John Fonoti's commitment to the offseason conditioning program is a slam dunk.

That was evident yesterday morning, when he performed a taxing drill in the University of Hawai'i's Klum Gym. Starting in a back-to-the-ground position, Fonoti was required to spring to his feet, catch a rubber ball on the second bounce, and then soar for a dunk.

Swish!

"He's in shape," David Veikune said of his fellow UH defensive end.

This offseason, middle linebacker Brashton Satele and Fonoti, who is listed as the No. 1 defensive right end, are workout partners. Their day begins with a 5 a.m. wake-up call.

"I used to have to call him," Satele said. "Now, the majority of the time he's waking up on his own. Now he's calling me. He's way more committed this year. He's taking on a leadership role."

It is a remarkable change from last season, when Fonoti's career was in retreat. After a promising freshman season in 2005, Fonoti was forced to redshirt in 2006. Although he was academically eligible by UH and NCAA standards, the coaches felt he needed to focus more on his academics. He was not allowed to practice with the team or attend meetings. What's more, his football scholarship was revoked.

Last summer, he was told he would be reinstated to the team. But without a scholarship, he had to work in construction.

"It was hard work," Fonoti said. "I had to carry some heavy stuff."

It also left him little time to train with his teammates.

"I used to walk in here and see everybody training," he said, referring to the Klum Gym workouts. "I'd say, 'Good job.' "

His lack of preparation was apparent during the first practice. Each player is asked to run 10 220-yard sprints.

"I did three," he said. "Last year, I was so out of shape. I couldn't do anything. I wasn't that committed. I was slacking off."

He suffered another setback when he injured his heels after falling off a roof.

But, by the end of the season, Fonoti worked his way into the rotation at defensive end. He also emerged as a physical player on special teams.

During spring practice, head coach Greg McMackin, who was the defensive coordinator last season, declared open competition at all of the positions. By the end of spring training, Veikune and Fonoti established themselves as the No. 1 defensive ends.

"I don't take it as a starting job," Fonoti said. "Everybody is equal. All I can do is work hard and train hard."

That begins before dawn.

"I have to wake up my mom to drop me off (at UH)," he said. "She has the hard job. She has to wake up early."

Fonoti then spends the next several hours competing running and agility drills, lifting weights, and competing in more running and agility drills.

The 6-foot-3 junior said he now weighs "a solid 265," up from last season, when he was 240.

"He's heavier than me," said Veikune, who is 255. "He's always in the weight room."

Fonoti said: "I'm trying to bust my butt, trying to stay in shape."

The coaches have noticed. Fonoti has been told he will receive a football scholarship in the fall.

"I'm very thankful," he said.