Hawaii football: Chevan Cordeiro welcomes Todd Graham as coach
A 2020 Hawaii football team leader spoke about his outlook for the program on Wednesday afternoon.
Todd Graham? Sure. He was all over the news.
But presumptive 2020 starting quarterback Chevan Cordeiro also lent his voice in a 1-on-1 interview with Hawaii Warrior World as he came off the Clarence T.C. Athletics Complex practice field from a workout with teammates.
Cordeiro, who will be a third-year sophomore in the fall, connected with Graham almost immediately. He actually took the initiative, sending the new coach a welcoming text message shortly after the announcement of his hire on Tuesday night.
Wednesday morning, Graham spoke to the team.
“I mean, shoot, it was crazy. He came in, he was real motivational, he just told us about his past,” Cordeiro said. “He has strong faith. It was real motivational. Everyone was quiet, just staring at him. He really got our attention. I mean, we’re all bought in. We all know our one goal is winning the Mountain West championship and … we have a strong connection with each other. We’re like brothers and I mean, we got one goal.”
Graham, for his part, seemed just as receptive to work with Cordeiro, whom he saw at least once last season during the Saint Louis product’s stints spelling starter Cole McDonald.
New #HawaiiFB head coach on returning quarterback Chevan Cordeiro:
“I like him a lot. He’s the first guy I called.” pic.twitter.com/51haZWHZj8
— Hawaii Warrior World (@hawaiiwworld) January 23, 2020
For more on Cordeiro’s thoughts, check Thursday’s print edition of the Star-Advertiser.
I think Rolo got us to where we are today. Winning has brought respect back to our football program. In doing so we were able to attract great football coaches that will continue the winning tradition towards a MWC Championship. I know it’s early but I believe that coach Todd Graham is the right fit and right coach to take the program to the next level. He has my support as a fan of UH. I will continue my purchase of season tickets. I suggest everyone to buy your season tickets now whole supplies last. It’s going to be an exciting first year under coach Todd Graham.
Seeing Rolo leave for Wazzu was tough, watching the team carry on without a leader was impressive. Rolo created a solid foundation for a program that had lost its identity. I strongly feel it is because of the work that Rolo and his staff had done is the reason why we are fortunate to have Coach Graham, he is a people person, humble and willing to learn too. I am going to renew my season tickets as soon as it is open Aloha Coach Graham ,welina to Warrior country
I like graham’s moto that he wants to win championships, whereas chow’s moto was “chasing championships.” you need to positive, not hesitant. we want to win championships not just chasing. it can be done, we will need the players and good coaching. great players make good coaches look great but great coaches cannot make great players, as they are limited by their ability.
Why the assumption that Cordiero will automatically be the starter? He had mixed results the last 2 seasons and didn’t look like a sure thing like it seems so many are trying to make him out to be.