While the University of Hawai'i star quarterback made a curtain call Wednesday, the understudy stood in the wings, still waiting for his chance.

Colt Brennan's decision to remain at UH for his senior season meant another year in the shadows for Tyler Graunke, who will be a fourth-year junior in the fall.

Graunke yesterday emphasized that Brennan is one of his best friends. "We're going to do our best to win," Graunke said. "If our best chance is with Colt, that's the way it is."

Still, Graunke could not mask the disappointment over his situation — not Brennan's decision — that impacts his immediate football future.

"It hurt, to be honest with you, it hurt my heart," Graunke said.

In recent weeks, when Brennan said he was 50-50 between applying for the 2007 National Football League draft and returning to UH, Graunke prepared for both outcomes.

"I thought he was going to go," Graunke said. "When he didn't, it hurt a lot more than I thought it was going to.

"That's just my competitive attitude," Graunke added. "I want to be the guy in there. I've never been a bench warmer (before attending UH). I don't think it's selfish wanting to play. I shouldn't feel guilty for that. Colt has started for two years already. I've got two more years. My future was almost in his hands. He chose to come back. I've got to postpone my dreams for another year. Hopefully, I'll start as a senior."

Graunke said he has no intentions of transferring. He pondered that option — briefly — in 2005, when Brennan transferred to UH.

"If I went somewhere else, I'd probably start at the bottom," Graunke said. "I'd have to learn the system. I know I can help out another team, but there's something special about being here. In the worst-case scenario, I get to to start my senior year."

UH opens the 2008 season on the road against national champion Florida.

Graunke also said he will not change positions.

"I came here to play quarterback," he said. "I feel I am a quarterback. I feel the best way for me to get on the field is by playing quarterback. This is what I love to do. This is what coach (June) Jones brought me out here for."

Jones and Graunke had a meeting yesterday. While there were no promises of expanded playing time, Graunke was assured he was the top backup to Brennan. The other quarterbacks are Inoke Funaki, Will Brogan and Kiran Kepo'o.

"The opportunities I'm getting right now are more than most people get in their whole lives," Graunke said. "I'm lucky to be out here and lucky coach Jones gave me a chance to play for a Division I-A team. I love the atmosphere. We're going places. I like the whole situation I'm in."

Graunke has participated in the 6 a.m. conditioning program, which started this week. Graunke, who is 6 feet and 192 pounds, plans to gain 13 more pounds of muscle. He also is working to strengthen his legs and upper body. And he waits.

"Any other time in Hawai'i football, I'd probably be starting," Graunke said. "It's Colt's time right now. I have to sit back and let him run with it. But at the same time, I'm going to be right there pushing him to get better and, if not, trying to beat him out.

"I'm a competitor. All I've been doing my whole life is competing. I'm not going to be satisfied until I do something around here."

TEAMS WANTED COLT

Rich Miano, UH's liaison to the the NFL, said the Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins were interested in taking Brennan in the first round of the 2007 draft.

A Miami official told Miano: "We have the ninth pick, and we'd love to take him."

A Washington official said: "We'll take him in the first round."

The Redskins have the sixth pick in the first round.

SPEED CLINIC RESUMES

A new season of the Hawai'i Speed and Quickness Clinic begins this weekend at UH's Klum Gym.

This year, the sessions are available for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, and will be conducted 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

For $10, each participant receives instruction from elite athletes and food coupons.

Here's the schedule: