While the Warriors are making an aggressive pursuit of prep prospects, they also are  saving some room for "rebounds."

The Warriors have been successful in the past in gaining local players who went away to four-year schools and then decided to return home. The list includes Mark Tuinei, Clint Kuboyama, Lui Fuga, Laanui Correa, Wayne Hunter,  David Veikune, Kealoha Pilares, Mana Silva and Kaniela Tuipulotu.

Harold Moleni, a tight end from West Valley City, Utah, has finalized his oral commitment to the Warriors.

Asked why he chose UH, Moleni said: "Norm Chow."

Moleni, 22, said he is 6 feet 3 and 235 pounds. His goal is to gain 15 pounds when he arrives in Hawaii in July.

Moleni is a 2008 graduate of Utah's Hunter High, where he also played basketball and rugby. He signed with Utah State in 2008, but then took a year off to work and prepare for a two-year church mission to Spokane. He completed his mission this past October. After discussion with UH assistant coach Lewis Powell, Moleni was invited for a trip last weekend. UH needed to adjust its recruiting board before finalizing his commitment.

Of the nine oral commitments, three are tight ends. Clark Evans and Ethan Watanabe previously made pledges.

Kamehameha's Keoni Bush-Loo will be visiting this weekend.

Waylon Lolotai, who practiced as an offensive lineman last year, will be moving to tight end this year.

In switching to a pro-set offense, a tight end and fullback will be added to most schemes.

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In a late push, the UH coaches have been busy making home and school visits. Yesterday, for instance, head coach Norm Chow was in Northern California in the morning and Los Angeles in the evening. He will make more visits this morning, depart for Honolulu in the afternoon, then get ready for this weekend when up to 15 prospects will make recruiting visits.

The Warriors have about 10 available scholarships remaining.

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Congrats to former UH linebacker Solomon Elimimian, who signed a free-agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings.

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UH should borrow the NFL's approach, and conduct a training-camp practice on a military base. To be part of the community, sometimes you have to wade into the community.

Mission Viejo High coach Bob Johnson said cornerback Anthony Pierce has made an oral commitment to the Warriors.

Pierce is 5-9 and 170

The Orange County Register said Pierce "might be the best cover corner in the county."

Pierce's father is Antonio Pierce, the ESPN analyst and former New York Giant linebacker.

His highlights: Pierce.

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Former UH quarterback Greg Alexander might be the school's career leader in persistence.

Alexander is back on the Manoa campus for the spring semester. He expects to complete work on a bachelor's degree in May.

Alexander's Warrior career ended when he suffered ligament damage to his left knee against Louisiana Tech on Sept. 30, 2009. Since then, he has endured infections and setbacks to the knee, and has undergone more than 10 surgeries. He has mixed rehab with coaching. But he still is trying to get back into shape. Yesterday, he was working out in the UH weight room.

Gov. Abercrombie made an unexpected appearance at today's Pro Bow news conference, essentially issuing an apology for comments he made about the NFL all-star game several months ago.

Ferd Lewis will have a full report.

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The Warriors yesterday began the offseason conditioning program with sessions focusing on weight-training and cardio activities.

The program will run through the March 17 start of spring practice.

Most of the Warriors had been training on their own for a while. For instance, offensive lineman Chauncy Winchester-Makainai, who was riding a bicycle, has trimmed down considerably. And it appears receiver Corey Paclebar has gained much-needed weight.

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Whoops.

Belated birthday wishes to Jeannie Lee.

The Warriors are preparing for the home stretch in recruiting with about 15 visits planned for this coming weekend.

The guest list reportedly includes Shane Brostek of Hawaii Prep, Psalm Wooching of Kealakehe, Steven Lakalaka of Punahou, and Keoni Bush-Loo of Kamehameha.

Feb. 1 is the first day recruits may sign binding national letters of intent.

Give credit to the Warriors. They're not afraid to ask.

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Yes, that is quarterback Justin Alo on the Manoa campus.

Last February, Alo signed a scholarship agreement in which he would grayshirt. But it appeared Alo did not project to be eligible this year. Instead, Alo met the qualifications to enroll as a full-time UH student this semester. UH is honoring his scholarship offer.

Here's a reminder: Justin Alo highlights.

The UH quarterbacks are David Graves, Cayman Shutter, Kevin Spain, Jeremy Higgins, Ikaika Woolsey, Taylor Graham and Alo. Graham, who transferred from the Ohio State, must sit out the 2012 season in accordance with NCAA transfer rules. Quarterback John Ursua of Utah's Cedar High made an oral commitment to UH last week. Ursua also is being considered as a slotback.

Graves will enter spring training as the No. 1 quarterback.

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The volleyball Warriors are hopeful outside hitter Gus Tuaniga will be activated for Friday's match against Grand Canyon. Tuaniga is awaiting paperwork from Long Beach. In practices, he has been one of the Warriors' top servers.