Hawai'i quarterback Colt Brennan has accepted an invitation to play in the 2008 Senior Bowl.

"That's huge," Brennan said of the invitation. "That's very cool."

The Senior Bowl, set for Jan. 26 in Mobile, Ala., is administered by the National Football League. Hundreds of scouts, coaches and personnel directors attend the practices and workouts leading to the game.

Steve Hale, the bowl's president and chief executive officer, attended the Warriors' 42-35 comeback victory over San Jose State Friday. The Warriors trailed by 14 points with less than four minutes remaining before Brennan threw a scoring pass to Davone Bess and then ran 2 yards with 31 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime.

"The mark of a good quarterback is how the team responds in the fourth quarter," Hale said. "Colt showed a lot of poise and how competitive he is in bringing Hawai'i back to win the game. Colt is an outstanding quarterback."

Hale said he had a greater appreciation of Brennan after a pregame meeting and watching the game in person. Spartan Stadium's field was muddy after a day-long rainfall.

"Television and video don't do a quarterback justice, particularly Colt," Hale said. "He has a quick release. His passes have a lot of velocity. He has excellent accuracy. Seeing him in those conditions in San Jose was very impressive. He operated in very adverse conditions. It was as bad a condition as you could put a quarterback in, and he handled it well."

Most highly regarded quarterbacks usually opt not to play in all-star games. Brennan said he "definitely" will play.

"There are so many stereotypes and things I have to overcome being in the position I am," Brennan said. "It's not like I'm a guy like (Louisville quarterback Brian) Brohm or Brady Quinn of last year, where everything is already settled, where everyone thinks you're good. I have all of these question marks still. People haven't seen us. Unfortunately, our nationally televised game wasn't my best game, and the conditions were really tough to showcase how talented we are."

"As the season goes on, and we get a couple of more games on national TV, hopefully more questions will be answered," Brennan continued. "Going to the Senior Bowl, really, is the best opportunity for me to make a statement."

Hale said Brennan will benefit from the meetings with NFL officials during Senior Bowl week.

"It will be a great opportunity to spend time with National Football League teams and let them get to know him," Hale said. "There's so much more to being a quarterback than throwing the ball. After being there in person, I have an appreciation for his skills."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.