University of Hawaii quarterback Jeremy Moussa gets a jump on competition

Jeremy Moussa can be excused for missing Saturday’s senior prom.

Moussa will be competing at quarterback during the Hawaii football team’s 12th practice of spring training.

“It would have been fun to hang out with my friends,” said Moussa, who enrolled as a freshman at UH in January. “But that’s something you’ve got to give up.”

Moussa signed a letter of intent with the Rainbow Warriors in December. He met the requirements to earn his diploma a semester early from Eleanor Roosevelt High in Corona, Calif. He said he will participate in Roosevelt’s commencement ceremony in June.

Moussa said the early enrollment provided a head start in learning the Warriors’ resurrected run-and-shoot offense.

“I wanted to do something that would better me,” Moussa said of his decision, adding his parents were “sad they had to let their son go a little early. But it’s not like I’m not going to be around anymore.”

Quarterbacks coach Craig Stutzmann acknowledged Moussa’s sacrifice. Stutzmann’s younger brother, Billy Ray Stutzmann, graduated a semester early from Saint Louis School to join the Warriors in January 2009. Billy Ray Stutzmann is now an offensive intern with the Warriors.

“You’ve got a lot of cool things going on as a high school senior,” Craig Stutzmann said. “For (Moussa) to give that up to get into the next chapter of his life and compete at a high level, that says a lot about him. We couldn’t be more excited to have him here right now. He wants to prove himself. And he does it at all hours.”

Moussa, who turns 18 in July, is too young to vote or serve on a jury. But he is mature enough to take reps at quarterback this spring training.

“That’s definitely a benefit,” head coach Nick Rolovich said of Moussa’s early enrollment. “In hindsight, it’s critical with the numbers we have at quarterback.”

Moussa, Cole McDonald and walk-on Justin Uahinui are the only quarterbacks in UH’s spring training. Saint Louis School senior Chevan Cordeiro and graduate transfer Kolney Cassel will join the Warriors in June.

Rolovich said the 6-foot-3, 210-pound Moussa has “good arm talent” and intelligence, and “he cares about football a lot.”

Rolovich said Moussa has worked on his footwork and quickening his release. “He’s seen a lot for a 17-year-old kid,” Rolovich said.

Stutzmann said McDonald has been helpful in offering tips to Moussa. “They have a really good bond, even though they’re competing for the same position,” Stutzmann said. “It’s been working out well.”

Moussa said he is adjusting to college life.

“It’s definitely different,” he said. “You definitely feel like the young one out there. It’s been good. The guys have been taking me under their wing. They’ve showed me the ways around here. It’s been fun.”

But Moussa said the most enjoyable moments have been on the field.

“I just love coming out here,” Moussa said following Thursday’s practice on the grass field. “When something you love is this much fun, it shouldn’t be a burden. Football is not a burden for me. I enjoy coming out to practice, even if we have to wake up at 4:30 to come out here. I’m still looking forward to coming out here and throwing the ball around.”