UH players mean business on Maui

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	Hula Bowl When: 4 p.m. today Where: War Memorial Stadium, Maui Tickets: $25-$32. For information, call (808) 871-4141 TV/Radio: Live on ESPN2, KAOI (1110AM)

"We're taking this as a business trip," UH defensive back Sean Butts said. "We're representing Hawai'i and we have to show everyone on the national level that we can compete."

Today's game at War Memorial Stadium will be nationally televised on ESPN2. Kickoff is at 4 p.m.

More than two dozen NFL scouts are expected to attend the game that features 91 college all-stars coached by some of the top football minds in the game.

Many of the players — including Hawai'i's Butts, punter Mat McBriar, linebacker Chris Brown, defensive lineman La'anui Correa and wide receiver Justin Colbert — have a lot riding on the game that has the ability to launch NFL careers.

"It's really important," said Correa, who will play for the Kai (North) team with Butts, McBriar and Brown. "There's a whole bunch of scouts here. We have to show the scouts that we can play with the best in the country."

Many of the scouts and coaches already know Hawai'i produces NFL-caliber talent, but in case some have forgotten, the UH players hope today's game will serve as a friendly reminder.

"We have great football players in Hawai'i," Brown said. "We're taking it upon ourselves to do our best out here, and show these guys that we should be playing, we should be starting and we're the best in the country."

Texas head coach Mack Brown, who will lead the Kai team, said the UH players are reaping the rewards of a 10-4 season and program coached by June Jones.

"June did a great job this year," Mack Brown said. "They had a tremendous season."

Mack Brown said his assistant coach, Duane Akina, a Punahou graduate and former UH assistant coach, tracks players from Hawai'i and recruited them when he was an assistant coach at the University of Arizona. Akina always gushes about Hawai'i players, Brown said.

"The one thing he told me about the guys from this place is they really like football and they play really hard," Mack Brown said. "I saw that today from the guys out from the (University of Hawai'i)."

McBriar said he wasn't intimidated by the talent at the Hula Bowl, and he felt that the Hawai'i players matched up well.

"There's some great players here," McBriar said. "No doubt they're going to turn a few heads (today). I don't really feel in awe. I think all the Hawai'i guys here, we're fitting in."

One has been Colbert, who has jumped at every chance to play multiple receiving positions and special teams.

"I'm just going to make the best of this opportunity," said the 5-foot-8, 170-pound Colbert, who will play for the 'Aina (South) team. "I'm just trying to show them I'm versatile.

"Size don't mean anything. I'm a little dude, but I got the heart and desire to do what they want me to do."

Miami head coach Larry Coker, who will guide the 'Aina team, said he was impressed by the Hawai'i players and called Colbert an offensive threat.

"He's very quick and makes plays," Coker said. "I'm very excited by what I've seen. I think these guys want to show the NFL scouts what they can do, and that they are more than just one dimensional players."

Notes: Three other Hawai'i players were invited to the Hula Bowl but will not participate because of injury or at the advice of their agents. Offensive lineman Lui Fuata is recovering from a knee injury. He is listed on the 'Aina (South) roster and is scheduled to be on the sidelines. Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa and offensive lineman Vince Manuwai declined to participate on the advice of their agents. ... Two headliner quarterbacks, Iowa's Brad Banks and Texas Tech's Kliff Kingsbury, will lead the 'Aina and Kai teams, respectively. Banks was the Associated Press Player of the Year and 2002 Heisman Trophy runner-up. Kingsbury set seven NCAA records and is fourth all-time in NCAA passing.