Three 2005 recruits — linebacker Blaze Soares, defensive end Tomi Halai and offensive lineman Adrian Thomas — will delay the start of their University of Hawai'i football careers for at least a year.

A fourth recruit, defensive back KayBrin Stevenson, is trying to work out a "glitch" in his high school transcripts that will enable him to play as a freshman this season.

Also, wideout Julien Petit yesterday announced his "retirement" from football.

Soares, a three-time All-State selection from Castle High, said he did not fulfill the Algebra II requirement needed to play this season. He had earned a qualifying SAT score.

Soares said he will either enroll at Hawai'i Pacific University or attend a junior college on the Mainland. Because HPU does not offer football, Soares could become eligible if he earns 24 credits there. If he attends a junior college, he would need to earn an associate degree to play for the Warriors.

"I don't know what I'm going to do," Soares said. "It's still up in the air."

Halai and Thomas will join the Warriors next year.

After meeting with UH coaches yesterday, Petit announced: "I'm retired from football for the time being. ... I can't devote 100 percent of my time to football these days. I want to pursue a few other things."

Petit, who aspires to be a pilot, is enrolled at both UH and an aviation school this fall. He participated in the Warriors' spring practice in April. He said he has not ruled out competing for the Warriors next season.

Meanwhile, linebacker Chris Assily, a 2004 Kaiser High graduate, is expected to meet the requirements to play this season.

Also, linebacker Adam Leonard of Seattle said he is hopeful of playing in the season opener against two-time defending national champion Southern California.

"That's my goal," Leonard said. "USC is the game I've got circled."

Leonard, who is 6 feet 2 and 225 pounds, was the Metro Sound League's Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore and junior. He suffered a season-ending knee injury Sept. 17.

Leonard said the surgically repaired anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee is "close to 100 percent." He said he will meet with UH coach June Jones on Friday to discuss his workout schedule.

The Warriors open training camp Friday with conditioning drills. The first practice is scheduled for Saturday morning on the grass field. The Warriors will stay in the dance studios at the UH athletic complex.