Hunter emerges Wayne Hunter knows rumors and the NFL Draft go hand-in-hand.
as a top prospect
The former Hawaii offensive
lineman isn't taking much
stock in his rising stockBy Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comThe former Hawaii and Radford High School left tackle put on another great show for pro scouts yesterday to go with a performance that was the talk of last month's combine.
His stock has risen so quickly that the 6-foot-6, 305-pound Hunter has heard talk of being selected in the first round come April 26. He said he'll settle for the first day.
"The talk on the grapevine is I could go in the first round, but that's not what you want to rest your hopes on," Hunter said in a phone interview from Santa Monica, Calif., where he worked out for representatives from all 32 NFL teams yesterday. "But I'm really not trying to get my hopes too high. If I can go in the first, second or third rounds, I'll be OK."
UH could have two offensive linemen picked on the first day, as guard Vince Manuwai has done little to weaken his position -- although early projections for the first round may have been too high. Farrington graduate Manuwai is the more polished of the two, but Hunter has more marketability because he is a tackle.
"So far so good, everything has been going well for me and Vince," Hunter said. "They had us do a lot of run-block drills. They know we can pass block since we're from Hawaii."
Hunter's agent Kenny Zuckerman organized the workout, which also included other former Warriors like running back Thero Mitchell, linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, quarterback Shawn Withy-Allen, wide receivers Justin Colbert and Neal Gossett, punter Mat McBriar, defensive end La'anui Correa, and safety Sean Butts.
Withy-Allen said he didn't get to show off his strong arm very much, but was pleased with his 4.5 time in the 40.
"One scout told me today, 'Why not play in Canada?' " Withy-Allen said. "He said the game would suit me well, because I can run around and I can throw the ball. I might get a shot at an NFL camp, but my lack of game experience hurts me."
Tinoisamoa also had a strong combine last month, and will likely be drafted, probably on the second day. Most of the others will get looks in NFL or CFL camps as free agents.
BOR to vote on increases: The UH Board of Regents is voting this week on increasing season-ticket prices for football and women's volleyball.
The proposed action is part of a continuing plan to increase revenue by gradually increasing fees charged for premium seating. The BOR will also consider proposed increases in single ticket prices.
From UH to Islanders: Gossett, Matt Elam, Darrick Branch, Channon Harris, Flex Armstrong and Robert Kemfort are former UH players among the 37 who coach Cal Lee has invited to the arenafootball2 Hawaiian Islanders camp, which begins tonight at 7 at Saint Louis High School.
Quarterback Darnell Arceneaux, who Lee coached in high school at Saint Louis, returns for another year.
The season begins March 30 against the Green Bay Blizzard at Blaisdell Arena.
Lelie appearance: Denver Broncos and former UH receiver Ashley Lelie will make a public appearance at the Sprint Store at 680 Ala Moana Blvd. on Saturday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Lelie will be available for photos and to sign autographs.
National Football League