"It seems like there's always a game where he's laid hat on somebody," teammate and BYU defensive end John Denney said. "Anyone coming across the middle, he's going to let them know he's there."

Francisco will bring his big-hitting ability to tomorrow's Hula Bowl on Maui when he suits up for the Kai team. The collegiate all-star football game will be televised on ESPN2 at 2 p.m.

Francisco is one of several Hawai'i players participating in the game. Former University of Hawai'i quarterback Tim Chang, defensive tackle Lui Fuga and offensive lineman Uriah Moenoa will play for the Kai team, as well as two other players with Hawai'i ties — Utah offensive guard Chris Kemoeatu and Utah defensive tackle Sione Pouha.

Hawai'i return specialist and wide receiver Chad Owens is nursing a rib injury and his playing status is uncertain.

Francisco, who is expected to be one of several Hawai'i players selected in the NFL draft on April 23 and 24, said he received his big-hitter trademark as a BYU sophomore.

"My second year in college I had this monster hit on the No. 1 receiver in the nation at the time, (San Diego State's) J.R. Tolver," said Francisco, who is listed at 6 feet 2, 215 pounds. "I knocked him out on the field. It was the biggest hit I've ever been involved in. Since then, it's been carrying on. I've just been playing that way ever since."

AARON FRANCISCO

Francisco had his best season as a junior when he was selected first-team All-Mountain West Conference with team-highs of 116 tackles (53 solo) and three interceptions. That season, BYU ranked 14th nationally in total defense, holding opponents to just 307 yards per game. The ranking was a refreshing accomplishment for BYU, a school that historically garnered offensive accolades, Francisco said.

"Ever since I've been to BYU, it's been all about the offense," Francisco said. "When people watch our practice, all they do is cheer for the offense. It just seemed like (the defense) had no respect out there. I think defense is going to be a big part of BYU football from now on."

Newly hired BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall is expected to improve the Cougars' defense, Francisco said. Mendenhall served as BYU's defensive coordinator the past two seasons.

"I think they're going to make a lot of changes out there," Francisco said of Mendenhall's defensive influence. "There's going to be a lot of good changes."

This week, scouts — all 32 NFL teams are represented on Maui — have appreciated Francisco's football passion and full-tilt mentality.

"He's an aggressive downhill player who is very physical," said John Dorsey, a former Green Bay Packers linebacker who is the director of college scouting for the team. "He's had an excellent collegiate career. If he can transfer that over to the next level, and there's nothing to lead me to believe that he cannot the way he plays the game. It all depends how he runs on the time speed, but his playing speed is there."

Oakland Raiders scout Bruce Kebric called Francisco a tackle "box guy" or "linebacker type" who will make plays in the imaginary rectangle near the line of scrimmage.

"I really liked him on tape from last year," Kebric said. "This year, I didn't think he played as well. He's more like a linebacker type. He's a good player. The whole thing with him is going to get down to speed."

Francisco's hard-hitting style has been a danger to himself. He has played through a variety of injuries, but says he won't ease up on his tough play.

"I lay it all out there," Francisco said. "I'm going to put my body on the line when I'm making plays. I'm not going to hold back. I think if you hold back, then you're going to get hurt yourself."