Second Chance at Hawaii

When Hawaii plays top-ranked USC here today, Colt Brennan is expected to split time at quarterback for the Warriors.

For Brennan, the game marks a reunion with former high school teammate and USC quarterback Matt Leinart.

It also represents the start of a major college career delayed by a criminal conviction.

In early 2004, as a reserve quarterback at Colorado, Brennan was arrested for drunkenly entering a female student’s room and allegedly exposing himself and fondling her. He was acquitted of several charges but found guilty of first-degree criminal trespass and second-degree burglary. Brennan was sentenced to seven days in jail and four years’ probation.

“I had to battle through it,” he said. “I just kind of kept to myself.”

At Santa Ana Mater Dei High, he had been second-string to the older Leinart, waiting for his chance to start. They had joked about someday facing each other in college.

When Brennan got into trouble, his former teammate was supportive.

“Matt was the second or third person to call me,” Brennan said. “He was like, ‘What’s the deal?’ ”

Colorado immediately dismissed Brennan from the team. He returned to Southern California, where he visited USC practices and attended games while going through the legal process.

He resumed his athletic career last fall at Saddleback College, which made a controversial choice to let him play.

He led the team into the playoffs and made honorable mention All-American. He also made the honor roll.

Various major college programs came calling. Syracuse showed interest in the 6-foot-3, 205-pound prospect but ultimately decided not to offer him a scholarship. Hawaii invited him to join the team as a walk-on.

The Warriors have some recent history with giving players a second chance. Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, now with the St. Louis Rams, was given a scholarship after a conviction related to a brawl.

Hawaii also has a big gap to fill, with the departure of quarterback Timmy Chang, the most prolific passer in NCAA history. In this first game of the post-Chang era, Brennan is expected to share the role with freshman Tyler Graunke.

“Here I am,” he said. “Two years after everything happened, I’m getting ready to play SC.”

Just the way he and Leinart used to talk about in high school.

“I hope in the end I’ll be able to look back and say that was the best thing that could have happened to me,” Brennan said. “I don’t look at it as lost time. It was an experience I hope made me a better person.”