2022 Position Breakdown: Quarterbacks - University of Hawai'i at Manoa Athletics (2024)

Throughout the course of fall camp, HawaiiAthletics.com will provide a breakdown of the 2022 Rainbow Warrior football team, position-by-position, as the team prepares for its season opener versus Vanderbilton Saturday, Aug 27.

For the first time since 2018, UH entered fall camp with the starting quarterback job up for grabs. Six quarterbacks have been in contention for the throne - three of whom have taken collegiate snaps at the FBS level.

With an expanded practice format, particularly at the beginning of camp, ample opportunity has been given for reps. A decision has yet to be made. But offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ian Shoemaker says there's one thing all the QBs have in common: the ability to grasp the playbook and all that's being taught on the field and in the film room.

"These guys have taken great strides," Shoemaker said. "What's nice to see is a lot of the same decisions are being made. All the eyes and the feet and the decision-making are reflecting what is being taught. Now we can make a decision from an arm strength, athleticism, and accuracy standpoint."

Shoemaker has also been impressed with their attitudes.

"They've all been very unselfish," Shoemaker said. "Nobody has complained about the amount of reps. With a number of guys competing for a spot, you're always worried about giving enough time to everybody. They've all worked together and have been open and eager to learn. They come in and watch films on their own. They draw plays on the board and work with each other and quiz each other. It's a great group to work with."

Returnees

2021 QBs lost:Chevan Cordeiro, Kamali'i Akina, Boone Abbott

Newcomers

Sophom*ore Sensation?: Brayden Schager is a top candidate for the starting spot after spending last year as an understudy to Chevan Cordeiro. Midway through the season he was thrust into action after Cordeiro went down with injury. The true freshman went 2-1 in three games as a starter, highlighted by his collegiate debut when he orchestrated a fourth-quarter comeback in UH's upset over nationally-ranked Fresno State.

Shoemaker says Schager has both the physical and mental traits to succeed and is excited about his maturation as a quarterback.

"Arm strength is never going to be a concern with him," Shoemaker said. "He's a big athlete, understands the pocket and has a good presence in there. I've seen him become more comfortable making decisions. He sees things like how I see them in my head when I'm calling the play and that excites me. He's been very invested in what we're trying to do and he's driven."

Impressive Resumes: A pair of transfers from the ACC and Pac-12 traveled across the Pacific to compete for the starting position. Joey Yellen and Cammon Cooper boast previous game experience at Power 5 schools.

Yellen served as the backup for NFL first-round pick Kenny Pickett at Pittsburgh the last two seasons, appearing in seven games with two starts .The native of Southern California also played at Arizona State and led the Sun Devils to a win over USC in his first collegiate start as a freshman.

"He has a big-time background," Shoemaker said. "He sees things and processes things fast. He's seasoned and makes mature decisions. Really great size and a strong arm. He's learned a number of offenses in his college career so he's progressing fast."

Cooper comes to UH as a graduate transfer from Washington State. The former four-star prospect out of Lehi, Utah has played in six career games, including four last year in a reserve role.

"Cam has played in the Air Raid and Run-and Shoot systems," Shoemaker said. "So he's learned two different systems and he understands football from a big picture aspect. Athletically he brings something special. He has one of the fastest times on the team. He has great length and he can drop back and throw it."

Trust Factor: Jake Farrell has thrown his hat in the ring after an impressive spring, highlighted by a three-touchdown performance on Island Day. The third-year player has since earned a scholarship and the whole-hearted trust of the coaching staff.

"He's just a consummate professional," Shoemaker said. "He's a great team player, a great leader, and gets things going. He's been consistently operating at a pretty high level. I trust everything he does."

In the Wings: Returnees Armani Edden and Connor Apo add depth to the position. Edden, who enters his third year in the program, is a former junior college standout. "He's a little smaller compared to the others but brings a lot of pluses from an athletic standpoint," Shoemaker said. "He can really zip the ball."

Redshirt freshman Apo was the heir apparent to the great lineage of Saint Louis quarterbacks before COVID wiped out his senior season of high school. He shares the same jersey number (No. 14) and alma mater as former UH gunslinger and current head coach Timmy Chang. Shoemaker said: "He grinds really hard and has come really far learning the offense He throws the most catchable ball we have."

Coach's Note: Shoemaker has honed his offensive philosophy over two decades. He's helped establish 61 total offensive school records and orchestrated the number-one ranked offense as offensive coordinator at four different programs. At his last stop, he directed FCS power Eastern Washington to an average of 537.1 yards and 41.3 points per game over three seasons. Now he joins head coach Timmy Chang in creating a "ballistic" offense attack for the Rainbow Warriors. And doing it at a place that is brand new…but fitting for himself and his family.

"The staff is really cohesive," he said. "It's been fun to bring my family here. My wife has ties to the island. My kids have Hawaiian blood in them. This is something we celebrated beforehand and getting a chance to experience it a little more has been great."

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