Former Warrior McBriar signs deal with Broncos

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Punter Mat McBriar became the latest former University of Hawai'i football player to join the Mile High club.

McBriar said he has reached an agreement on a free-agent contract with the Denver Broncos. Kicker Jason Elam, wide receiver Ashley Lelie and quarterback Nick Rolovich are UH alumni on the Bronco roster. Team owner Pat Bowlen owns a house in Hawai'i.

"Hopefully, it's a perfect fit," McBriar said. "I can't wait to get up there and see what's up."

McBriar said he will attend the Broncos' minicamp May 8-9, but is not certain if he will be allowed to compete in drills. McBriar, who is a resident of Australia, is in the United States on a student visa. He has applied for a work visa.

"We have to get it worked out," he said.

The Broncos yesterday added McBriar to the roster listed on their Web site.

The only other punter is Micah Knorr, a third-year professional from Utah State. Knorr, who played two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before signing with the Broncos, averaged 37.8 yards per punt in seven games last year. His longest punt was 59 yards.

Last season, McBriar averaged 44.8 yards per punt, with a long of 73 yards. Of his 48 punts, only 26 were returned. Twelve were downed inside the 20, six were touchbacks and four resulted in fair catches.

McBriar competed in the NFL Combine for draft prospects in February. After the seven-round draft was completed Sunday, McBriar said, "the phone was ringing quite a bit."

He received four offers, but chose the Broncos because of their commitment to kickers — Elam has played 10 years in Denver — and the chance to be reunited with Rolovich and Lelie. He also looks forward to punting in Denver's thin air.

"It could be a real good thing, hopefully," McBriar said.

Meanwhile, former UH offensive lineman Lui Fuata will undergo a physical examination with the New York Jets' doctors in June. The Jets will offer Fuata a free-agent contract if he passes the physical.

In December, Fuata underwent cartilage surgery on his left knee. In January, he had surgery to repair a torn left ligament. Fuata has resumed workouts.

Fuata has played tackle, guard and center for the Warriors. He also can snap on field-goal kicks and extra-point attempts. In 1999, he won a dodgeball competition among UH football players.

"He's smart, a good athlete, and he can play every line position," said Mike Cavanaugh, who coaches the UH blockers. "He got invited to the (NFL) combine, which shows his grade was high enough (as a prospect)."