Ex-UH linebacker Tinoisamoa to sign with Bears

Pisa Tinoisamoa, a former University of Hawai'i linebacker who was a free agent, signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears.

Another Hawai'i product, sixth-round draft pick Al Afalava of Kahuku High and Oregon State, also signed with the Bears.

Tinoisamoa, who was cut by the St. Louis Rams despite leading the team in tackles (104) last season, also visited Buffalo and New England.

The 6-foot-1, 240-pound Tinoi-samoa, 27, played at around 220 last season. He will be reunited with Chicago head coach Lovie Smith, the Rams' defensive coordinator in 2003.

Tinoisamoa will likely start at strong-side linebacker, joining all-pros, Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, although incumbent Nick Roach and former starter Hunter Hillenmeyer will also be in the mix.

Tinoisamoa (at UH from 2000-02) averaged 88 tackles per season while starting 47 of 48 games his first three NFL years.

"He's been a real productive player," Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said on www.chicagotribune.com. "We don't, at this point, need any position. But any time we have a chance to add a good football player, we're going to look at all positions."

Tinoisamoa was a two-time all-Western Athletic Conference linebacker and 2002 team MVP. He was drafted in the second round by the Rams in 2003.

Tinoisamoa has 661 total tackles, 10 sacks, seven interceptions, 25 pass break-ups, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in his career.

Sapolu speaks, Warriors listen

Moments after San Francisco defeated Chicago, 28-3, in the 1988 NFC Championship game, 49er center Jesse Sapolu approached Bears quarterback Jim McMahon and said: "This is payback for all of those years." Sapolu added: "He started laughing."

The true measure of a Hawai'i football player is his feelings toward longtime rival Brigham Young. Sapolu's teams never beat BYU (twice led by McMahon) in his four seasons as UH center.

"BYU will always be my rival," said Sapolu, who gave a pep talk to the Warriors during yesterday's spring practice.

Sapolu recalled the BYU quarterbacks his teams faced were Marc Wilson, McMahon and Steve Young — all record setters. Young is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Sapolu joked about how the BYU players were more mature as collegians.

"They were four years older than us when we played," Sapolu said, smiling. "I played with (BYU graduate) Bart Oates with the 49ers, and he was a good four years older than me. We were seniors together."

Most of the current Warriors were in elementary school when Sapolu retired in 1997 after a 15-year NFL career, all with the 49ers.

Still, he drew respectful awe as he spoke about the importance of team unity.

"I look up to the man," left tackle Aaron Kia said. "He was a beast when he played."

Kia said Sapolu's message had special meaning for the blockers.

"He was coming from the offensive linemen's perspective," Kia said. "I liked when he told us that the (49er) linemen only needed a head nod (to communicate calls). You want to get to that level where it's automatic, no static."

Center John Estes said his parents grew up in Redwood City, where the 49ers used to hold training camp.

"We were all 49er fans, all the way through my grandparents," Estes said. "We knew everything about them. It was really cool to see him out here."

Sapolu enjoyed his nostalgic visit. He pointed to the small grass hill bordering the Warriors' practice field.

"We used to run up these hills," Sapolu said. "Back then, it was dirt. Hard dirt. Now everything is so nice and manicured."

Sapolu, who works in the 49ers' organization and coaches a high school team, said he still considers himself to be a "shy kid from Kalihi."

"When I think back, it's, how did I get here?" he said. "There were some twists and turns. It it weren't for certain people who helped me, I could have gone the wrong way."

He said he received guidance from Al Espinda, his head football coach at Farrington High, and Gordon Miyashiro, the offensive line coach.

He recalled Miyashiro "not screaming at me, but talking to me. 'These are your possibilities if you straighten up and believe in yourself and go to class and do the right things.' It was one of the first times I played for a coach who was really positive with me."

Sapolu has two sons playing football. London Sapolu is at Orange Coast Community College. Roman Sapolu is at Edison High in Huntington Beach, Calif.

Sapolu said both sons have received offers from the Warriors.

"I would like one or both of my sons to come here," Sapolu said. "It would be nice to hear that name here again. It's been a while. I would be proud to see one of my sons be a Warrior.

"That would be the closest way for them to feel what I felt when I played here," he added. "Times are different, but we can still talk about things that are the same, like the dorms."

SF49er.com Article on Isaac Sopoaga

Scott Kegley
May 12, 2008
Most Samoans don’t grow up with grandiose dreams of playing in the National Football League. In fact most natives of the small island country, which is located approximately midway between Hawaii and New Zealand, are much more enamored with a game that’s native to the area - rugby.

