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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, July 2, 2006

Two transfers consider UH football

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Two players from Bowl Championship Series schools are strongly considering offers to join the University of Hawai'i football team.

Neil Brown, a defensive lineman who played at Auburn the past two seasons, and Romunn "Ro" Grigsby, a wideout who recently left Kansas State, said the Warriors are among their top choices. Decisions are expected in the next two weeks.

Brown, who is 6 feet 2 and 275 pounds, was the 2-A Player of the Year in the state of Georgia as a Buford High School senior in 2003.

He was on Auburn's two-deep roster as a freshman in 2004. He played both defensive tackle and defensive end, making three tackles in five games.

He did not play in 2005 because of a neck injury. He received a medical redshirt for that season, and he insists he is fully recovered.

Expressing a need for a change of scenery, Brown requested — and received — a release from his Auburn scholarship.

He verbally committed to Texas-El Paso, but softened his stance, and now said he is considering UH.

"One of my friend's father played for (UH) coach (June) Jones, and he told me how great of a guy (Jones) is, and how great it would be to play for him."

Brown added: "I look at their coaching staff, and they have a great group of coaches. They've got some connections."

Brown, who raises pitbulls, said he is seeking a degree in business administration. Although he was at Auburn for only two years, he has earned enough credits to enroll as an incoming senior this fall. Football-wise, he has three years to play two seasons. In accordance with NCAA transfer rules, he must sit out the coming season.

Grigsby, who is 6 feet 3 3/4 and 197 pounds, said he can run 40 yards in 4.47 seconds.

He redshirted as a freshman in 2004 and played in two games last season, making a 10-yard reception against North Texas.

After Kansas State changed coaching staffs, Grigsby decided he needed a change, too.

"I felt I wouldn't be a fit," he said.

After receiving his scholarship release, Grigsby was contacted by UH, Bowling Green and Toledo.

"I love Hawai'i's offense," Grigsby said. "I'm familiar with their players and their schemes. I want to make a decision as soon as possible. I want to meet my new teammates, and start working out with them."

Grigsby, like Brown, will have to redshirt this season. After that, he will have two years to play two seasons.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.