Two University of Hawai'i defensive linemen who missed the past two games because of injuries — Renolds Fruean and Keala Watson — yesterday participated in conditioning drills and are hopeful of playing in Saturday's game against San Jose State.

Fruean is recovering from a sprained right ankle. He missed most of last season because of a similar injury.

"I thought I'd be out the rest of the year," Fruean said. "I was wrong. I can run. There's some pain, but this is my last year. I'll be good."

Asked the secret to his quick healing, Fruean said: "It pretty much healed faster because, I guess, I already had (a similar injury)."

Defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold said: "Nothing, with Renolds Fruean, surprises me. He's an extremely tough kid, and an extremely intelligent kid. As a senior, you look at the calendar and you recognize what's at stake as each day clicks by.

"He's a guy who exemplifies what toughness and want-to are all about. Consider he's a kid who walks on (as a junior), and rides the bus from Nanakuli every day from 4:30 to play. He's willing to make the sacrifice it takes to play."

Although Fruean received a scholarship this past summer, Reinebold said, "That doesn't change anything. He makes a big commitment to play for us."

Watson, who suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee, also believes he is physically fit.

"I was running out there for the first time since I got hurt," Watson said. "I feel good. I think I'll be OK. It's up to the doctors. If it's not ready this week, it'll be ready by next week."

He suffered the injury against Idaho on Oct. 28. Three days after that, he underwent arthroscopic surgery to "cut out the pieces that were torn."

He said his knee feels "way better."

Fruean and Watson can play all three positions on the defensive line in UH's 3-4 scheme.

Meanwhile, backup nose tackle Kahai LaCount was wearing a brace on his right knee yesterday. He is expected to miss the rest of the regular season.

LaCount was injured with 15 seconds remaining in the Warriors' 61-17 victory over Louisiana Tech Saturday night.

"Tough luck, I guess," said LaCount, a senior.

LaCount is scheduled to earn a bachelor's degree in May. After that, he will apply to become a federal firefighter.

"He's a great kid, and I want him to come back (for the Dec. 24 Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl)," Reinebold said. "I've learned to base my plans not on what I want, but what is. And right now 'what is' is he's out."

WATCHING OUT FOR COLT

Quarterback Colt Brennan is one of 10 "Players to Watch" for the Walter Camp Football Foundation 2006 Player of the Year.

The award is voted on by the 119 Division I-A head coaches and sports information directors.

The others on the watch list are Michigan running back Michael Hart, Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson, Boise State running back Ian Johnson, Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, Rutgers running back Ray Rice, West Virginia running back Steve Slaton and Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith.

PEDERSEN A HIT AT LB

Don't ask inside linebacker Erik Pedersen if his four-tackle performance against Louisiana Tech was the best of his career.

"I don't remember much," said Pedersen, who suffered a slight concussion while making a tackle in the fourth quarter.

"I blacked out," he said. "The only thing I remember I was on the bench. I was trying to get the (doctor's) questions right, so I could go back in. I guess I didn't get them right."

"That wasn't his only big-time hit," defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville said. "He had four big-time hits. He was special."

At 6 feet and about 197 pounds, Pedersen is built like a safety, which he played until being moved two weeks ago.

"I knew he was an inside linebacker, even though he doesn't look like one," Glanville said. "We've been able to do that for 40 years. We can look at a guy and project where he will play best. I want to meet the guy who first looked at a lobster and said, 'I think I'll eat it.' That guy would make an excellent football coach."

Glanville said Pedersen brings quickness to the position.

"He has excellent acceleration," Glanville said. "He's at top speed in two steps. At inside linebacker, you need to get moving in a hurry. He does that."

Pedersen's long-term goal is to gain weight. His short-term goal is "to get people to know my name."

"His first name is Shaved," Glanville said, "his last name is Head."

Pedersen also answers to Pedey and Diesel (because teammates believe he resembles Vin Diesel facially).

"Every week I get a new nickname," Pedersen said. "I'd rather they call me Erik, which is my name, but nobody knows it."

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