What seemed like a hasty decision, giving Brehaut reps in Saturday's 33-14 victory over San Diego State, was actually well-thought out and debated over.

"I made it well before the game," Neuheisel said. "I made up my mind that he's too good of a player, and we're going to keep him coming along. I just believe that good things are in store for him. We'll try to get him in the game as often as we can."

Added Norm Chow: "I don't think we burned any redshirt year. We need him to play, we need him to get experience. You never know when you're going to need a guy."

Early last week, Brehaut was told he would be called upon if the time came during the season opener, that he would not simply ride the pine this decision because he could.

"It's been an ongoing situation," said Brehaut, Scout.com's No. 9 recruit out of Los Osos High. "(Neuheisel) never told me straight up I'm not redshirting. You never know with the quarterback situation how things are going to go, if guys are going to get hurt. He's always told me, 'Stay ready, if I can get you in the game, I'm going to.' The opportunity came about, and luckily I was prepared." [...]

Brehaut said he was well-prepared, having been informed of his possible playing time early. He went about his business in practice all week, just as he has done throughout camp, with the possibility of a redshirt looming overhead.

"I knew in the middle of the week last week," Brehaut said. "I don't think it changed my approach. I've always been working out here like I'm the one guy. If something happens and I'm that No. 1 guy, I need to be ready. You never know what can happen. What if KP went down? What if Kevin Craft goes down? Then I'm in there like Craft last year. I have to prepare, no matter where I am on the depth chart."