Hawaii native son and senior quarterback Timmy Chang is only 1,553 yards from eclipsing the NCAA career passing record, prompting the university publicity machine to set up a Web site devoted to his Heisman Trophy campaign. Through two games this season, Chang has totaled 665 yards and five touchdowns.

The All-America candidate recently took time to answer questions from Enquirer reporter Ryan Ernst.

Q: Obviously most of the hype surrounding you this year is about becoming the NCAA's all-time passing leader. Do you know how many yards away you are?

A: I really don't know. But I think if I stay healthy and I stay in games, then I have a chance.

Q: I know you don't want to talk about the Heisman. But has any part of you thought about what it would mean to the school and the state if you were at least in the running?

A: I think it's very important for the school and the state of Hawaii. Getting that recognition, realizing a dream for a lot of kids is a big deal. At the same time, it's nice and all, but for me I'm not really considering it that much. I'm just trying to put my team in position to win games.

Q: The university has set up a Web site promoting you for postseason honors. How does it feel being a dot.com?

A: I don't know. I haven't even checked it out. But it's a great honor. And if it's good publicity for the state and the school, then I'm all for it.

Q: Your dad was a football official while you were growing up. How did that affect you?

A: It definitely had a big effect on me, being able to watch all the high school games he reffed. Just being around the sport that much was huge for me. I was a ball boy and I handled the ball a lot. You could say my throwing started there.

Q: You were recruited outside of Hawaii. Did you ever seriously consider leaving?

A: Sure. If the right school offered and it was a better proposition than the situation at Hawaii, I would have left. My next choice was Washington.

Q: Why did you stay?

A: Just knowing the system and being familiar with it and the coaches was important to me. And it was important to me to represent Hawaii.

Q: You've been running a run-and-shoot-style offense since the seventh grade. What's the most you've ever passed for in a game, at any level?

A: Maybe around 500. I think I had just under 500 against Fresno last year, but I don't think I've ever gone over 500 in college or high school. (Chang threw for five touchdowns against Fresno State last season, but his best yardage game is 534 set last year against Louisiana Tech.)

Q: A lot of Asian American publications have followed your career closely and predict you'll be the first Asian American quarterback in the NFL. Is that a burden or something you embrace?

A: It's definitely something I've embraced. It's always been a dream to play professional ball of any kind. I just wanted to play professional baseball or basketball or football. This was just the route I took.

Q: Two years ago when Cincinnati played at Hawaii, a late hit on you set the stage for a post-game brawl. What was that situation like for you?

A: It was kind of scary. I think I hurt my knee on that play. Luckily I had a knee brace on. But it was a great win. I was just trying to throw the ball down the field, and as I released it, I took the shot.

Q: About 60 percent of your teammates come from Hawaii. People on the mainland might find that odd, but clue us in on high school football in

A: I think football is the biggest sport in Hawaii. It brings out pride in communities, the whole private school vs. public school thing. And now being at the University of Hawaii, being around guys we all grew up playing against, it's a great family.