David Graves would have enjoyed more time with his guitar and saxophone this summer. He’s an accomplished musician who considered band his "second sport" while in high school. "It was pretty competitive (at Folsom High School in California)," he said. "We’d spend the spring traveling around the country with our high school jazz band."
He has on occasion jammed with local jazz bands.
But the musical side of the multi-talented Graves has been on hold lately. He had unfinished business on the football field when University of Hawaii spring practice concluded. Graves entered camp as the favorite to win the starting quarterback job for new head coach Norm Chow’s first season, but ended it as co-No. 1 with Utah State transfer Jeremy Higgins.
"I wouldn’t use the word disappointing, but more motivating," Graves said Tuesday.
Adapting to Chow’s pro set from the run-and-shoot didn’t go smoothly and UH starts fall camp Thursday with no starter. With the opener at USC one month away, Graves is confident he can outperform Higgins and Duke transfer Sean Schroeder in the coming days and make the job his.
He amassed summer school credits in both sessions. Graves is scheduled to graduate in communicology this fall, in 31/2 semesters, and plans on graduate school and playing his senior season at UH in 2013.
When he wasn’t schooling, he worked out with Patrick Gallagher at Pure Athletics and former Cal and New York Jets quarterback Troy Taylor, who was his P.E. teacher at Folsom.
"Patrick helped me with lateral movement, explosion," Graves said. "Troy worked with me on footwork and the quarterback drop. He refined my skills."
He said spring practice was a learning experience for the entire team. "A lot of miscommunication and uncertainty. I look forward to everyone being in the right spots now. Once I feel we are together I feel I can emerge."
Few, if any, know what to expect this season from a UH team coming off a 6-7 record in 2011, including losses in four of its last five games. Some predictions had the Warriors winning the Western Athletic Conference championship in 2011.
But unexpected losses to UNLV, San Jose State and Utah State spurred mass dissatisfaction among fans and led to a coaching change. The tumultuous season even included accusations of point-shaving.
After quarterback Bryant Moniz was lost to injury with three games left, senior Shane Austin and then Graves were thrown into action. Graves led UH to a win against Tulane and displayed enough playmaking ability to be considered the top contender to start this year — even with a new coaching staff and the drastic change in offensive scheme.
We’ll start to see Thursday if Graves’ summer work pays off.
Whoever is at quarterback in 2012, it’s looking like a transition season all the way around. But Graves made a bold prediction when asked about team objectives. "A great goal is always a 10-win season," he said.
Individually, it’s not about numbers, said Graves, who completed 57 percent of his 110 passes last year, with five touchdowns and two interceptions. "It’s to lead the team, and specifically the offense. My leadership style is by example, to help push everyone toward the end result."
That leadership by example has meant few if any evenings out this summer for Graves. No jamming at night spots with bands. He described the three arrests of Warriors for suspicion of DUI this offseason as "super unfortunate."
"Paipai (Falemalu) and I and other (team leaders) have held meetings to try to get everyone to buckle down. Our goal is for no one to put themselves at risk. But we have a system. Phone numbers. A guy always on call for a ride. (Grad assistant) Inoke Funaki is available. I have a car. I’m willing to pick up (teammates). I might lose a little sleep, but that’s better than what could happen."
