A campaign promoting Hawaii quarterback Bryant Moniz has started with a click.
UH officials have turned to Facebook to trumpet Moniz as a Heisman Trophy candidate. While Moniz’s chances are slim, the site — www.facebook.com/BryantMonizForHeisman — is intended as a fan-friendly vehicle for Warriors supporters.
"This isn’t only for the media," said media relations director Derek Inouchi, who created the Facebook page.
In 2004, UH distributed DVDs promoting quarterback Tim Chang. In 2007, UH spent about $25,000 to produce and distribute DVDs promoting quarterback Colt Brennan, who finished third in the 2007 Heisman voting. With limited funds, Inouchi said, UH turned to the most popular social network.
"Facebook is so hot right now, we thought we’d try and experiment with the power of social media," Inouchi said.
The page includes photos and videos of Moniz.
Inouchi said the obstacle is getting viewers to "like" the page. After that, he said, "you can push content to your followers."
Inouchi said "e-mail blasts" of Moniz updates also will be sent to reporters across the country during the season.
Moniz is admittedly amused by the project. Growing up in Wahiawa, he never imagined being part of such a promotion.
"Of course not," he said. "It’s something we used to joke about, I guess. We used to strike Heisman poses when we were running around in the yard. I don’t know if it’s something you really believe will happen."
He also said this is a group project.
"In football, you need the O-linemen, the receivers and running backs, the defense to get us the ball," Moniz said. "A quarterback can’t do it alone. It takes a whole team. This is a reflection of our whole team."
