However, the playing status of Hawai'i's Chad Owens is uncertain after he tore cartilage in his right ribs during last Saturday's East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco. Owens, who is a return specialist and wide receiver, did not practice yesterday.

"I don't know ... I'll see how the week goes, and see how my body feels Saturday," Owens said. "As of right now, I don't know (if I'll play). I'll do what I can in practice."

If Owens is unable to play, Chang will have to find another favorite target. Yesterday, scouts were intrigued by Chang, who is the NCAA's career passing leader with 17,072 yards. His 117 touchdowns rank second in NCAA history.

"I think the numbers speak for themselves," said John Dorsey, a former Green Bay Packers linebacker who is the director of college scouting for the team. "You can't help but recognize a guy who puts up those types of numbers. He's shown he can play against top-level competition."

"His question — when he goes to the combine (Feb. 25 to 28) and when he goes through all the drills — will be the arm strength," Dorsey said. "But everything he's done has warranted to be in the National Football League."

Chang, who is listed at 6 feet 2 and 205 pounds, has already earned high marks from Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti, who will coach the Kai team. Bellotti said he tried to recruit Chang out of Saint Louis School.

"He's a great kid and a good football player," Bellotti said. "I hope I can do him justice by allowing him to have some fun in this game."

By playing in the Hula Bowl, Chang said he hoped to repay Hawai'i fans who supported him throughout his UH career.

"They're one of the main reasons why I'm here and playing in this game," Chang said. "It feels great being here.

"When I became a quarterback, I wanted to represent Hawai'i as best as I could," Chang continued. "That's why I stayed here. Even if there were bad moments, I loved every moment playing. You can never take that away. I love playing for the state of Hawai'i."

This will be Chang's second all-star game in as many weeks. Last week, he participated in the East-West Shrine Game. He completed 7 of 20 passes for 81 yards with one interception.

"The game was just a small part that happened that weekend," said Chang, who added that he had a strong week of practice leading up to the game.

"We went through mental tests," Chang continued. "I swear it was like we were taking SATs all over again. We had, like, 600 multiple choice questions. And every day, we talked to scouts. It was like a job interview. You go out there, you practice and you perform. I'm just looking for an opportunity."

The same is true for Owens, who had a solid performance in the East-West Shrine Game, catching eight passes for 134 yards and one touchdown.

"I hope I did enough to leave a good impression," said Owens, who is listed at 5 feet 8 and 175 pounds. "I'm happy with the performance I had."

Dorsey, the scout, called Owens a "tough guy" with a chance to compete in the NFL.

"He's an excellent returner," Dorsey said. "His shot at the next level will be his ability to return kicks. He's proven it. He's returned five punts for touchdowns this year. That's a wonderful thing. He proved in the East-West Shrine Game he belongs."

Owens' agent, Leo Goeas, vice president of Domann and Pittman, a firm that represents NFL players, told Owens to care for his injury before making any decision about playing Saturday.

"I told him to be smart about it," said Goeas, a former UH offensive lineman. "I don't want any setbacks going into the combine. I told him to listen to his body. He took a good shot to the ribs (in the first quarter of the East-West Shrine Game)."

Notes: Former Nebraska coach Frank Solich will coach the 'Aina team after Georgia coach Mark Richt withdrew Monday. Richt said changes on his coaching staff so close to signing day made it preferable to stay at home this weekend.