The Centurions: #20 Jeff Ulbrich

The Star-Bulletin's countdown of UH football's "Centurions", the 100 greatest players in the University of Hawaii's 100 years of football, continues with #20, linebacker Jeff Ulbrich.

Paul Arnett profiles "Brick".

"This is Jeff Ulbrich."

A couple of weeks before, Skinner pulled me aside after a voluntary workout to give me the heads up on the midterm transfer from Gavilan Junior College in Gilroy, Calif. Isn't that the garlic capital of the world? Skinner had no idea. But what he did know early on was UL-BRICK was a player.

"You should see this guy in the weight room," Skinner said, a touch of awe in his voice. "He bangs his head against the weights before he lifts. HARD."

Ulbrich politely raised his hand to shake mine — hard enough — before quietly introducing himself. Like a sniper. Polite. No smile. Just an upward gaze of intensity and acknowledgment. Even now, the thrill of hitting someone in practice was fresh on his face.

I wonder if he gets that same look after he drives his Prius.



Eh, I'm just kidding! Seriously, I hope he becomes a coach at UH whenever his playing days are done.