University of Hawai'i defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville has been contacted about filling the football head coaching vacancy at Northern Michigan.

"We've had conversations," Glanville said after yesterday's practice in preparation for tomorrow's nationally televised game against 24th-ranked Wisconsin.

Glanville, who was head coach of two National Football League teams, is a 1964 graduate of Northern Michigan. The Wildcats dress in the Jerry Glanville Locker Room.

Glanville said he will not consider other job opportunities until after UH's Dec. 3 season finale against San Diego State.

"I've got my hands full here," Glanville said. "I'm trying to stop Wisconsin. I've got too much to do."

Northern Michigan fired Doug Sams Nov. 8 after the Wildcats finished the season with a 2-8 record, tied for last place in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference.

Asked about Northern Michigan's interest, Glanville said, "(It's) only because I graduated from there."

Asked about the locker room in his name, he said, "(It's) only because I donated money."

Glanville, who ended a 12-year hiatus from coaching to sign with UH in April, also had been contacted about the opening at Temple University.

FRUEAN WILL START

Renolds Fruean will start at defensive left end tomorrow in place of Melila Purcell III, who is recovering from a hyper-extended left elbow.

Purcell has missed six consecutive practices since suffering the injury in a 50-23 victory over Utah State two weeks ago. The Warriors had a bye last weekend.

Purcell has repeatedly insisted he will be available to play against Wisconsin. But he was an observer during yesterday's practice, wearing his jersey inside-out. He was not in shoulder pads.

"We're going to see how it is on game day," head coach June Jones said. "He's been paying attention. He knows his assignments."

But even if Purcell were healthy, "no, he won't start," Jones said. "We plan on Renolds starting."

Fruean resumed practicing yesterday after missing Tuesday's workouts to tend to his girlfriend, who was involved in a minor traffic accident.

Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan and Karl Noa, who is recovering from a sore left shoulder, also are available to play left end.

SEASON-LONG REUNION

The latest parlor game is "Six Degrees of Colt Brennan."

UH's starting quarterback appears to have ties to every opposing team this season. He was the backup to Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart in high school, and the junior-college teammate of Boise State receiver Jerard Rabb. He also is the cousin of San Jose State assistant coach Brent Brennan. Two years ago, Colt Brennan and Wisconsin running back Brian Calhoun were teammates at the University of Colorado.

"Oh, dude, he was the premier back when we were there," Brennan said of Calhoun. "I remember my first scrimmage. I remember watching him go up the middle and run over some guy for a touchdown. I sat back, and I was in awe. It's amazing to see the success he's gone on to have at Wisconsin, especially after leaving Colorado."

Calhoun is tied for the national lead with 22 touchdowns.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.