The University of Hawaii opened spring training — and the quarterback competition— with Monday’s first of 15 practices spread over five weeks.

Dru Brown, who started 10 games after joining the Rainbow Warriors in July 2016, has the obvious edge in a competition that includes Cole McDonald, Cole Brownholtz, Kyle Gallup and Hunter Hughes. Ikaika Woolsey graduated, and Aaron Zwahlen and Beau Reilly transferred.

“There will have to be some strong performances from the Coles and somebody else to unseat (Brown),” coach Nick Rolovich said. “But if (Brown) wants to come in here and bring a beach chair and umbrella and think he’s going to get it done, that’s not how it works.”

Brown, who ascended from a quarterback group of eight last year, welcomed another challenge round. “I’m excited (Rolovich is) giving everyone a chance, just like he gave me one last year,” Brown said. “It should never be a clean-cut starter. It’s the only way we’ll get better. Would I like to get a lot of reps? Of course, everybody would. All five of us are competitors. … We’ll all get better as long as we continue to compete and get better every day.”

Last year, Brown voiced his opposition when it was proposed he rest for a series in a game. “Being competitive is something I’m not short on,” Brown said. “I like the games that Rolo sometimes plays. He plays some mind games to test your mental toughness. It’s something you get used to, something I really enjoy. Ultimately, it makes you a better competitor and a better football player.”

Rolovich said Brown “loves the game of football. He loves the (quarterback) position. I think that’s why he is the way he is. He’s not the biggest guy. People have doubted him in his life, especially in this game. He’s kind of like me. I was out to prove people wrong. That’s him, too.”

McDonald, who redshirted as a freshman in 2016, joined last June after intensive training. “I trained with the intent to start,” McDonald said.

The coaches struggled with McDonald’s playing status before deciding to adhere to the redshirt plan. McDonald, who turns 19 in May, said he benefited from a year in which he developed emotionally and physically. “It was a good year to learn the offense,” McDonald said.

Brownholtz, who also redshirted after transferring from a junior college, spent 2016 improving his accuracy and physique. He gained 10 pounds — and perspective. Brownholtz has decided to use the coaches’ recommended footwork. “Sometimes I’m a little stubborn and like it my way,” Brownholtz said. “My ways aren’t always right, and their ways are right most of the time.”

Brownholtz also is learning to throw passes with less oomph. “He tries to throw everything as hard as he can all the time,” Rolovich said. “If you have that weapon, you use it when you need it.”

Gallup left Marshall after a year because his mother, whose medical condition was aggravated by cold weather, considered moving from Colorado to Hawaii. Because of paperwork problems originating from Marshall, which would have allowed Gallup a waiver to play immediately, he had to redshirt in 2016. He used the year to work on several aspects.

“He’s a buff dude,” Rolovich said, pointing to Gallup. “Look at those triceps. He’s not afraid to work. He’s a man on a mission.”

Rolovich said Hunter, who is fifth on the five-quarterback depth chart, has improved as a passer and served as mentor to the younger players. “He’s an unbelievable locker-room guy,” Rolovich said.