Expect Brennan Carvalho to be the center of attention for Portland State this year.

Even with a position change, the 2004 Kamehameha Schools graduate from Kapa'a should take on more of a leadership role in his final season of an All-America career.

It's quite a development for the standout offensive lineman, who started in virtual obscurity.

Carvalho remembers his freshman year, when rookies are asked to sing at the top of their lungs during lunch.

"I was the guy who stood on the sidelines with just a T-shirt on (during fall camp)," he recalled. "No one knew who I was so I was never called upon to sing."

Now it is rare to find a person familiar with Big Sky Conference football not to know his name.

Carvalho picked up the first of what is likely to be many honors when he was named to the Big Sky preseason All-Conference football team by members of the media.

"It's always good to have your name out there," he said. "It's nice to see it. I like it."

Carvalho was named to the Walter Camp, Associated Press and Sports Network Championship Subdivision All-America teams last season.

Although he's started since his freshman year, it wasn't initially supposed to happen.

Carvalho wasn't listed on the roster at the start of the 2004 season, because coaches intended to redshirt him as he healed from shoulder surgery. He didn't suit up for fall camp, and didn't do so until after the first game was played. A couple weeks into the season, the players ahead of him were injured and Carvalho was inserted into the starting lineup at guard.

"That's how it has always been for me, (the role of) the underdog," Carvalho said. "Out of high school, I didn't have any offers. Portland State just came to me and I jumped on it.

"I like coming from the bottom."

Now, after years of asking his coaches if he could play center, he is finally making the move.

He said he wants to play a position that his 6-foot-1 frame is better suited for.

Although Carvalho has no game experience at center, he said he likes "being in the middle of the action. I always wanted to do it. I already went through spring ball and I don't think I drop off at all."

It helped that a new coaching staff was willing to let him make the move.

He said "there's a big buzz around Portland" regarding the new staff — particularly head coach Jerry Glanville and offensive coordinator Mouse Davis, both former University of Hawai'i assistants.

"I like them a lot," Carvalho said. "(Having them here) gives everyone more confidence."

He said the coaches are asking him to take on more responsibility in his senior year. One thing he is unwilling to do is to force rookies to perform the singing ritual because he feels a little guilt over not doing it himself.

"Still, to this day, I don't think they know," Carvalho said. "They might make me sing this year."

Would he do it?

"I would. I got away with it before."

NOTE

Also on the Portland State roster are freshman defensive tackle Josh Manupuna (Kamehameha), and sophomore offensive linemen Makana Mardonada (Saint Louis) and Moses Punzal (Kapa'a).

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com.