Previous foes Florida and Ohio State quickly turned friends yesterday at their first Cornerstone Bancard Hula Bowl practice.

Less than 72 hours after beating Ohio State, 41-14, in the national football championship game at Arizona, the three Florida Gators were chummy with their five new Buckeye teammates as the Aina team prepared for Sunday's senior all-star game at Aloha Stadium.

"It's kind of strange at first," said Florida center Steve Rissler, who snapped footballs to Ohio State quarterback Justin Zwick in drills. "Once you come down to it, it's football. You just stick with your fundamentals no matter who you're snapping the ball to. ... Obviously, I always want to snap the ball to Chris Leak, he's my quarterback. But this is an all-star game, you gotta go with what you got."

"Now we're teammates," added Zwick, a backup to Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith. "We're not going to hold grudges."

The 61st Hula Bowl — Hawai'i's longest running sports attraction — will kick off at 3:30 p.m. and be shown on ESPN.

Fittingly, the Gators and Buckeyes received a warm reception from their peers yesterday for starring in the national championship.

"When they walk in, they get automatic respect," said Clemson quarterback and Aina teammate Will Proctor.

Rissler is joined by Gator defensive back Reggie Lewis and defensive tackle Joe Cohen.

The Buckeyes have Zwick, defensive back Antonio Smith, wide receiver Roy Hall, defensive tackle Joel Penton and defensive end Jay Richardson.

"These guys are great," Florida's Cohen said of his teammates. "They're telling me, 'Congrats.' That's all they need to say. It's just a great atmosphere."

A total of 108 players are scheduled to suit up for the Hula Bowl, including seven from the University of Hawai'i on the Kai team. They are running backs Reagan Mauia and Nate Ilaoa, defensive back Leonard Peters, offensive tackle Dane Uperesa, wide receiver Ross Dickerson and defensive ends Ikaika Alama-Francis and Mel Purcell.

"I think they all know it's kind of like a job interview," said West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez, who will coach the Aina team. "They got a lot of scouts looking at them. It's a chance for them to impress them and the people in the NFL. It's also a chance to impress their peers."

Cohen said he's still motivated and wants to prove it in the Hula Bowl. In Florida's run to the national title, Cohen said many outsiders doubted the Southeastern Conference champions.

"There's still some doubters out here," Cohen said. "We thrive on proving people wrong."

Added Ohio State's Antonio Smith: "My goal is just to work hard, improve and be the best player I can be out here. I want to show the scouts that I'm a hard worker ... and do whatever it takes."

The Gators and Buckeyes arrived Wednesday after a flight delay. The hectic schedule has left players such as Florida's Lewis little time to enjoy the title.

"I haven't celebrated the national championship yet," Lewis said. "I've only celebrated in Arizona. I'm looking forward to getting back to Florida."

As for Ohio State's Zwick, the quarterback is eager for playing time.

"That's not too bad, really," Zwick said of backing up Troy Smith. "I started games at Ohio State, and I'm able to do things. It's important for me to come out and show that, and have a good game on Sunday."

Hula Bowl players will practice just three days this week so don't expect gadget plays from quarterbacks, just basic football schemes, said Fresno State coach Pat Hill, who will oversee the Kai team that has Boise State quarterback Jared Zabransky, the Fiesta Bowl offensive MVP.

"We're not going to have time to do that stuff," Hill said.

West Virginia's Rodriguez said the Aina's playbook will be streamlined.

"All you want to do is get guys in position to make plays," he said. "Just go out there and have some fun."

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.