This was also the case with 49ers defensive end Isaac Sopoaga who had never played football until he was 17 years old. At that point, the local high school coach who had come to Sopoaga’s house to visit with two of his brothers decided to also recruit Sopoaga. Although reluctant at first, Sopoaga decided to give football a shot. He would quickly find out that he made the right decision as he went on to win defensive player of the year honors in his senior season.

Sopoaga continued his football career at the College of the Canyons in Southern California, setting the national junior college record for sacks in a season with 31 in 2000. He would then transfer to the University of Hawaii where he was an all-conference selection in 2002, and with just five years of football experience under his belt, Sopoaga was selected by the 49ers in the 4th round of the 2004 draft.

With his contract expiring at the end of the 2007 season, Sopoaga was in no rush to leave his home away from home, and re-signed with the 49ers just days before the start of free agency in order to stay close to family, teammates and an organization to which he had grown accustomed.

“The most important thing for me is to stay here in the same place with my same teammates,” said Sopoaga. “Plus, I don’t like to travel and in San Francisco I am the closest I can be to my family. After coming from Samoa where it’s hard to earn five dollars per week, being in this situation where I get paid very well to do something I love is amazing!”

While he came from such humble beginnings, Sopoaga has steadily gained a reputation as one of the fiercest and strongest players on the team. He has improved every season since he’s been in the NFL, culminating in a career high 58 tackles and a career high-tying 1.5 sacks in 2007.

Sopoaga credits his improvement in part to some simple motivation from 49ers defensive line coach Jim Tomsula.

“It’s like coach always tells us, if you want to go somewhere you have to turn it up a notch in your work ethic and your performance during the season,” said Sopoaga. “If you do that, the coaches can tell. I just try to put myself in that situation by going all out, fighting and being tough on each and every play.”

Without question, the coaches noticed Sopoaga’s improved play in 2007 and rewarded him with increased playing time as the season wore on.

While most players of his size may not be initially viewed as the most athletic players on the field, Sopoaga showed the ability to play nose tackle, defensive end and even linebacker, where he played during one game last season against Seattle.

“Those positions made me learn different techniques as the season progressed and I think that really helped me,” said Sopoaga. “When I put all those things together, it gave me an idea of what I wanted to do going into this season. Now I know how I want to play, react and use my energy against the man in front of me.”

Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky witnessed that consistent energy from Sopoaga in his first year directing the 49ers defense, and is eager to utilize the ever-developing defensive linemen even more in 2008.

“When you get a guy that physical, with that size and that much talent, now he just has to get better in the scheme, defeating blockers and doing what we ask him to do,” said Manusky.

Manusky expects Sopoaga to play primarily at left defensive end this year, a change Sopoaga is very excited about.
Continue

Honolulu Advertiser Article on Mana Silva

By Stephen Tsai
HawaiiWarriorBeat.com Editor

University of Hawai'i football player Keanemana "Mana" Silva is willing to go the distance this semester.

About 200 miles each way, as it turns out.

Weekdays, Silva attends classes on the Manoa campus and participates in the Warriors' offseason conditioning program.

Every Friday evening he travels to his home on the Big Island, where he lives with his wife, Keilah, and their 8-month-old son, Kauahe. He returns to Honolulu Sunday evenings.

"It's tough, but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make," said Silva, a 2006 Kamehameha-Hawai'i graduate who transferred from Oregon State last August.

Silva has been impressive in conditioning drills this spring. At 6 feet 1 and 205 pounds, Silva, who is competing at safety, has displayed speed and power. Yesterday, he bench pressed 300 pounds.

"I was kind of disappointed with that," he said. "I can do better."

As a senior quarterback, Silva was the Big Island Interscholastic Federation's Player of the Year in 2005. Kamehameha ran a spread offense.

He also lettered in baseball and basketball.

Silva joined the Oregon State football team in August 2006. He moved to wide receiver, and redshirted that year.

Although he enjoyed his stay in Corvallis, Silva said, "I wanted to be closer to my family. I decided to come back."

He secured a release from Oregon State, then contacted the UH coaches. He also decided to move to safety.

"I felt, maybe, this is the ticket to the field," Silva said.

Mel deLaura, who is coordinating the off-season conditioning program, praised Silva's athletic ability.

"That guy is a stud," deLaura said. "He can do a lot of things."

Including, it seems, balancing his life.

"My family is very supportive," Silva said.

He and Keilah were married last July.

"We've been together since my sophomore year," Silva said. "She's my high school sweetheart. We've been together a long time."

Of exchanging wedding vows, he said, "I was crying when I was doing it. It made me really emotional."

Keilah is in a nursing program at UH-Hilo. Silva, who once aspired to be a doctor, now is considering a career as a nurse practitioner.

"I want to stay in the health field," he said. "I want to help people in my community."

Safety Kenny Estes said of his best friend on the team: "He always says positive things. He's grateful for everything."

Honolulu Advertiser Article on Quentin Beaver and Les Soloai

By Stephen Tsai
HawaiiWarriorBeat.com Editor

Two opposites have been attractions during the University of Hawai'i football team's offseason conditioning sessions.

Defensive tackle Quentin Beaver and defensive end Les Soloai have drawn raves for their workouts. The Warriors open spring training March 31.

Both players have polar backgrounds. Beaver played for Kahuku High, one of the state's football powers. Soloai said the next game of organized football will be his first.

Beaver recently completed a 2 1/2-year church mission in Boston. Soloai was born in New Zealand and raised in Australia.

Beaver speaks in a soft voice. Soloai speaks with an Australian accent.

But both have demonstrated enough raw skills that will enable them to compete for playing time.

Beaver, who is 6 feet 1 and about 330 pounds, reportedly bench pressed more than 500 pounds. He said he regularly lifts 405 pounds. "I haven't maxed out for a while," he said.

During last month's tryouts for walk-ons, he benched 225 pounds 32 times.

Beaver is starting to get back into playing shape. During his mission, he was limited to push-ups and crunches.

"Mostly, it was cold, so we didn't want to go out and run," he said. "I came back a little out of shape. I'm working to get it back."

Beaver said he chose UH because "I wanted to stay home, play in front of my family and friends. And it's cheaper."

Soloai, who is married, walked away from a basketball scholarship to join the Warriors as a walk-on.

Soloai, who is 6 feet 4 and 290 pounds, was recruited to play for the Brigham Young-Hawai'i basketball team. But he suffered a knee injury, and while undergoing treatment, he spoke with a doctor who also helped the UH football team. After hearing about the Warriors, Soloai decided he wanted to try out.

At first, Soloai was prepared to compete on the offensive line. But yesterday morning he worked out with the defensive ends.

"Physically, he can play any sport," said Mel deLaura, who is coordinating UH's offseason conditioning program.

Each week, the Warriors compete in Super Games, a series of fun activities designed to promote team unity.

"All of those games we play, he's the MVP," deLaura said. "Water polo, dodgeball — you name it, he can do it. He's a big-time athlete, and he's getting bigger and stronger."

Associate head coach Rich Miano likened Soloai to former UH defensive lineman Colin Scotts.

"What you're looking for in an athlete, he possesses all of those things," Miano said. "It's Ikaika Alama-Francis all over again. This guy is a good athlete. He has a chance."

Soloai played rugby in Australia, but not football.

"I'm just learning the game," he said. "I've seen it on TV before."

When he first arrived in Hawai'i last year, he admitted to "not knowing a thing about" football.

"I knew it was big with fans here," he said. "I didn't know much at all about it."

He said teammates have been helpful in teaching him techniques.

"It's coming along," he said.

Most of all, it has been an adjustment for his wife, who still attends BYUH. The couple lives in a UH dormitory, and his wife makes the roundtrip commute every weekday.

Nate Ilaoa selected in 7th Rd by Philadelphia Eagles

7th Rd. (236th): RB Nate Ilaoa, Hawaii

April 29, 2007

OVERVIEW
Known as "Nasti" by his teammates, Ilaoa's (pronounced ee-LAW-wuh) physical running style inside the red zone and ability to perform as a capable short area receiver could see him shift to fullback at the pro level. Many scouts liken his low center of gravity and pad level to that of former Dallas Cowboys great, Emmitt Smith. Despite his "cannonball" physique, he has excellent cutback ability and change of direction agility.

Born in Oakland, California, the talented athlete spent his prep days at North Stafford High School in Virginia. He lettered three times in football, competing at both halfback and wide receiver as a junior and as a split end during his junior campaign. He was named Washington Post Metro Player of the Year and Commonwealth District Player of the Year as a senior. Nate was also a two-time All-League, All-State, All-Region, All-Area, and first-team All-District pick. He amassed 890 yards receiving and 1,200 yards rushing while registering 25 touchdowns in 2000. As a junior, he gained 1,300 yards receiving while scoring ten times.

