Quarterback Max Wittek has played his last University of Hawaii football game, but it does not mean his playing career has ended, according to interim head coach Chris Naeole.
On Friday, Wittek, a fifth-year senior, will undergo surgery to repair a patella injury in his right leg.
"He’s hurt right now," Naeole said. "He’s going to get himself cleaned up. After that, he has a shot at the NFL. Hopefully, he’ll have a shot to take part in somebody’s (training) camp."
It is a disappointing conclusion to Wittek’s 15-month tenure in Manoa. Wittek transferred from USC in August 2014, redshirted last year, and seized the quarterback’s job in spring training. But inconsistency (47.2-percent accuracy) and injuries have been hindrances this season.
Wittek played in nine games and started seven despite a sore left knee that needed to be drained repeatedly, and a foot fracture. Although his availability was in question last week, he answered the summons to play in the second half of a 42-14 loss to Fresno State.
Wittek spent practices this week assisting the other quarterbacks.
Naeole said Wittek, who is 6 feet 4 and 240 pounds, has all "the intangibles" to earn a pro tryout this coming spring.
"I’m sure he’ll get into a camp, and I’m sure he’ll do well," Naeole said.
This is not an unfamiliar scenario for a UH starting quarterback. In the past eight years, the college careers of Greg Alexander, Bryant Moniz, Taylor Graham, and Jeremy Higgins were abbreviated because of injuries.
Naeole said Ikaika Woolsey will make his third consecutive start and fourth this season. Woolsey, who started 12 of 13 games in 2014, struggled against Fresno State.
"I want to rebound from what I put on tape last week," Woolsey said. "Obviously, it was disappointing. I have to be more consistent. If you want to be a good football player, you have to be consistent."
Naeole said Beau Reilly is the No. 2 quarterback. Reilly initially signed with Colorado State before going on a two-year church mission. He joined the Warriors in June 2014, and redshirted last season. Reilly has not played in a game this season.
"He’s out there every day, and now he’s getting all the two reps," Naeole said of Reilly. "We have to continue the process with him."
Naeole said there is no No. 3 quarterback "right now."
Aaron Zwahlen, who joined in May after completing a church mission, is redshirting this season. The Warriors will not waste that status for two games. John Ursua has been used as the scout offense’s option quarterback, but he is a partial qualifier and is allowed to practice but not play in games this season.
Makoa Camanse-Stevens, who is expected to start at slotback against San Jose State on Saturday, and Adonis Phillips, a walk-on wideout, played quarterback in high school.
