Yesterday marked the official start of the University of Hawai'i football reality contest, "Who Wants to be the Next Tim Chang?"

Colt Brennan, a third-year sophomore who transferred from Saddleback Community College (Mission Viejo, Calif.), has emerged as a legitimate challenger to second-year freshman Tyler Graunke in the competition to succeed Chang, the NCAA's career passing leader. Chang completed his UH eligibility in December.

In three limited-contact sessions yesterday, Brennan completed 25 of 28 passes for 419 yards and two touchdowns. He was not intercepted in the 11-on-11, 7-on-7 and two-minute drills. He was 6 of 6 for 64 yards and a TD in the two-minute offense.

"Did you see that boy today?" slotback Jason Ferguson gushed. "Man, that put a smile on my face. It wasn't just his passes. It was his attitude. ... In the huddle, he was talking. It's not just square-bare football. He brought it out today. He was hopping around, getting everybody going. He's like, 'do this' and 'do that.' He was insane. He was the man. He was throwing some strikes."

Graunke was announced as the No. 1 quarterback entering the start of training camp last week. His lead widened when Brennan struggled with his accuracy and throwing motion in the first three practices.

"I had to get over that little hump in the beginning," Brennan said. "The first few days, I didn't have that confidence. ... Now that I'm out here, throwing some good balls, I have a lot more confidence. The guys are working with me. They're making some great plays, and it gets you fired up."

Ferguson and slotback Brandon Matano made over-the-helmet catches of Brennan passes. Wideout Desmond Thomas had a diving one-handed reception.

"We're clicking," Ferguson said of Brennan. "He's feeling it, and he knows we're feeling it. When a quarterback is on the same page with a receiver, it's like pitch and catch. That's what we were doing today, and we were having fun."

Brennan credited his progress to tutorial sessions from UH coach June Jones and quarterbacks coach Dan Morrison.

"Coach Jones does a great job," Brennan said. "He slows everything down and makes everything really easy for you. When I go over there and spend two minutes with him, and then go get the next two plays, everything is completely clear for me."

Jones said each of the five quarterbacks in camp has improved. "Every day, they do some things they didn't do the day before," he said. "That's what they have to keep doing."

Jones said he expects both Graunke, who was 14 of 28 for 183 yards yesterday, and Brennan be ready for the Sept. 3 opener against Southern California.

Jones said Inoke Funaki and Jeff Rhode are tied for third, although an extended depth chart won't be set until after Kainoa Akina and Jack Rolovich rejoin the team Aug. 22. Jones said freshman Anthony Gardner, who is in camp, will likely redshirt this season.

MORELAND SIDELINED

Starting right cornerback Turmarian Moreland did not practice yesterday because of a sore left knee. Rich Miano, who coaches the defensive backs, said the extent of Moreland's injury won't be known until today.

"His knee swelled up," Jones said. "It's a concern. He's probably our most improved corner. It's a little disappointing to see that."

Nickelback Ryan Keomaka practiced at right cornerback — a welcomed change from defending speedy slotbacks Davone Bess and Ferguson. "The slots are the best receivers," Keomaka said. "They have the best moves."

Miano said the slotbacks have the advantage of running in open spaces. Wideouts are restricted because of the sidelines.

"We need Turmarian, although Ryan is a really good player," Miano said. "That's a good battle for the starting job, anyway. We're fortunate to have good competition."

Defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville said Moreland's injury shows the need for backups to be prepared. Glan-ville expressed disappointment in the recent play of the third-string defense.

"You're only a play away," Glanville said. "That's why we've got to get better. I'm not doing a good enough job with the (third-stringers). I'll be a better coach tomorrow, or else I'll kick my butt."

Jones said Ian Sample, who entered camp as the No. 1 left wide, has a herniated disc and will be held out of contact drills for a few more days.

Meanwhile, walk-on Reagan Mauia was the No. 1 nose tackle yesterday. Glanville said he was pleased with Mauia's endurance, saying "We'll give him another day of sunlight."