Amani Purcell, a heavily recruited defensive lineman in 2003, has requested a release from his Penn State football scholarship and is seeking to transfer to the University of Hawai'i, said his brother, UH defensive end Melila Purcell III.

"I'm doing whatever I can to help him," Melila said.

Melila said his brother, a standout athlete at Leone High School in American Samoa, moved to Hawai'i two weeks ago. Amani, who is 6 feet 3 and 262 pounds, is working out daily in the university area.

When he finalizes the transfer, according to NCAA rules, Amani would have to redshirt this season. He will be allowed to attend classes and practice with the Warriors, but not play in any games in 2005. After that, he will have two years to play two seasons.

If his release is granted, he will be eligible to receive financial aid immediately from the UH athletic department. Without the release, he would not be able to receive football aid from UH during his redshirt year.

Melila is entering his third — and "senior" — season at UH. He was a partial qualifier who attended classes but did not practice or play as a freshman in 2002. If he earns a bachelor's degree by August 2006, he will be granted a fourth season of eligibility.

"If I graduate" by that time, Melila said, "then I'll stay. I want to play one season with him. My dad said he'd love to see us play together. Me, too. I want to see how it feels to play with him on my side."

Their father, an Army Reservist in the 29th Brigade, is serving in Iraq.

As a Leone High senior, Amani was named the territory's top defensive player. He also started on the basketball team, setting the school's rebounding record.

Amani received several offers, including one from UH, before committing to Penn State in 2003.

He redshirted as a freshman and played in eight games last season.

Melila said he received a call from his brother several weeks ago.

"He said he wanted to come out here," Melila recalled. "I didn't want to pressure him. I said, 'I'll do whatever I can.' I'm happy he came out here. I would have been happier if he made the decision two years ago."