Samuseva, Ala added
to Hula Bowl
Over the years, the Senior Bowl has become the game to be seen at for college football standouts looking to show their stuff for pro scouts.
Hula Bowl Maui
When: Jan. 17, 3 p.m.
Where: War Memorial Stadium, Maui.
Tickets and information: (808) 874-9500 or hulabowlmaui.com.
TV: ESPN.
But some players still find opportunity at the Hula Bowl. That's why University of Hawaii defensive linemen Lance Samuseva and Houston Ala jumped to accept invitations yesterday to play in the Jan. 17 game at War Memorial Stadium on Maui.
You won't see either's name on any list of highly draftable players. But both have professional potential, their agent, Leo Goeas, said.
"The first thing with Houston is his motor. The kid never quits on a play and works off blocks well. He might be undersized, but he's productive. He has a great knack for getting free and uses his hands pretty well. He plays with great intensity," Goeas said of the 6-foot-1, 250-pound Kamehameha graduate who played end and tackle at UH.
As for tackle Samuseva:
"With Lance, it's his ability to hold the point. For a guy his size (5-foot-10) carrying 310-315 pounds, he has a good initial burst and quickness," Goeas said.
Samuseva is a Farrington graduate who won UH's most inspirational player award the past two seasons.
"Both guys love the game. They play with passion and emotion. Very intelligent," Goeas said. "I think both, despite being labeled as undersized, when they get with a team they'll make a good first impression and win the respect of their teammates and organization. Both have tremendous work ethics and that's critical."
Goeas, a former UH and NFL offensive lineman, has recruited another former UH standout, Maa Tanuvasa, to train Samuseva and Ala this week. Tanuvasa earned two Super Bowl rings as a Denver Broncos defensive tackle.
"That's going to give them a little physical and mental edge," Goeas said.
Goeas, who recently received his sports-agent license, also represents two other Hula Bowl players: Utah offensive lineman Sean Souza (a Saint Louis School alum) and Washington center Todd Backert.
Samuseva and Ala join Warriors teammates Hyrum Peters, a safety, and Jeremiah Cockerhan, wide receiver, in the college all-star game.
"We're extremely excited they're coming to the game," Hula Bowl spokesman Jason Johnson said. "This gives the UH fans on Maui who haven't had much chance to see these great players an opportunity to watch them. Also it gives two deserving players an opportunity to show that they belong in NFL training camps this summer."
Tailgating OK: For the first time, tailgating will be allowed prior to the Hula Bowl Maui at War Memorial Stadium.
Gates open at 9 a.m. and fans are encouraged to bring coolers and grills.
Millhouse in Shrine Game: UH cornerback Kelvin Millhouse will play on the West team in Saturday's East-West Shrine Game at SBC Park in San Francisco.
The game will be shown live at 9 a.m. on ESPN.