With his father a career military man, the family moved to Hawaii from Virginia and Ilaoa enrolled at Hawaii in 2001, spending the season on the scout team. Nate was bothered most of the 2002 season with a shoulder injury that forced him to miss two games. He started eight of twelve contests as a receiver, lining up in the "H" position for four games and at the "Y" position for four others. He gained 56 yards with a score on six carries (9.3 avg) and ranked fifth on the squad with 46 receptions for 532 yards (11.6 avg) and three touchdowns, finishing with 588 all-purpose yards.

A knee injury in the 2004 season opener vs. Appalachian State would force Nate to miss the rest of that campaign as a medical hardship. When he failed to recover in time for the 2004 season, Ilaoa was forced to miss the entire season.

He returned to the gridiron as a halfback in 2005. Nate started seven of eleven games, leading the team with 85 attempts for 643 yards (7.6 avg) and six touchdowns. He grabbed 36 passes for 274 yards (7.6 avgv) and a score, as he totaled 917 all-purpose yards. Ilaoa was granted a sixth year of eligibility in 2006 and made the most of that opportunity. He earned All-Western Athletic Conference first-team honors, as he ranked second in the WAC in scoring (9.0 ppg) and finished twelfth in the nation with an average of 139.5 all-purpose yards per game. He led the team with a career-high 990 yards and thirteen touch-downs on 131 carries (7.6 avg). He ranked third on the squad and fifth in the conference with 67 receptions for 837 yards (12.5 avg), including five scores. He totaled 108 points and 1,827 all-purpose yards, sharing team Offensive Warrior Club Award honors with QB Colt Brennan.

In 37 games at Hawaii, Nate started 27 times, including eighteen contests at halfback. He rushed 222 times for 1,689 yards (7.6 avg) and twenty touchdowns. He made 151 catches for 1,694 yards (11.2 avg) and nine scores. Ilaoa posted three solo tackles and 174 points while gaining 3,383 all-purpose yards, an average of 91.43 yards per game.

Vitals/Links College: Hawaii Height: 5-9, Weight: 245

CAREER NOTES
Nate holds the school career-records for running backs with 151 receptions for 1,694 yards, topping the previous marks of 73 catches for 895 yards by Gary Allen (1978-81) ... His 1,689 yards rushing rank tenth in Hawaii annals ... His twenty touchdown runs tied him with Glenn Frietas (1993-96) for fifth on the school's all-time record list behind Michael Carter (39, 1990-93), Jamal Farmer (31, 1988-91), Heikoti Fakava (31, 1985-88) and Larry Sherrer (26, 1969-71) ... Ilaoa's 3,383 all-purpose yardsrank fourth in school history, surpassed only by Chad Owens (5,461 yards, 2001-04), Gary Allen (4,558 yards) and Jeff Snyder (4,137 yards, 1989-91) ... Nate's 67 receptions for 837 yards in 2006 broke the school season-records for running backs, topping the old marks of 42 catches for 435 yards by Charles Tharp in 1997 ... His 1,827 all-purpose yards in 2006 rank third in school history behind Chad Owens (1,866 in 2004) and Jeff Snyder (1,958 in 1990).

2006 SEASON
All-Western Athletic Conference first-team selection ... Shared team Offensive Warrior Club Award honors with QB Colt Brennan ... Super Sleeper Team pick by The NFL Draft Report ... Earned WAC Player of the Week accolades vs. Nevada-Las Vegas ... Started eleven of thirteen games, missing the Louisiana Tech clash after injuring his ankle vs. Utah State ... Still managed to lead the team and rank fifth in the WAC with an average of 74.42 yards per game rushing ... Ranked 29th nationally and fifth in the league with an average of 5.25 receptions per game ... His average of 9.0 points scored per game was second-best in the conference and ranked ninth in the nation ... Ranked twelfth in the NCAA Division 1-A ranks with an average of 139.5 all-purpose yards per game ... Led the team with a career-high 990 yards and thirteen touchdowns on 131 carries (7.6 avg) ... Was third on the squad with a school season-record (for running backs) 67 receptions for 837 Yards (12.5 avg) and five scores ... Recorded one solo tackle and amassed 1,827 all-purpose yards, the third-best season total in school history ... Ran for over 100 yards vs. Nevada-Las Vegas, Nevada, San Jose State and Purdue, adding a 100-yard receiving performance in the Utah State clash.

