The 18-year-old freshman with the instincts of a senior was Demetreus Henderson, who would eventually start at cornerback on the best football team in the long history of the program.
Thanks to an invitation he received last week to play in the 51st annual Hula Bowl, Henderson won't be bidding a fond farewell to Aloha Stadium until next year.
The fifth-year senior strong safety is the only Hawaii player to receive an invitation to the college all-star game.
"I was hoping we could get a couple of more guys in, but we'll have to wait and see how things develop," said Rainbows head coach Fred vonAppen, who will also be an assistant coach in the game. "If we do get anybody else in, it will be at the 11th-hour."
In the past, several Rainbows have been late roster additions due to last-second injuries and cancelations. Hula Bowl organizers don't expect that kind of thing this year because of their affiliation with the American Football Coaches Association.
Hawaii has 13 seniors on this year's team. The most likely candidates are running backs Carlos Shaw and Tony Thomas, who have combined to rush for 532 yards and two touchdowns.
Henderson's numbers are pretty solid as well. Despite several nagging leg injuries, the last remaining Rainbow to play in the 1992 Holiday Bowl win over Illinois is fifth on the team in tackles with 51.
Henderson has 198 career tackles, three fumble recoveries, three interceptions and 10 pass breakups. Last year, a back injury forced the Los Angeles resident and Crenshaw High School graduate to seek a medical hardship.
"I'm looking forward to competing with some of the best players in the game," Henderson said. "I'm real excited to get to hang out in Waikiki and have fun. If you play for Hawaii, the Hula Bowl is something you want to take part in.
"Getting to practice and be around coaches like (Florida State's) Bobby Bowden and (Notre Dame's) Lou Holtz is great. It's an honor to be selected."