It isn't the regular gauntlets of autograph seekers he negotiates that illustrate the depth of Colt Brennan's popularity here.

Nor is it the fans who hold Heisman Trophy candidacy signs, wear his jerseys and chant his name from the stands — home and away.

Rather, if you really want a pulse on just how dear many here hold the University of Hawai'i quarterback, marvel at the passionate outpouring of remedies fans are offering up for Brennan's sprained right ankle. Witness the urgency with which they press their suggestions.

Since news of Brennan's injury surfaced after the one-legged touchdown runs helped set up victory at Nevada-Las Vegas, folks have been opening up their hearts and old standby cures for him. They have dusted off family secrets and hand-me-down remedies from a half-dozen cultures. They have offered up suggestions personally, contacted news media and dropped off things for him at UH.

"It is nice to know so many people are concerned," Brennan said this week amid the influx of can't-miss cures. "People give me all these things to try. They drop things off and call to see if they can help out."

The sympathy and support is particularly notable in that this is hardly big game week. Bye week might be more like it. Even Brennan concedes the Warriors, 58-point picks some places, don't require his full services to extend their run to 4-0 against Charleston Southern tonight at Aloha Stadium. But fans want him back for the Western Athletic Conference and all the season offers.

And folks want to get him on the field and at full capacity — and soon. "I would hate to see the Warriors' best season ruined because of this injury," e-mailed a fan named Bonnie, who recommended hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Another suggested allowing the tides, sea salt and sand to cure Brennan. Others have offered up herb cure treatments. One promotes a wrap of a molds and fungus mixture.

"Everyone has their remedy and it can be hard to figure out which ones to trust," Brennan said while limping away from practice the other day. "So, I trust in E (Eric Okasaki, head athletic trainer) and Wongy (Brian Wong, assistant trainer), the doctors and training staff.

"Some of them can be kind of funny but people want to help," Brennan said.

Even Tim Chang's "pinkie" of seasons past didn't rally this many of the faithful to their medicine cabinets with such zeal.

Credit Brennan's decision to return to UH for a third season, when he could have kept his name in for the NFL draft, and the public persona he has developed in leading the Warriors to a 19-9 record in his tenure.

Hawai'i fans are nothing if not loyal to their heroes, especially ones who return the favor. And, let's face it, nothing says love and appreciation like a molds and fungus wrap.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.