The first morning of the offseason, Hawaii football coach Norm Chow was in a familiar place — his third-floor office in the UH athletic department complex.

Chow was closing the books on a 3-9 season and writing a new chapter for the 2013 Warriors.

"We have to get better," Chow said. "The big concern is just getting better, more physical. There are some big, physical folks in this league. We need to match that. I read somewhere that big guys usually whip little guys. That’s what we’ve got to get."

Chow hopes to address some of that in recruiting. Several coaches go on the road this week to recruit.

But Chow also hopes the Warriors will become collectively stronger through the offseason conditioning program.

This year, the Warriors had to adjust to an increased running attack. That style led to rugged practices. He said it takes "gym rats" to enjoy the rigors.

"It’s not an easy game to play," Chow said. "You play tennis, you enjoy going to tennis practice. You play basketball, you enjoy going to basketball practice. You don’t necessarily enjoy going to football practice. It’s hard. It’s tough. We have to find more guys willing to do that."

Chow said the Warriors are set at quarterback, running back and linebacker.

Quarterbacks Taylor Graham, who transferred from Ohio State in January, and Ikaika Woolsey were redshirts this year. Steven Lakalaka, a former Punahou running back, also was held out this season.

As of Sunday, Chow noted, "the redshirts are no longer redshirts."

Chow said the recruiting targets are defensive linemen, offensive linemen, receivers and cornerbacks.

"We need to get more physical on the corners, depending on what happens with Mike," said Chow, referring to cornerback Mike Edwards.

After the 23-7 victory over South Alabama, Edwards told the Star-Advertiser he is "definitely returning" to UH for his senior season in 2013.

Edwards is the Warriors’ best cover defender and one of the nation’s top kickoff returners.

The defensive line graduates end Paipai Falemalu and tackles Geordon Hanohano and Haku Correa. The Warriors have oral commitments from three defensive tackles, and defensive end Iuta Tepa redshirted this year after transferring from UCLA. Injured defensive tackles Moses Samia and Calen Friel should be ready for spring training.

The Warriors also need to find successors to long snapper Luke Ingram and punter Alex Dunnachie.

Brian Hittner, a transfer from Saddleback College, is the leading candidate at long snapper. The concern is Hittner, who gained 30 pounds and now weighs about 200, is light.

"The way we block (on) punts, you have to be able to block," Chow said.

Chow said defensive end Beau Yap is an option as a long snapper.

Chow said he is willing to use a scholarship to recruit a punter. If no suitable prospect is found, receiver Scott Harding will be used as the punter. Harding averaged 34.7 yards per punt during the three games Dunnachie served a suspension.