Sure, it was nice for University of Hawai'i quarterback Colt Brennan to receive preseason praise from opposing coaches, college-football writers and watch-list compilers

But his national cred was cemented when he captured pop culture's most significant demographic: computer geeks.

Brennan is listed as the second-best quarterback (behind Louisville's Brian Brohm) in the "NCAA Football 08" video game that will be released Tuesday.

"That's really, really cool," Brennan said. "They took care of us this year."

In 2005, Brennan led the nation in passing — a feat ignored by the video creator, EA Sports, when it designed last year's game. "I wasn't even top 50 last year," Brennan said.

In 2006, Brennan set several records. His pass-efficiency rating was the best in NCAA history. At the ESPN awards ceremony in Florida last December, Brennan met some of the game's designers.

"I let them know they needed to take care of us this year, and I think they did a pretty good job of that," Brennan recalled. "What's cool is to see all of the guys, like (receivers) Davone (Bess) and Ryan (Grice-Mullins) and Jason (Rivers) get a lot of respect. I think (defensive tackle) Michael Lafaele is really good in the game, too. It's good for us to have a good football team in the game now."

Brennan said he expects the Warriors to be equally talented on the field. The drama of the offseason — his decision to return for his senior season; his public assessment of the athletic facilities; UH's inability to land a 13th opponent — has quelled, replaced by the daily workouts.

"The worst part is the waiting," Brennan said. "It's hard to wait for camp to start. Once camp starts, it's all good."

Brennan has kept active this summer. He attended the first summer-school session. He spent a week in the Caribbeans. Next week, he will serve as coach at the Elite-11 camp, and then represent UH at the Western Athletic Conference Media Preview in San Jose.

And he is trying to add muscle to his nearly 6-foot-3 frame. "I'm at 205 now," said Brennan, who weighed about 195 at the end of last season.

UH is trumpeting Brennan as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

"I don't take too seriously when people try to put you up on a pedestal," Brennan said. "I think if you keep a level head, stay on solid ground, and just grow with your teammates and don't exclude yourself, the team will take care of you. Then the pressure is on the team and not just one person. When you have that, you tend to play better."

The California native said he feels at ease in what has become his second home. Last year was the first time since high school that he was on the same football team for consecutive years. Before joining the Warriors, he attended a New England prep school, Colorado and Saddleback Community College.

"I've been moving around and doing so much changing, going from school to school the last five years," he said. "That's one of the reasons it was comfortable to stay. I'm enjoying myself out here. I thought that really helped me as a player last year. The fact that I'll be here for a third year is really exciting. It's helping my confidence and comfort level. It's good to be a seasoned guy."

Brennan has made one noticeable change. With prodding from Bess, Brennan is sporting dreadlocks. UH's four starting receivers have the same hairstyle.

"It looks good on him," Bess said.

Brennan said: "All of the guys hounded me. I grew it out. That was the first step. They encouraged me to try and get it braided and see what it looked like, and I did that. They're encouraging me to keep going with it. I'll see how it goes. I can get rid of this haircut in a heartbeat. I thought I'd have some fun this summer and see how it turns out."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.