"Talent-wise, physically and depth-wise," the best defense, "I've seen at UH," says assistant coach Rich Miano. And, that's just the defense.

The offense has its own DVD in distribution — the "TC for Heisman" campaign for quarterback Tim Chang — and cast of marquee performers.

There can be no mistaking it is almost football season for the Warriors and, from all appearances, hopes and hype, not just any old one.

As this one approaches — and the Warriors report Tuesday for the opening of pre-season camp — the testimonials have never been more glowing, the pronouncements more lavish and the hype bolder. Or, the expectations greater.

And, with the season-ticket drive wrapping up, it apparently isn't a ploy to spike sales.

So many great things have been said to be in store for the Warriors that you hope somebody up in Manoa is furiously knocking on wood, lest the avalanche of praise somehow curses this season of abundant promise.

Strip away all the hyperbole and between the experienced returning players, the anticipated newcomers and the schedule of opportunity, there are still plenty of valid reasons to look forward to this season.

What a change from a few short years ago when the regime of Jones' predecessor was wont to describe performance as "two steps left of (bleep)" and damn the prospects of a winning season as akin to riding "a mule in the (Kentucky) Derby."

Yes, 0-12 never seemed more distant.

Entering 2003, no UH football team has been so challenged by high hopes and perceptions. The bullseye went up on these Warriors not long after the 10-4 season of 2002 ended and has only managed to get bigger in the interim. By the time the Aug. 30 season opener, not to mention the Sept. 13 game at Southern California, rolls around, it might loom as large as the Aloha Tower.

After a summer gazing at the magazine predictions picking them to win the Western Athletic Conference, an opinion reinforced at the conference football preview a week ago, the Warriors embark upon training camp.