Former University of Hawai'i defensive lineman Isaac Sopoaga is getting a starting role with the San Francisco 49ers following an injury to a teammate. AP library photo | August 2005

Sopoaga finds himself in a starting role following an injury to Aubrayo Franklin, whom the 49ers signed during a busy offseason in which they picked up four possible defensive starters.

The 6-foot-1, 334-pound Franklin, a backup for the Baltimore Ravens, is supposed to be one of them.

But an injury during a practice opened a path for Sopoaga, who is in his fourth year with the 49ers.

When asked how the 6-2, 325-pound Sopoaga was faring, 49er defensive coach Mike Singletary said:

"Isaac is doing fine. He is working hard. The best thing about Isaac is that he is beginning to develop more consistency. That is the whole thing about him. He is so big and so strong that he can be a main force right there in the middle. It's just the consistency in his play, in terms of hearing what is happening. Everybody knows what is happening until there is a change of motion. Maybe you don't get a call. We are very excited about what Isaac is doing."

Franklin's injury might keep him out for much of the exhibition season.