Defensive tackle Kennedy Tulimasealii was a highly sought football recruit because of his "D."

He is prepared to start his University of Hawaii career because of his A’s.

Tulimasealii, a recent Waianae High graduate, met the NCAA eligibility requirements after earning a qualifying SAT score and securing straight A’s for the second semester. He will participate in the Rainbow Warriors’ offseason conditioning program that begins on Friday.

"It’s awesome to be here at the university," said Tulimasealii, who attended Tuesday’s first team meeting of the season. "It’s awesome to be with these guys at the next level."

There had been some concerns whether Tulimasealii would qualify.

"I was confident from the start," he said. "I had some downfalls. Other than that, I came right back up."

Gary Beemer, who was hired as strength/conditioning coordinator two weeks ago, was introduced to the Rainbow Warriors during Tuesday’s afternoon meeting. Beemer detailed a workout schedule that will run through late July. The Warriors begin reporting to training camp on July 29. The first practice is Aug. 2.

"It was intense," said running back Aofaga Wily, the state’s 2012 offensive player of the year as a Kahuku senior. "It’s going to help us big-time."

Quarterback Taylor Graham said: "Coach Beemer is the man. He’s going to put us to work. We’re going to be better for it."

Graham said the players have not stopped training since the conclusion of spring practice.

"It’s been our responsibility to stay in shape, be prepared and hit the ground running," Graham said.

Head coach Norm Chow reaffirmed Graham’s spot atop the depth chart entering training camp.

"I don’t think there’s any question about that," Chow said, praising "everything (Graham) brings to the table — the mental part of it, the leadership part of it, the physical skills."

Chow also promised that the offense will be "more exciting" this season.

The Warriors were ranked 118th in 2012, averaging 297.42 yards per game.

This year, Aaron Price was hired as offensive coordinator, a position he previously held at UTEP, and former Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn joined as a graduate assistant for offense. The Warriors practiced extensively with three-receiver sets out of shot-gun formations this spring.

"We feel better about the personnel that will allow us to do the things we want to do," said Chow, noting much of the boost came from the current players’ improved play.

Running back Joey Iosefa said he lost nine pounds and now weighs 238. Tight end Jordan Pu‘u-Robinson, a converted defensive lineman, said he has returned to good health. He missed most of spring training because of a strained back.

"I had back problems in the past, and it caught up to me this spring," Pu‘u-Robinson said. "I’m 100 percent ready to go this summer."

Kicker Tyler Hadden, who underwent double-hernia surgery in January, said he will be medically cleared to work out next week.

Wide receiver Allen Sampson, who missed the 2012 season after undergoing knee surgery, is back on the active roster.

"We’re ready to work," Sampson said.