Inexperience at quarterback and wide receiver forced UH to scale down its passing attack in 2008. That won't be the case this year as UH will let it fly once again.

 

Gone is the uncertainty that saw a different quarterback start in each of the first three games last season. Quarterback coach, Nick Rolovich has high expectations for 2009 with senior Greg Alexander at starting quarterback and a solid pair of backups ready if necessary. 

 

“I'm much more confident this season,” Rolovich said.  “Brent [Rausch] and Greg [Alexander] have had a year under their belt, they're doing much better. They're much more advanced. Shane [Austin's] been here enough years to have a good idea about the offense. It's just much better for the whole team to have a little more stability at the quarterback position, not only having a starter, but having everyone knowing what they're doing.”

 

Alexander is firmly entrenched as the starter heading into the 2009 campaign. Alexander asserted himself during the final seven games of the 2008 season when he threw for 1,794 yards and 14 touchdowns to lead UH?to its third straight bowl berth. Ironically, Alexander started the 2008 season-opener at Florida but didn't see action again until midway through the season. According to Rolovich, Alexander has proven to be an excellent team leader and has the drive to lead UH to a successful 2009 season.

 

“His greatest strength is his desire to be great,” Rolovich said. “I think he really wants to be a good player—a great player—and wants to really represent this university well and this team well. He's really taken it on his shoulders and I think he's going to will us to a bunch of wins.”

 

A more relaxed, yet focused Alexander returns this year, mentioning his experience from last year has him prepared to be ready to face this season head on.

 

“I'm coming in with a different mind set obviously,” Alexander said. “My comfort level's gotten high. I've been up here for a year. I've been able to get acclimated to the guys, the program, the school, and just life here basically. So everything is just a more comfortable feel.”

 

Junior Brent Rausch will serve as Alexander's backup. Rausch attempted just 14 passes last year, but his size and live arm make him a viable starter should the opportunity arise. Sophomore Shane Austin enters the season also vying for the backup role.

 

“It's going back and forth,” Rolovich said. “One will have a good day sometimes and then the other guy will have a good day. We got Bryant Moniz creeping up so they just need to stay consistent, do what they do, don't worry about the other guys and I'm sure it will shape up here in the next week or so.”

 

Local product Moniz, who led Leilehua High School to the 2004 state championship, returns to the islands after a season as a starter at Fresno?City College.

 

Three other arms are in waiting. Freshmen David Graves, Corey Nielsen and Cayman Shutter also join the squad following prolific high school careers. According to Rolovich, the freshman newcomers have been willing and eager to learn and play football at the collegiate level.

 

“Newcomers are kind of swimming a little bit with the offense,” he said. “A couple of them have a little more knowledge than the other ones. It's a lot to learn and it's good that there's no pressure on them to perform immediately and they can soak it up. They ask good questions and they enjoy it here. I think they're three great people to have on our team. They get a grace period of learning so they're going to be fine.”

 

Meanwhile, Inoke Funaki, who started six games last year, moves to running back. Funaki led UH?to a historic road win over Fresno State, in part due to his game-breaking running abilities. A year after competing for the starting job at quarterback, the multi-talented senior will do the same at running back.

 

Starter Returning: Greg Alexander

Starters Lost: None

Letterwinner Returning: Brent Rausch

Squadmen Returning: Shane Austin

Newcomers: David Graves, Bryant Moniz, Corey Nielsen, Cayman Shutter