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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, September 1, 2001

Former Tennessee back joins Warriors

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

In its quest for a running back, the University of Hawai'i football team found a Volunteer.

Michael Brewster, who played in four games for Tennessee last year, has joined the Warriors as a non-scholarship player. In yesterday's practice, Brewster, who played on the scout team, slipped past several starting defensive players.

"He's a good back," defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa said.

In accordance with NCAA transfer rules, Brewster must redshirt this year. After that, he will have three years to play three seasons.

As a high school senior in Houston, Brewster was named his district's top football player. He also was a sprinter on the track team, and finished second in his weight group in a national powerlifting competition. Brewster received several scholarship offers, including one from UH, but opted to join Tennessee as a walk-on.

Last year, he was on the Volunteers' travel squad for three games. In four games overall, he rushed five times for 48 yards, an average of 9.6 yards per carry. His longest run was 26 yards.

The 5-foot-7, 172-pound Brewster participated in Tennessee's recently completed preseason camp, but left the team last week.

"He called and said he wanted to come here," UH coach June Jones said.

• Seeing the light: For a change, the most common four-letter word among offensive linemen is "diet."

Two years ago, each starting linemen weighed at least 300 pounds. This year, center Brian Smith and right guard Vince Manuwai weigh less than 300, and left guard Manly Kanoa III is on the border.

"Manly looks like a different player," Jones said.

In UH's run-and-shoot offense, if only three items can be picked from the menu, the top choices would be strength, agility and technique.

"We want guys who can move," Jones said.

Inspiration came from Shayne Kajioka, who weighed 385 as a freshman in 1999. He lost 60 pounds before the start of the 2000 season, and another 10 pounds since March. He was the line's top backup last season.

"At 385 pounds, Shayne Kajioka couldn't play for anybody," Jones said. "At 315, he looks like a player."

• Another day, another job: In 13 months as a Warrior, Chad Kapanui has been used at quarterback, running back, linebacker and long-snapper. Now, he is used as the upback, the backfield blocker on punt attempts .

The job showcases Kapanui's skills in blocking and, on fakes, running and passing. "He's there because he's an athlete," Jones said.