Brewster Hawaii’s
starter at running back

The senior beats out Michael
Bass for the right to be on the
field Sept. 4 vs. Florida Atlantic

At 5-feet-5, Michael Brewster is one of the shortest players on the Hawaii football roster. But he's looked up to.

Michael Brewster: Scored two game-winning touchdowns for Hawaii last season

"He's respected a lot," UH running backs coach Wes Suan said. "Especially in the sense of competition and great work ethic and production. His teammates see that and they acknowledge it."

Yesterday after practice, Warriors coach June Jones said Brewster had held off a challenge from fellow senior Michael Bass, and will be the starter in the one-running-back offense in the season opener Sept. 4 against Florida Atlantic.

"I would say he will start the first game," Jones said. "He's been a really dedicated player. He's tough, knows his assignments and pays attention to detail."

Brewster was UH's most consistent running back last season. He played in all 14 games, starting six. He rushed for 405 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Brewster also caught 33 passes for 363 yards. Brewster scored game-winning touchdowns against Louisiana Tech and in the Hawaii Bowl against Houston.

His strongest attribute might be his blocking, though. And that doesn't come naturally for a player of his height, even with a weightroom-sculpted 185 pounds to work with.

"Like it is with most people, it's hard to read desire, work ethic and intensity," Suan said. "But time tells and he's shown those intangibles. He always had strength and quickness."

Brewster was a walk-on at Tennessee in 2000, where he played in four games as a true freshman. UH had recruited him out of Nimitz High School in Houston, and Brewster transferred to Manoa in 2001 and spent the year on the scout team.

In 2002, he played in eight games at running back, and also returned 18 kickoffs for a 24.7-yard average.

"It seems like it's been a short time that I've been here," Brewster said. "When you go into your last season, you've got to want to play. This is it. I feel good. I know (the offense), so it's just being consistent."

Bass has the most career rushing yards (1,176) among UH's current running backs. He will likely still get significant playing time, Suan said.

Another senior, West Keli'ikipi, hasn't given up on possibly being ready to play in the opener. He's coming off knee surgery and a suspension that contributed to him reporting to camp at 280 pounds.

"He's working hard to get his leg up to par," Suan said. "There's no swelling."

Third-year sophomore Ryan Stickler, a converted quarterback, is progressing well at his new position.

"He plays and practices with a sense of urgency a lot of young players don't always have," Suan said.