For the first time in 11 years, Colt Brennan was back on the field of dreams are possible.

On an overcast Thursday morning, Brennan’s attendance brightened the University of Hawaii football team’s sixth practice of training camp.

Quarterback Cole McDonald marveled at meeting his football ancestor.

“I used to watch him (on television) when I was 9 years old,” McDonald said of the 2007 Heisman Trophy finalist. “I’ve ‘seen’ him in the film room many times. I’ve watched his games five or six times, full seasons at length. To see him here — still super knowledgeable and a good guy to be around — it’s exciting. It brings the extra edge.”

Brennan said it was like “deja vu” on Thursday morning.

“Getting up bright and early and going to practice,” Brennan said. “And then I got here, and I walked into the (athletic department) building, and I didn’t know where to go. I didn’t know anything about this place. Everything looks so great. And then they take me into the coaches’ offices, and Mouse Davis is sitting there. Man, I can’t tell you what a great day this has been.”

Davis, 85, who is visiting with the UH coaches this week, helped popularize the run-and-shoot offense, a scheme the Warriors are employing this season. For three UH seasons, Brennan ran the run-and-shoot to near perfection. In 2006, the Warriors set the NCAA mark for the most statistically efficient offensive season. The following season, Brennan guided the Warriors to a 12-0 regular season and a berth in the Sugar Bowl. In the process, Brennan was featured on the cover of ESPN the Magazine, placed third in the Heisman voting, and launched a Colt following.

Throughout Brennan’s run, the artificial surface had eroded on the practice turf, the facilities were outdated, and there was no liquid soap in the showers.

“We had nothing,” Brennan said, “but that gave us pride, that gave us power.”

Brennan acknowledged the Warriors continue to travel more than any NFL team. He also pointed to the pressure on the Warriors’ being the state’s team.

“That’s a lot to wear, a lot to bear,” Brennan said. “There are certain disadvantages by playing at Hawaii. At some point, get over it. This is what it is.”

He said he and his teammates tried to make the best of every situation. There were rap battles, and bartering over the free toiletry samples at hotels.

“We made traveling fun,” Brennan said. “We didn’t complain about it. We made it a positive experience.”

He said he also hopes these Warriors can experience the same camaraderie as past teams.

“I see every one of my teammates, and there’s nothing but love for them,” Brennan said, adding success stems from “that family unit, that ohana, that aloha that needs to come back and be the core value here. And from there that should develop with (head coach Nick Rolovich’s) guidance. He knows what he’s doing. He knows what he has to do.”

During Thursday’s before-practice pep talk, Brennan spoke about his recent six-month hospital stay while being treated for blood clots in his spine and legs. He also spent two months in an assisted-care facility as he worked to strengthen his legs. He said he moved to Kona. This past week he helped the Konawaena High football team. According to UH players, Brennan continues to inspire.

“He was the man,” said Dayton Furuta, a UH senior running back. “That (2007 regular season) we went undefeated, me and my family were at every single game, right on the sideline. I remember rushing the field after the Boise game. We were the first kids jumping over the wall.”

Furuta remembered getting Brennan’s autograph that year. He also caught a glove that slotback Davone Bess tossed into the stands.

“We saw how hard they worked despite how little they had,” Furuta said. “Sometimes we hear how some schools have this or that. Back in the day, we were one of the best teams in the nation and we didn’t have anything. That just shows you don’t need stuff to work hard and be successful.”