Former prep star Ulu-Perry rejoins Warriors

A heralded offensive lineman has rejoined the University of Hawaii football team, coach Nick Rolovich confirmed.

Fred Ulu-Perry participated in Friday’s offseason conditioning program for the first time this spring semester. Ulu-Perry was excused from the recently completed spring training because of medical and personal issues. He remained on scholarship and attended classes during the hiatus.

Ulu-Perry was projected to compete for the starting center’s job before being granted a leave from team activities, including the 15 practices of spring training in February and March.

Last Monday, the Rainbow Warriors began their second four-week strength/conditioning program of the spring semester. Ulu-Perry trained with the linemen during field and weight drills on Friday.

As a Saint Louis School senior in 2015, Ulu-Perry was rated as ESPN.com’s No. 1 guard and Scout.com’s top center. He signed a letter of intent with UCLA on Feb. 4, 2015.

That fall, Ulu-Perry played in eight games as an offensive guard, short-yardage runner and defensive tackle. But he took leave of absence twice, the second after the Thanksgiving weekend. He then requested — and received — a release from his UCLA scholarship.

A few weeks after Rolovich was named head coach, Ulu-Perry signed a scholarship agreement with the Warriors in December 2015. He was Rolovich’s first recruit.

Ulu-Perry redshirted during the 2016 season in accordance of NCAA transfer rules. He often practiced with the No. 2 offense, although he was not eligible to play in games.

This spring, Asotui Eli practiced as the No. 1 center. In the Warriors’ offense, the center makes the blocking calls and vocalizes the snap count.