Quarterback Taylor Graham was on a roll.
The punishment for throwing an interception in practice is to roll 20 yards. Graham’s lone interception came on the final play of the 90-minute practice.
Before that, Graham was on a roll in leading the renovated offense in the first practice of training camp.
"It was a good day," Graham said. "The offensive line did a great job. We’re trying to go a little faster."
He said the new receivers benefitted from unsupervised workouts this summer.
"We worked out on our own to hit the ground running," Graham said. "You can see some of the guys were swimming a little bit, but they were ahead of where they’d be if they didn’t work out."
Graham was at Ohio State for two years before transferring to UH and redshirting in 2012. He is preparing for his first college start when the Rainbow Warriors open against USC on Aug. 29.
Quarterbacks coach Jordan Wynn told Graham to "remain calm. Just go out and play your game."
Head coach Norm Chow said Friday’s practice "was one of the best I’ve been part of."
Chow credited Gary Beemer, the new strength coach, for creating a rigorous offseason conditioning program.
"I thought the guys gave us a tremendous effort," Chow said. "You could tell they were in better condition."
Beemer said: "The guys attacked the practice. They worked their butts off this summer. If you train hard, then you’re in shape to practice hard. And if you practice hard, you can play in a game hard."
Schroeder not 100 percent
Quarterback Sean Schroeder, who underwent back surgery on April 1, practiced while wearing a yellow jersey. Quarterbacks, who are not allowed to be hit in practice, usually wear red.
"The yellow was an extra precaution," Chow said.
Schroeder threw accurately and without much discomfort.
"I’m definitely not 100 percent yet, but I think I’m progressing fairly quickly and feeling pretty good," Schroeder said.
Younger receivers adjusting
Marcus Kemp was among six new receivers in camp.
"I’m not used to this type of play, coming from high school to down here," Kemp said. "It’s a different level. I’m getting used to it. I’ll be ready."
Wide receiver Vasquez Haynes said he tweaked his right shoulder while diving for a low pass.
"If I had pads, I would have been OK," Haynes said. "I would have made the play."
Stutzmann out after car wreck
Wide receiver Billy Ray Stutzmann did not practice Friday while recovering from an apparent concussion suffered in a car accident on Wednesday night. Stutzmann is scheduled to have a concussion assessment today.
