In the first step of Colt Brennan’s comeback, the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League have secured the rights to the former University of Hawaii quarterback. 

Hartford’s head coach is Jerry Glanville, who was UH’s defensive coordinator during Brennan’s sophomore and juniors seasons in 2005 and 2006. 

“I’m excited coach Glanville reached out and protected my (UFL) rights,” Brennan said today. “I’m stoked about that. I would love the opportunity, if it happens, to play for coach Glanville.”

Brennan said he has not signed nor reached an agreement with the Colonials. 

An offer from a National Football League team before July 11 — the first day of UFL training camps — would supersede the Colonials’ rights. The NFL, currently in a lockout, cannot make free-agent offers until after a labor agreement has been reached. 

The Washington Redskins drafted Brennan in the sixth round in 2008. But after four surgeries — on each hip and each knee — he was released last spring. He signed with the Oakland Raiders, but was cut the week before the 2010 season opener. 

Agent Ryan Tollner said there were several discussions with NFL teams, with the possibility of being signed to a practice squad near the end of the 2010 season, before Brennan suffered several injuries in a two-car crash on the Big Island in November. 

“It was quite a setback,” Tollner said. 

Brennan has healed, and back in “football shape.” But with the lockout, and no chance to work out for NFL teams, “obviously my options are pretty limited.”