Big day for
Hunter, ManuwaiThe former UH linemen
could go in the first round
of the NFL Draft today
When Ashley Lelie and Wayne Hunter were teammates at Radford High School five years ago, their dreams of playing in the NFL were just that ... and they seemed of the improbable, if not impossible, variety.
The Rams lost many more games than they won, and it appeared unlikely that any pro players would come from the team. Lelie was known as "Butterfingers Ashley," and Hunter was a raw athlete playing out of position.
But last year Lelie became the first University of Hawaii football player to be picked in the first round of the NFL Draft, and he had a decent rookie year with the Denver Broncos.
NFL Draft
Today: Rounds 1-3, 6 a.m.-4 p.m., Hawaii timeTomorrow: Rounds 4-7, 5 a.m.-noon
TV: ESPN
Today, Hunter and Farrington graduate Vince Manuwai are possibilities to become the second and third Warriors to go in the draft's first round.
UH linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa could also be picked during today's three rounds.
"I'm looking forward very much to watching that," said Hawaii coach June Jones, who is relaxing on the Big Island after Thursday's completion of spring practice. "I'm excited for them and their families."
It's not likely that both will be among the first 32 picks, but both have been predicted to be picked early in many mock drafts. The optimistic rumors yesterday had Hunter going 21st to Cleveland and Manuwai being picked 32nd by Oakland. On the down side, pundits said Hunter could go late in the second round, and Manuwai could drop to the third round.
"There's a lot of talk going around, which I try not to listen to," Hunter said. "The coaches aren't going to call the guys doing the mock draft and ask who they should pick. They really don't know what they're talking about. Anything can happen in the draft."
Manuwai (6-foot-2, 304 pounds, 5.1 seconds for 40 yards) doesn't let it bother him that draft guru Mel Kiper once had him rated in his Top 25 of available players, but no longer does.
"He was good for getting me noticed," Manuwai said. "Then it was up to me and now it's up to the coaches, GMs and owners."
Hunter (6-5, 303, 5.1) owes his status partly to being a prototype physically for left tackle, a position that is tough to fill for NFL teams. His lack of experience (one season) at the position is made up for by his showing at the NFL Combine. He was the star of the show, and Hunter went from unknown to sought-after prospect.
"The plan was to open eyes at the combine, and that's what we did," Hunter said.
He knew he'd have a hard time shutting his own last night.
"I can guarantee I won't sleep," Hunter said. "I've really got nothing to complain about. Millions of people would like to trade places with me."
Other players with Hawaii ties who might be drafted today or tomorrow include Arizona offensive lineman Makoa Freitas, Utah defensive tackle Lauvale Sape, Washington State quarterback Jason Gesser, UH punter Mat McBriar and UH offensive lineman Lui Fuata.
Tinoisamoa (6-0, 231, 4.5) bulked up after the season but kept his speed. He could go anywhere from the second to fifth round.
Freitas (6-4, 307, 5.1), the son of former Detroit Lions standout Rockne Freitas, will either go in a late round or be a solid free-agent pickup. A tackle at Arizona, the former Kamehameha star might be moved to guard.
Sape (6-1, 297, 5.2) played his prep ball at Leilehua. He will probably get into someone's camp as a free agent.
Gesser (6-0, 205, 4.8) is proof that a nationally recognized quarterback isn't necessarily a big-time commodity come draft day. But everyone likes the Saint Louis School alum's toughness and savvy, and he could be a second-day steal.
McBriar (6-0, 195) has a powerful leg, but the pros have to decide if he's worth a late-round pick. The Australian is relatively new to football, and needs work on technique. He will be in someone's camp this summer even if he isn't drafted.
Fuata (6-1, 309, 5.3) was a solid late-round prospect until a knee injury ended his season early. But he still got invited to the combine, where he didn't work out, but did interview with several teams. He will probably get a camp invite because of his experience at all five line positions and his snapping ability.
