It was one of those mornings for which the snooze button was invented. But with the dawn’s early light in the background, Taylor Graham already was running sprints at the University of Hawaii’s Ching field. When the 75-minute conditioning session was completed, Graham watched football videos and, later that day, led his Warriors teammates in 7-on-7 drills.
"Taylor Graham is a hard worker," said Gary Beemer, who oversees the Warriors’ strength and conditioning program.
Graham exited spring training as the Warriors’ No. 1 quarterback. UH coach Norm Chow said the position will be "competitive" during training camp, which opens Aug. 1. But Graham has a sizeable head start.
Chow selected Graham and defensive tackle Siasau Matagiese to represent the Warriors at next month’s Mountain West Conference media preview in Las Vegas.
Chow said it was an easy choice despite Graham’s inexperience. He redshirted as a freshman at Ohio State in 2010, was a backup in 2011, and then transferred to UH in January 2012. He redshirted in 2012 in accordance with NCAA transfer rules.
"We were recruiting him out of high school," Chow said, referring to his role as UCLA’s offensive coordinator in 2010. "It wasn’t like he was some unknown guy. We know he will represent us well."
Chow said Graham was impressive in practices last year, portraying the upcoming opponent’s quarterback. That meant learning a new scheme each week, and test-driving it against the Warriors’ starting defense in practices. One week Graham was a drop-back passer, the next he was throwing out of a spread formation.
Graham has a strong arm and quick awareness in identifying defensive tactics. Graham’s best asset, Chow said, is commanding the huddle.
"He’s a guy who rallies people — by example, by hard work," Chow said. "He does all the right things."
Graham took the first snap of spring training, and gripped the top spot through the 15 practices stretched over five weeks. The Warriors will have four quarterbacks in fall training camp. Sean Schroeder, who started 11 of 12 games last year, is recovering from back surgery and is expected to resume training on July 1. Jeremy Higgins, who started a game, and Ikaika Woolsey, who redshirted in 2012, are the others. Cayman Shutter is enrolled at Regina University while awaiting a shot in the Canadian Football League, and Justin Alo is transferring to a junior college.
Graham said he is at ease in Hawaii. He shares an off-campus apartment with teammates Donnie King, Tyler Hadden and Duke Bukoski.
"I’ve been here at UH longer than I was at my previous school," Graham said. "I believe I’m a Warrior through and through. I consider myself to be part of this program now and for the rest of my life."
As for his No. 1 role, Graham said: "That’s something I’ve been working for for a long time. I’ve proven during spring ball I deserve the job, and I want to build on that as a team in looking forward."
Bukoski said Graham is an easy-going roommate who never gets mad, has bouts of "messiness," and entertains by singing country songs and playing the guitar.
"We need leaders, and he’s one of the leaders," running back Joey Iosefa said. "He’s always motivating us."
Graham’s energy comes from daily iron.
"He’s a weight-room leader," offensive lineman Mike Milovale said. "It’s not the amount he lifts. It’s about always being in there and working hard."
Graham is 6 feet 5, 235 pounds — the same weight as when spring training ended. Beemer said Graham traded "fat mass" for "muscle mass." It is why Graham appears to be leaner.
"That’s a credit to Coach Beemer," Graham said. "We’re all sculpted differently than we were before."
Graham said he has tightened his throwing mechanics. Most of all, Graham said, "it’s going out and throwing and having fun with the guys. We’re all putting in the work. There’s no time limit. There’s no time we’re trying to meet. We’re trying to get better every day."
Graham said he also works on his leadership skills.
"I think humility is the way to do it — lead by example, and let the work ethic and play follow," Graham said. "We’re all leaders. It’s on us. It’s our responsibility to get better and try to improve this summer."
Chow said: "He’s very confident and he’s very humble. He’s a very spiritual guy. He’s a typical guy you want to be around. He’s a good player. The man upstairs gave him some good skills."
After a recent workout, it still was not yet 7 a.m. Graham scanned Ching field.
"What an amazing setting," Graham said. "The wind is blowing. It’s amazing to be here in the valley of Manoa. I’m very grateful."
