UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII FOOTBALL
Hawaii No. 19 in 2 preseason top 25 polls
Lindy's picks Brennan as first-team All-American
The preseason accolades for senior quarterback Colt Brennan and the University of Hawaii football team are coming fast and furious.
Athlon Sports and Lindy's magazines have Hawaii ranked 19th in their preseason polls, while Brennan was named first-team All-American by Lindy's and second-team All-American by Athlon. Normally, head coach June Jones doesn't pay too much attention to these national publications, but conceded after the spring game that Brennan deserves anything that comes his way.
The two publications also tabbed the Warriors as the team to beat in the Western Athletic Conference, saying having Boise State and Fresno State at home gives Hawaii a decided edge in the league chase.
Lindy's and Athlon Sports magazines have the University of Hawaii football team ranked 19th in their respective top 25 preseason polls and both national publications have picked the Warriors to win the Western Athletic Conference championship.
"We're not too worried about preseason polls at this point," UH head coach June Jones said after learning of the Lindy's ranking on April 28. "But it's good to get the recognition and all. What we need to focus on is winning that first football game."
Both publications gave UH senior quarterback Colt Brennan some high praise as well. Lindy's selected Brennan preseason first-team All-American, while Athlon listed him as second-team preseason All-American. Brennan was excited to learn after the spring game that he was listed first team by the prestigious publication.
"I got some small recognition last year, but to be named first team is quite an honor," Brennan said. "I don't really think about any of that stuff. It's something that comes your way if you play well as an individual and win as a team. We're all about winning here. To be nationally ranked in the preseason reflects how good we can be as a team. It's great anytime you get national recognition."
Both magazines listed Brennan as first-team All-WAC. Joining him on Athlon's first-team All-WAC are wideout Davone Bess, who also was selected third-team All-American, offensive linemen Hercules Satele and John Estes, defensive lineman Michael Lafaele and place-kicker Dan Kelly.
The second-team selections by Athlon were wideout Jason Rivers, linebacker Adam Leonard and safety Jacob Patek. Joining Brennan on the first-team All-WAC in Lindy's are Bess, Lafaele and Leonard. Kelly, Satele and Estes were named second-team All-WAC by Lindy's as well Rivers.
Lindy's also picked Brennan as the top offensive player of the year in the WAC. He led the nation in seven statistical categories last season, including total offense (422.5 yards a game), touchdown passes (58), passing efficiency (186.0) and completion percentage (72.6).
He also helped the Warriors finish first nationally in scoring offense (46.9 points a game), passing offense (441.3 yards a game) and total offense (559.2).
"Colt certainly deserves the accolades coming his way," Jones said of Brennan being named first-team All-American by Lindy's. "He was the best quarterback in the country last season. We're glad to have him back because he makes us that much better of a football team."