"The hardest part is pronouncing their names," said Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen, who has Hawai'i defensive tackle Lance Samuseva and wide receiver Jeremiah Cockheran on his 'Aina team.

Safety Hyrum Peters and defensive end Houston Ala will play for the Kai team, giving UH the second-most players represented in the all-star game behind Washington State's five.

"We're really happy to have them in the game," Friedgen said. "They look like they're really try-hard kids. I'm sure they'll play well."

The Hula Bowl will be played tomorrow at War Memorial Stadium at 3 p.m. The Hula Bowl is considered one of the premier college football all-star games in the country.

Nearly 100 scouts from all 32 National Football League teams are expected to attend this week's practices and the game, according to Hula Bowl officials.

With the recent success of former UH players in the NFL, scouts are aware of the talent coming from the program run by coach June Jones.

"I think in the past three years, players at UH have shown they can play and they can contribute in the NFL," said John Dorsey, the director of college scouting for the Green Bay Packers, who gave examples of Pisa Tinoisamoa (St. Louis Rams), Ashley Lelie (Denver Broncos), Vince Manuwai (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Wayne Hunter (Seattle Seahawks). "If you look at the NFL and some of the players who have come out of here recently, it's pretty good players."

One of those players who hopes to get a call from the NFL is Cockheran. The former Warrior co-captain said having four Hawai'i players represented in the all-star game speaks volumes.

"It shows that we're up-and-coming," Cockheran said. "It shows that coach Jones is doing a good job getting guys out, and recruiting guys. We're just going to play hard and represent the state well."

This week, Samuseva and Peters admitted to early jitters during practice, a condition that was heightened by the horde of scouts and NFL expectations.

"It was kind of nervous coming out here, and a lot of scouts are out here," Samuseva said. "I just have to find a way to get better every day out here, and hopefully turn some heads over there."

Added Peters: "This means a lot to our school, the coaches and the players who have made it here. For the players who have two or three more years left, they can look up to us, and say, 'Hey, one day, I'm going to be like that.' That's how I was when I was playing at UH."

Ala said he viewed the Hula Bowl as a "business trip."

"You can have fun, but when it comes down to practice time, it's all business," Ala said. "You have to do what it takes to make someone who is watching like something about you."

At practice this week, it appeared that Ohio State coach Jim Tressel liked Ala, listed at 6 feet 1, 250 pounds. Tressel will led the 'Aina team.

"I tell you what, he's got a great motor," Tressel said. "He gives great effort. He's a guy who's very anxious to make plays. He's got great speed and quickness, and a good knack to get to the football."

Ala's UH teammate on the defensive line, Samuseva, who is listed at 5 feet 11, 290 pounds, also received some notice from scouts.

"I think everybody's intrigued by (Samuseva)," New York Jets national scout Joey Clinkscales said. "Although he's a shorter guy, he's strong inside, and everybody in our league is looking for defensive linemen."

Oakland Raiders scout Bruce Kebric said Cockheran, who is listed at 6 feet, 193 pounds, has a chance to play in the NFL, but needs to prove himself at the combine.

"I thought Jeremiah looked like a good player," Kebric said. "June said he can run. If he goes to the combine and runs well, I think he's draftable."

Kebric said he was impressed with Peters' playmaking ability despite his small size (5 feet 8, 188 pounds).

"When you watch a game and watch a tape, he makes plays," Kebric said. "Every time you looked down, he makes plays."