Soon to be appearing opposite Brett Favre at quarterback in the New Jersey Meadowlands ... Colt Brennan?

Once such marquee mention was but a far-fetched, hero-worshiping fantasy for a young football player growing up in Southern California.

Come Saturday it figures to be pinch-me reality, when the New York Jets' star acquisition plays the Washington Redskins and their rookie quarterback from the University of Hawai'i.

"Knowing Colt, he will probably ask Favre for his autograph after the game," said Brennan's father, Terry, only half jokingly, you suspect.

If he does, Colt could call it a birthday present because the day will mark his 25th birthday.

"Really?" Colt said, mentally turning the pages of the calendar for a moment. "That's right, it will be. I guess the dates are kind of going by. In training camp you don't get much chance to think about too many things other than football."

Indeed, when you're trying to play your way onto an NFL roster as a late-round rookie, learning the playbook and nuances of the position are Job One. Things like footwork and reading defenses tend to consume your thoughts. Consistency and decision-making are to be strived for. Especially after critical video sessions when the head coach, Jim Zorn, is also hands-on with the quarterbacks.

Thirteen of 18 passing for 160 yards and two touchdowns (without an interception) have earned Colt, for the moment, at least, a look in preseason games and the No. 3 place on the depth chart at quarterback. Beating out holdover Derek Devine for that coveted roster spot behind Jason Campbell and Todd Collins will require more of the same.

While Zorn was highly complimentary in drafting Colt and has been encouraging of his young protege there is also the need to reward the opportunity by growing into the position by the game.

"It has been a dream since I was growing up to play in the NFL," Colt said. It has probably been that since, well, about the time he took to wearing Favre's number. "I guess each generation has players at their position that they look up to and for Colt's, if you were a quarterback, it was Favre," Terry said.

When Colt was developing a passion for the game and an interest in the position, Favre came along to provide inspiration. "About the time he (Favre) was drafted (1992), Colt was getting really interested," Terry said.

So much so, apparently, that a few years later when Colt had his choice of jersey numbers at Mater Dei, Terry remembers him asking — and getting — No. 4. And considering it quite a coup.

A bigger one now would be proving he belongs on the same field.

Said Terry: "I hope he has a good game — and Brett sings happy birthday to him."

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.