After 11 training-camp practices, the University of Hawaii football team has established a solid backup plan at its key position.

Brayden Schager, a freshman from Dallas, has solidified the top understudy’s role in support of starting quarterback Chevan Cordeiro.

Offensive coordinator Bo Graham said Cordeiro, a fourth-year sophomore and Saint Louis School alumnus, has “really stepped up as a leader. We’re building everything around him.”

Graham said Schager has “stepped up as the No. 2 guy.” Even before reserve quarterback Boone Abbott entered the transfer portal this week, Schager was getting significant reps in passing drills and 11-on-11 sessions.

“Really big arm,” Graham said of Schager, who graduated from Highland Park High two months ago. “I think he’s a smart player. He’s a guy who can process information quickly. That’s a big part of what we do. I couldn’t be more proud of his development. The last couple weeks, we really challenged him, and he really stepped up.”

In January, Schager showed his toughness in the regional final. According to the Dallas Morning News, Schager broke his jaw and chipped four teeth during a run. He did not miss a play.

Graham said Schager has adjusted to the quick tempo of the Warriors’ run-and-gun offense.

“I think he’s a student of the game,” Graham said. “I think that’s what kind of set him at No. 2. It kind of set him apart from some of those other guys. He’s just able to process information. He understands he’s the point guard in our offense, and making quick decisions, and putting the ball where it’s supposed to be on time, he’s got a knack for that.”

Graham said Schager has earned respect in the huddle.

“I think in the short period of time, they have a great amount of trust (in Schager),” Graham said. “He’s been able to create explosive plays and exploit matchups. I think we feel much better about that spot than we did last year. … I tell him all the time, he’s one play away from everybody’s future being in his hands. He has to stay ready so he doesn’t have to get ready.”

Graham acknowledged Schager and Cordeiro do not have identical talents.

“There are things Chevan can do that maybe Brayden’s not as good at,” Graham said. “And there are things Brayden brings to the table that maybe he does a little bit better. They have different skill sets. But to be able to see that in person, being able to work with the guys, kind of gives you an idea of how you’d play with each one of them. I think we can be explosive with either guy.”

Last year, running back/receiver Calvin Turner was used as a wildcat quarterback. Turner will continue to be used as a wildcat in change-of-pace situations. He also is one of the options as the No. 3 quarterback.

Fourth-year junior Armani Edden, second-year freshman Jake Farrell, Connor Apo, a 2021 Saint Louis School graduate, and senior Kamali‘i Akina also are competing for the No. 3 quarterback spot. “If we ever get to that spot, it’ll be comparing the development of the third quarterback to what Calvin can offer,” Graham said.