As many as eight lineman with extensive playing experience return in 2011 to bolster UH's defensive line, most notably, tackles Vaughn Meatoga and Kaniela Tuipulotu.

In fact, UH returns nearly all of its tackles from a year ago including Haku Correa, Geordon Hanohano, and Zach Masch. Add to the mix transfer Siasau Matagiese and the Warriors strength of its defense is the line.

Meatoga, a senior from Kalaheo, Kaua'i, is a three-year letterwinner who has been arguably the team's best tackle the past three seasons. Tuipulotu, a senior transfer from Arizona, earned second-team all-WAC honors during his first season with the Warriors in 2010.

Last season, UH went three-deep at the tackle position with Correa, Hanohano, and Masch seeing extensive action. Correa, a junior from Honolulu, is the unit's leading returning tackler with 45 including five for loss. Matagiese, a sophomore from Waimea, Kaua'i, sat out last season after transferring from Portland State.

UH must replace its starting ends from a year ago but welcome the return of reserves Paipai Falemalu, Siaki Cravens, Liko Satele, and Alasi Toilolo. Falemalu, a junior Hau'ula, O'ahu, started three games and recorded 35 tackles and five sacks. Cravens, a junior from Temecula, Calif., appeared in 12 games switching between linebacker and end. Satele, senior from Honolulu, has eight career starts in two seasons with the Warriors.

Redshirt freshmen Marcus Malepeai (end), Moses Samia (tackle), and Beau Yap (end) are also expected to contribute along with newcomers Craig Cofer (Grossmont College) and Tavita Woodard (Eastern Arizona College), the latter of whom suffered a foot injury and will miss the first few weeks of the season.