In an improbable comeback, defensive end Francis Maka yesterday won an appeal from the NCAA and was immediately reinstated to the University of Hawai'i football team.

After today's afternoon walk-through, Maka will have fulfilled the NCAA-mandated waiting period to be eligible to play in tomorrow's game against Louisiana Tech.

More likely, Maka will make his 2008 debut against Boise State next week.

But Maka's appearance in uniform yesterday — he wore a blank green jersey — was a welcomed sight for teammates. And the ensuing news that the NCAA cleared him to play this season concluded an appeals process that took more than eight months.

Coaches and teammates had embraced the realization that Maka's collegiate career ended with the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl.

"I was starting to feel that way, too," said Maka, who remained on scholarship as a student manager.

At issue was Maka's eligibility clock. The NCAA allows a student-athlete five years to play four seasons.

Maka was at the University of Arizona for the 2003 and 2004 seasons. But he did not play a down in either year because of a knee injury and a financial situation.

He played for College of San Mateo during the 2005 and 2006 seasons before enrolling at UH in January 2007. He was a defensive end for the Warriors last season.

He appealed for a sixth year, citing the physical and financial hardships that prevented him from playing at Arizona.

His appeal was rejected several times.

In July, he was told he could stay on as a student manager while another round of appeals was presented.

Last week, Maka was able to secure additional information from his doctor and family financial records. Monday, UH compliance officer Amanda Paterson submitted the new information to the NCAA.

The NCAA ruled that Maka would be allowed 14 days of practice while the new evidence was reviewed. Maka yesterday practiced, without pads, for the first time this season.

After practice, he was told his appeal was approved.

"At first, I thought coach (Greg McMackin) was joking around," Maka said. "He had me meet with Amanda afterward. That's when I realized it was real. ... I'm eligible now. Full-time eligible."

Offensive lineman Ray Hisatake and Maka also were teammates at San Mateo.

"I'm happy he got his (extra) year," Hisatake said. "(The wait) was a little too much. He's been fighting this thing since last spring."

Defensive tackle Josh Leonard, who is one of Maka's closest friends, also praised the NCAA's ruling.

"This is great news," Leonard said.

McMackin said: "He's a great kid. He was one of our best ends last year. I'm happy for Francis."

Read Tsai's blog http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com.