, a decision that could be delayed until August. Jeremy Higgins has played well, Taylor Graham is recovering from surgery to his left (non-throwing) shoulder, and Beau Reilly joins the Rainbow Warriors this June.
When pressed on the current status, Chow said, "Right now, if we had to play tomorrow — and we don’t have to play tomorrow — (Woolsey would) probably be the one."
Chow said he does not have a timetable for choosing a starter.
"We don’t have any hard-and-fast rule," Chow said. "I’ve coached quarterbacks my whole life, and it’s a gut feeling … when we’re going to have to do this. You make a clear-cut decision when you feel ready."
During Monday’s scrimmage-like session, Woolsey and slotback Quinton Pedroza teamed on a 50-yard, catch-and-sprint touchdown. Woolsey also scrambled before throwing to wideout Keith Kirkwood for a 44-yard gain.
"Ikaika’s arm is strong and fast," Kirkwood said. "He’s going to get you the ball wherever he needs to get it to. I don’t always have to rush to get to my route. If my route is a little slow, he can get the ball to me. He’s patient."
Woolsey, who joined UH in January 2012, said he has a "good understanding of the playbook. That’s helped me. I just go out there and play and not think too much."
No matter his status, Woolsey said, "I’m trying to be a leader, even if I’m not sure who’s the No. 1 or No. 2 guy. I’m going to continue to work hard and push everyone to work hard."
Pedroza on right path
During this past Saturday’s scrimmage, slotback Quinton Pedroza eluded a tackle and then scooted the rest of the way for an apparent touchdown. But the score was negated, and the ball reset, after Chow ruled Pedroza was down.
"Coach Chow didn’t have faith in me breaking tackles," Pedroza said, smiling. "He assumed that I was down."
There was an assumption Pedroza was down — and out — after he was booted from Utah’s football team last year after being cited for underaged drinking.
"I made a young and dumb mistake," said Pedroza, who was fined and ordered to attend an alcohol-awareness program. "I learned from it."
Pedroza reached out to Chow, who was Utah’s offensive coordinator in 2011. Pedroza transferred to UH last summer and redshirted in 2013.
The incident "opened my eyes and set me on the right path," Pedroza said. "The past eight months, I’ve been living in Hawaii and playing football and going to school. What else can I ask for?"
Hogan glad to be back
Defensive back Keahi Hogan‘s biggest decision wasn’t whether to transfer from Arizona to Hawaii last year.
It was years earlier, when his father wanted him to choose baseball over football. Mike Hogan is a former college baseball star.
"I’d rather hit people," said Keahi Hogan, an ‘Iolani School graduate who picked football.
After two years at Arizona, he opted to transfer to UH. "I had family stuff come up," Hogan said. "I decided to come back and play for my the family, play for the state."
