VIDEO: UH football practices in UNLV's Sam Boyd Stadium

Nineteen members became starters, with three landing on NFL regular-season rosters — quarterback Colt Brennan, receiver Davone Bess and fullback Reagan Mauia. Linebacker Solomon Elimimian became the team's career leader in tackles.

Two weeks before the 2005 signing date, the Warriors brought in a lanky receiver from Hart High School in Newhall, Calif. Ryan Wolfe received the full recruiting package — dinner at a beachside restaurant, lunch at the First Hawaiian tower, a ticket to a basketball game, and tours of UH, Aloha Stadium and Ho-nolulu's nightlife.

In the end, June Jones, who was head coach at the time, decided not to offer Wolfe a scholarship.

"It was one of those things that didn't work out," Wolfe said. "They had a couple of other guys ahead of me on the list. Those guys decided to commit."

Wolfe was told he would be put on UH's waiting list. Instead, a few weeks later, he accepted a gray-shirt offer from Nevada-Las Vegas. He joined the Rebels in January 2006.

He now is the Rebels' career leader in receptions (223), receiving yards (2,893) and 100-yard games (10).

Wolfe entered the season No. 2 in career catches nationally among active players. He also has earned a bachelor's degree, and is pursuing a master's in sports education leadership.

Wolfe is one of the side stories in what is shaping into a rivalry between two schools in top tourist-destination cities. After tonight's meeting, the Warriors and Rebels will meet seven times in the next nine years.

Asked if he would have accepted a UH offer, Wolfe said, "It never got that far. It was one of those things where they said they'd let me know once they figured out what was going on. After that trip, I decided I wanted to come here."

UNLV defensive end Malo Taumua also waited for a UH offer that did not arrive. On the final day of a UH recruiting trip, the prospects would meet individually with Jones. After the chat, in Jones' office, a prospect might receive an envelope containing a scholarship offer.

Taumua's 'Aiea High teammates — defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea and linebacker R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane — both walked away with envelopes. They now are UH team captains.

Taumua was not discouraged. Deep down, he felt, "I wanted to leave to get a new experience. I wasn't too disappointed when I didn't get one of those (envelopes)."

Taumua eventually received a scholarship offer from UNLV.

"I feel I made the right choice," said Taumua, a third-year starter.

Still, Taumua said, "Hawai'i will always be my home. I love being on the Mainland; it's fun. But there's no place like Hawai'i."

FINAL PREPARATION

The Warriors had a light 45-minute practice yesterday at Sam Boyd Stadium. They mostly went over special-team assignments.

"It was good to get out here, and get a feel for where we're going to play," UH head coach Greg McMackin said.

The Warriors had practiced at Palo Verde High, a 5-minute drive from the hotel where they are staying.

The Warriors also were able to adjust their active roster. Antwan "Tua" Mahaley arrived late Thursday as an injury replacement for defensive end Paipai Falemalu, who has a high sprain of his right ankle.

Mahaley, who plays defensive end, is counted on mostly for special teams. At 6 feet 4, he is a skilled kick blocker.

Reach Stephen Tsai at 525-8051 or stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.