NEW ORLEANS — Every football practice, Hawai'i quarterback Colt Brennan faces the friendly fire of a heat-seeking defense.

"There's no doubt our defensive line is one of the best defensive lines in the country," Brennan said during yesterday's warmups in the New Orleans Saints' indoor training facility. "It's the depth and physicalness of them. We know if we can have success against them, we can have success against anybody."

Under Greg McMackin, who returned to UH as defensive coordinator in April after coaching at Texas Tech and with the San Francisco 49ers, the Warriors have emerged as one of the nation's best pass-pocket busters.

Entering Tuesday's Sugar Bowl against Georgia, the Warriors are fifth nationally in backfield tackles (8.5 per game) and ninth in sacks (3.25 per game).

"They have guys who can make plays," Georgia right tackle Chester Adams said.

What's more, two of their statistical leaders are reserves. Defensive end David Veikune topped the Western Athletic Conference with seven sacks. Josh Leonard, a third-string defensive tackle, is the WAC leader with three fumble recoveries.

"It's technique and scheme," Veikune said of the Warriors' aggressive pass rush. "With our defense, anyone can step in. With a lot of teams, if you're second string, you don't get to make plays. In this defense, most everyone gets to play and contribute."

In replacing Jerry Glanville, who became Portland State's head coach, McMackin switched the Warriors' base scheme from a 3-4 alignment to a 4-3. Overall, the Warriors have six personnel packages, and have run 140 different defensive schemes.

Despite constant changes — Veikune, for instance, rotates every third play — and the shuttling of the different groups, the Warriors' defense has not been penalized for delay of game or having too many players on the field.

"These guys are really smart," McMackin said. "Because they're really into it, and they know their roles, they do what they're supposed to do. I'll call 'nickel' or 'stack,' and they're all out there when they're supposed to be."

McMackin ran the same defense when he was coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks.

"(The Seahawks) had more time (to learn plays) because they didn't have school," McMackin said. "We're using three-fourths of what they were using, which is outstanding. We've been able to do things that really haven't been done in college."

McMackin had the NCAA's No. 1 defense when he was coordinator at Miami, a team that included future All-Pros Warren Sapp and Ray Lewis.

"We don't have superstars like that," McMackin said. "This team has accomplished more and plays just as hard. We have a great bunch of guys. I've never been with a team that plays with so much heart."

EXTRA PRACTICE TIME A BOON FOR YOUNG PLAYERS

One of the bowl benefits is the extra practices that give more repetitions to redshirts. Offensive lineman Matagisila "Sila" Lefiti is making use of the bonus, and is hopeful the extra work will boost his chances of competing for extended playing time in spring practice.

"He'll get a good look," head coach June Jones said.

Jones has special interest in Lefiti's development.

Lefiti, a 2007 graduate of Mater Dei High School in California, was caught in the twilight zone of eligibility. He met the NCAA requirements to play as a freshman, but his SAT score fell below UH's recommended minimum.

Jones met four times with UH academic officials, lobbying for Lefiti. Finally, a compromise was reached. Lefiti would be allowed to enroll at UH, but he could not practice or play during the fall semester. He would be allowed to participate in the 2008 spring practice if his grade-point average was 2.7 or higher during the fall.

"Sila's a great kid, so you go to bat for him," Jones said. "He's diligent. He's accountable. He's done everything we've asked him to do."

Lefiti earned a 3.5 GPA, receiving three As and three Bs.

"He proved he could do his studies," Jones said.

Lefiti said: "I fought my way through academically. It was tough, but I stuck through it. I had good mentors."

Because the fall semester had ended, Jones was allowed to add Lefiti to the Sugar Bowl roster. Lefiti is the center on the scout team that competes against the first-team defense.

"This is a good reward for doing good school work," Jones said.

NEWBERRY, STAFFORD ARE FAMILIAR FOES

This will the second time UH cornerback Myron Newberry and Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford will face off in a big game.

In 2003, Newberry helped Billy Ryan High School defeat Highland Park, 42-21, in the semifinals of the Texas high school football playoffs.

"He threw a touchdown on the first play of the game, like 70 yards," Newberry recalled. "I was like, 'Whoa, here we go.' "

But Newberry made several key defensive plays to turn the game.

"I remember he was a big ol' sophomore," Newberry said. "Now he's even bigger."

RECEIVER RIVERS GETS INVITE TO SHRINE GAME

University of Hawaii wideout Jason Rivers has been invited to play in the East-West Shrine game Jan. 19 in Houston.

Rivers, a Saint Louis School product, has 82 catches for 1,069 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Make a difference. Donate to The Advertiser Christmas Fund.