Woolsey named UH’s starting quarterback
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Ikaika Woolsey practiced at UH on Aug. 8. Today he was named the starting quarterback for the University of Hawaii football team.
What was widely speculated became reality today when Ikaika Woolsey was named the starting quarterback for the University of Hawaii football team.
A competition that began in spring training and intensified in this month’s training camp was resolved when first-year head coach Nick Rolovich picked the Rainbow Warriors’ most experienced quarterback. Woolsey, a fifth-year senior, is the only quarterback on the roster to have played in an NCAA football game.
Rolovich emphasized that “games played doesn’t matter here,” and that freshman Cole McDonald had an equal chance when training camp opened on Aug. 1.
“The team deserves the best chance to win right now,” Rolovich said. “We felt Ikaika gave us that.”
Rolovich added: “I thought Ikaika was executing the little things in the offense most consistent. The leadership he brought, especially through the summer and fall camp, was good.”
Woolsey has had seven offensive coordinators since joining the Warriors in January 2012. But he appears to have adjusted to the hybrid offense that includes elements of run-and-shoot, read-option and run-pass-option schemes.
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Rolovich said the other two finalists, Aaron Zwahlen and Dru Brown, are expected to continue competing for playing time.
“I told those guys they’d better be nipping at (Woolsey’s) ankles,” Rolovich said. “If they don’t do that, we’re not a better football team. They need Ikaika to be the best he can be, and if they end up being better than him at some point in the year, we can make that change. Right now, we feel Ikaika has done enough to earn this right to lead us in Australia.”
The Warriors depart Saturday ahead of the Aug. 26 (Hawaii time) opener against California in Sydney.
Following is the depth chart released by the school today:
OFFENSE:
Left tackle: 1) Dejon Allen. 2) Matt Norman.
Left guard: 1) Elijah Tupai. 2) JR Hensley.
Center: 1) Asotui Eli. 2) John Wa‘a.
Right guard: 1) Leo Koloamatangi. 2) Chris Posa.
Right tackle: 1) RJ Hollis. 2) Kingjames Taylor.
Tight end: 1) Dakota Torres. 2) Metuisela ‘Unga.
Z receiver: 1) Marcus Kemp. 2) Isaiah Bernard, Keelan Ewaliko.
X receiver: 1) Ammon Barker. 2) Devan Stubblefield, Makoa Camanse-Stevens.
Slotback: 1) John Ursua. 2) Dylan Collie.
Quarterback: 1) Ikaika Woolsey. 2) Aaron Zwahlen, Dru Brown.
Running back: 1) Diocemy Saint Juste, Paul Harris. 3) Steven Lakalaka, Ryan Tuiasoa.
DEFENSE:
End: 1) Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea. 2) Tevarua Eldridge.
Nose tackle: 1) Kory Rasmussen. 2) Penitito Faalologo, Samiuela Akoteu.
Tackle: 1) Zeno Choi. 2) Ka‘aumoana Gifford, Viane Moala.
End: 1) David Manoa. 2) Meffy Kaloamatangi.
Sam linebacker: 1) Malachi Mageo. 2) Dany Mulanga, Jeremiah Pritchard.
Mike linebacker: 1) Jahlani Tavai. 2) Solomon Matautia.
Will linebacker: 1) Russell Williams Jr., Jerrol Garcia-Williams. 3) Ikem Okeke.
Cornerback: 1) Jalen Rogers. 2) Cameron Hayes.
Safety: 1) Trayvon Henderson. 2) Damien Packer.
Safety: 1) Daniel Lewis. 2) Austin Gerard.
Cornerback: 1) Jamal Mayo. 2) Rojesterman Farris II.
SPECIALISTS:
Place-kicker: 1) Rigo Sanchez. 2) Alex Trifonovitch.
Punter: 1) Rigo Sanchez. 2) Alex Trifonovitch.
Kickoff returner: 1) Keelan Ewaliko. 2) Paul Harris.
Punt returner: 1) John Ursua. 2) Dylan Collie.
Long snapper: 1) Noah Borden. 2) Brodie Nakama.
Short snapper: 1) Brodie Nakama. 2) Noah Borden.
16 responses to “Woolsey named UH’s starting quarterback”
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Most familiar with the read-option and was recruited for the run-and-shoot. Should do better without having to pass only on 3rd and long because the first 2 run up the middle plays didn’t work.
That’s all that it is. Gotta give him a shot as the only guy with any D1 game experience too. Let’s hope for the best but keep expectations in check. Go Bows!
Looking good at the slot back with Ursua.
nothing new here folks I already commented about Woolsey being the starter in the other article about 3 number 1 starters.
Good Luck to the Rainbow Warriors down Under!
since this is rolo’s first year, he should choose a qb that can develop into a first rate qb. ikaika only has one year, then next year he will have to do it again. no one will be criticized for losing in the first year, but second, it is more severe.
What happened to Keala Santiago? i thought he was having an outstanding camp.
Hope he has greatly improved from the previous years performance and hope Marcus Kemp learned how to take a hit and can catch a ball instead of hearing footsteps and dropping everything.
Great, until Woosley can prove he is a gamer and not a practice player all star, I expect the same results.
I was hoping for new blood, since Woosley showed us what he can do. Lose and throw picks and 45% passing completion.
Where is Keala Santiago? Best player not in the two deep?
Hope they never have to throw the ball.
that would be cool if Woolsey could do for Rolo what Dan Robinson did for coach JJ in the first years….both are/were seniors coming off previous frustrating seasons….
I believe in Nick Rolovich. Like other UH QBs and players and coaches who walk the walk, he has become a football genius and he is about to unleash his skills and leadership on the NCAA football program. He has put together a remarkably good line-up for this years schedule and a coaching staff that we should hang on to forever. The big time coaches and players who have come to UH and encouraged our coaches and players is a good bar of how Rolo and his program is perceived by the rest of the league and NFL teams. Roll is attracting top talent and we absolutely have to stand behind him and this program because we will get everything we ever hoped, wished, and dreamed for if we are on his team too!
Agreed.
da O-line looks BEAST! we got some braddahs with some size and mass… go get um boys!
Ikaika was chosen by the flip of a coin.
Could have (Should have???) gone to any of the other QBs