They were vaguely aware of each other, players nearly the same age playing in the same conference.

There was no other connection between Max Wittek and Quinton Pedroza, but now that is exactly what they are doing on a regular basis as members of the University of Hawaii football team, on the field and off.

Connecting.

“Coming here from the Pac-12 to the Mountain West, that gave us a bond. I knew what he was going through, getting used to a different system, new faces,” said Pedroza, after Thursday’s practice. “He’s a great guy. Ever since he came here he’s been my best friend out here. We go to movies, just hang out.”

Other than in the theater, there’s usually a football involved. Wittek, the former USC quarterback, and Pedroza, the ex-Utah receiver, threw and caught passes. Endlessly.

On most days, they were joined by others. Offensive coordinator Don Bailey said it’s obvious they came to camp, which started Wednesday, well-prepared.

“(At quarterback and receiver) you can get better on your own,” the new OC said. “You can get together over the summer. You can improve, and dramatically.”

This is one reason why it’s good to name a starting quarterback — and a captain, which Wittek also is — after spring practice. Leadership is more likely when there’s a clear leader.

“I’m a firm believer in chemistry,” Wittek said. “I told my receivers and backs and offensive linemen that a lot of completions happen off the field, building the line of communication.”

Adjustments, corrections and suggestions “works both ways,” Wittek added. “They don’t hesitate to tell me if I need to put the ball in a different place.”

Some of UH’s best players over the years started their college careers at big programs in big conferences. Heisman finalist Colt Brennan (who also happened to go to Wittek’s high school, quarterback factory Mater Dei) comes to mind immediately. He started out at Colorado, as did current defensive lineman Kory Rasmussen.

“Whoever you are, your first week you gotta prove yourself,” said Rasmussen, a Kamehameha product who was considered the No. 3 overall prospect coming out of Hawaii in 2012 and returned as a walk-on. “It doesn’t matter where you came from, you could get cut at anytime.”

Wittek and Pedroza both said they use where-they-were as fuel for the here-and-now.

“Coming from places with bigger facilities, that kind of gives us an underdog mentality now,” Wittek said. “I never worked harder in the summer in my entire college career. (Strength and conditioning) Coach (Gary) Beemer coached us to the brink.”

The imposing first part of the schedule that features three ranked opponents, including defending national champion Ohio State on the road, has most observers discounting the Rainbow Warriors. But the players say they thrive on such challenges.

“I love being the underdog. I’ve always been doubted,” said Pedroza, who led UH with 59 receptions last year. “A lot of coaches and people say ignore everything, all the blogs and stuff. I love reading it, no matter if it’s good, bad or horrible. It gives me the burning desire to prove them wrong.”

Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783. His blog is at Hawaiiwarriorworld.com/quick-reads.