Hawaii defensive end Jordan Pu‘u-Robinson was denied in his attempt to play this football season.

Pu‘u-Robinson had relinquished a scholarship and starting job to transfer from Washington State because of a family situation. NCAA rules require a player to redshirt after transferring between FBS schools. He sought an exemption because of the special circumstance.

The NCAA notified UH on Wednesday that the appeal was denied.

"I think it’s very unfair that Jordan is not eligible this fall," UH head coach Norm Chow said.

Pu‘u-Robinson is not on scholarship at UH.

"He’s a good player, but he’s also a neat kid," Chow said. "He gave up so much to come home and take care of his family problem. It’s nothing life-threatening, but the family certainly could use his help. That’s what’s so sad about it."

Washington State officials agreed. They wrote a letter on Pu‘u-Robinson’s behalf.

"Then (the NCAA) denied him," Chow said. "It makes no sense."

Pu‘u-Robinson practiced at both defensive end and defensive tackle during preseason training.

Ikaika Cavaco-Amoy, also a walk-on, will be added to the Warriors’ 64-play travel roster.

The Warriors practice this morning, then depart for Los Angeles ahead of Saturday’s season-opener against top-ranked Southern California.

12 first-time starters

Twelve Warriors will make their first NCAA starts against USC.

On offense, they are quarterback Sean Schroeder, running back Will Gregory, receiver Scott Harding, tight end Craig Cofer, left tackle Blake Muir, left tackle Kapua Sai and center Ben Clarke. On defense, they are defensive end Beau Yap, nose tackle Moses Samia, defensive tackle Siasau Matagiese, middle linebacker TJ Taimatuia and safety Bubba Poueu-Luna.

"I don’t think USC is worried about (inexperience)," Chow said. "Yes, it’s very much a concern, but what are you going to do? You have to hope they grow up fast and play hard. It is what it is."

Clarke is a so-called grayshirt who was a part-time student during the 2011 fall semester before joining the Warriors in January. He ascended to the top of the depth chart during spring training, then successfully held off challenges this summer.

"I had to learn everything really quick and pick it up," Clarke said. "I’m looking forward to this game. I don’t know what to expect."

Poueu-Luna has had to overcome several physical setbacks in his first two years at UH. But he was healthy this past spring when he claimed a safety’s job.

"I’m pretty excited," said Poueu-Luna, who was raised in California. "It’s a different feeling (to be a starter). I can’t wait to get in there and play and contribute. We’ll see how it goes."