For several months, the University of Hawaii coaches prepared for Punahou’s Larry "Tui" Tuileta to officially commit as a football quarterback and volleyball outside hitter.

It was back on tax day — April 15, 2013 — when Tuileta made an oral commitment to accept a football scholarship from the Rainbow Warriors with the understanding he also could compete in volleyball. Last month, Tuileta even cut his long hair to fit both programs’ requirements.

But then this past week, Tuileta took an "unofficial" visit to USC. He was invited to play football and volleyball for the Trojans as a "preferred walk-on," with the hope that financial aid would offset most of his school expenses. Tuileta returned to Honolulu in time to participate in UH’s recruiting weekend.

With high school recruits permitted to sign National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, Tuileta is faced with this $56,200 question: Accept UH’s scholarship offer or attend USC as a preferred walk-on.

Such unexpected twists are why recruiting lists are written on grease boards, on which names can be added, re-ordered or deleted. There are lists and backup lists, with priorities fluid because of poaching and academic status.

Tuileta remains a priority, according to people familiar with the situation, but if he were to de-commit, the Warriors have three quarterback prospects in the wings — two from Division I programs, one from a junior college.

The Warriors sought cornerbacks, linebackers and pass-rushers in this recruiting period. They also wanted to recruit locally.

According to people familiar with the situation, the Warriors visited or had discussions with every Hawaii high school head football coach this past year. There were several offers made early and, with some, not much resistance when other schools made offers. In the end, the Warriors focused on seven Hawaii prospects, with only Kahuku defensive end Lamone Williams turning down an offer.

In addition to Tuileta, the Warriors received oral commitments from wide receiver Devan Stubblefield of Saint Louis, offensive lineman Tavita "Tui" Eli of Kealakehe, defensive tackle Kaau Gifford of Kamehameha, tight end/linebacker Dakota Torres of Punahou, and safety Manly Williams of Farrington. Williams, who has shoulder issues, agreed to join as a grayshirt, delaying his enrollment until January.

Wide receiver Donald Lambert of Moanalua and multi-purpose player Dayton Furuta of Mililani also will join as grayshirts.

Gifford made an oral commitment last summer, but has remained true to UH despite offers from Boise State, Nevada, Oregon and Oregon State.

"I stayed committed to Hawaii the whole time," said Gifford, who also can play tight end and long-snapper. He said he looked forward to this weekend’s recruiting trip because "I wanted to spend time with my future teammates."

Stubblefield, who also is an accomplished baseball player, said, "There’s no doubt I’m a Rainbow Warrior."

Stubblefield said his family has been UH season-ticket buyers for several years.

"After I committed, some schools gave me some buzzes, but I stayed committed," Stubblefield said. "I kept my word with Coach (Norm) Chow and the other guys at UH."