2005 SEASON
Appeared in eleven games, starting seven contests at halfback ... Sat out the New Mexico State clash after injuring his big toe vs. Louisiana Tech ... Led the team with 643 yards and six touchdowns on 85 carries (7.6 avg) ... Caught 36 passes for 274 yards (7.6 avg) and one score ... Made one solo tackle and registered 42 points ... Amassed 917 all-purpose yards ... Ran for over 100 yards vs. San Diego State in the season finale.

2004 SEASON
Sat out the year.

2003 SEASON
Granted a medical hardship waiver.

2002 SEASON
Played in twelve games, starting four contests at "H" receiver and four more at the "Y" receiver position ... Finished fifth on the team with 46 receptions for 532 yards (11.6 avg) and three touchdowns ... Rushed six times for 56 yards (9.3 avg) and one score ... Added one solo tackle, as he amassed 588 all-purpose yards ...

2001 SEASON
Redshirted as a freshman.

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.66 in the 40-yard dash ... 405-pound bench press ... 505-pound squat ... 286-pound power clean ... 31.5-inch vertical jump ... 29 ¾-inch arm length ... 9-inch hands ... Right-handed ... Wears contacts ... 22/30 Wonderlic score.

COMBINE AGILITY TESTS
4.84 in the 40-yard dash ... 1.68 10-yard dash ... 2.81 20-yard dash ... 4.42 20-yard shuttle ... 11.78 60-yard shuttle ... 7.10 three-cone drill ... Bench pressed 225 pounds 25 times. 30 Inch Vertical ... 8.07 Broad Jump.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended North Stafford (Va.) High School, playing football for head coach Chris Beatty ... Lettered three times in football, competing at both halfback and wide receiver as a junior and as a split end during his junior campaign ... Named Washington Post Metro Player of the Year and Commonwealth District Player of the Year as a senior ... Two-time All-League, All-State, All-Region, All-Area, and first-team All-District pick ... Amassed 890 yards receiving and 1,200 yards rushing while registering 25 touchdowns in 2000 ... As a junior, he gained 1,300 yards receiving while scoring ten times.

PERSONAL
History major ... Son of Vaisa and Filipo Ilaoa ... Born 4/04/83 in Oakland, California ... Resides in Kailua, O'ahu, Hawaii.

Miami Dolphins Profile 6th Rd Pick: Reagan Mauia

REAGAN MAUIA

April 29, 2007

Position: RB
HT/WT 6-0 / 270 lbs.
Hometown: Stockton, California

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* Listen to Reagan Mauia's conference call with the South Florida media 300k and 56k

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2006 (Senior):
Played in 12 games with four starts...Rushed for 156 yards on 31 carries (4.9 avg.) with two touchdowns and a long of 22 yards...Added ten receptions for 109 with one touchdowns and a long of 29 yards.

2005 (Junior):
Played in seven games, making one start on defense at Michigan State (Sept. 10)...began the season on the defensive line and moved to running back towards end of season...made one tackle...rushed 12 times for 59 yards...scored lone touchdown against San Diego State (Dec. 3).

Prior to UH:
Attended San Joaquin Delta College from 2002-04...redshirted the 2003 season...lettered in football and track...earned all-conference honors his sophomore season...team went undefeated, winning the conference title in 2002...defeated Butte (Calif.) College in the 2004 Tri Counties Holiday Bowl...a scholar-athlete.

Prep:
A 2002 graduate of Tokay High School in Lodi, Calif...lettered four years in both football and track...was an all-league and all-area selection...broke the school's sack mark with 18 his senior season...broke the school's shot put record with a toss of 52'8".

Personal:
Born July 6, 1984, in American Samoa...majoring in family resources...has three brothers and two sisters...parents are Tagi`ifo and Pili Mauia of Stockton, Calif.

Samson Satele Conference Call with Miami Media

Samson Satele Conference Call Transcript

April 28, 2007
(On the story about his hair) – “I’ve been growing it since I was a little kid. When I went over to my grandpa’s house my grandma cut it because she likes it the old Samoan way, the short hair, but I just kept growing it out and when it got to a point in high school where my grandma never said anything. I grew it out in high school and then cut it. I grew it out again in college to start all over.”

(On his personal expectations with the Dolphins in his rookie season) – “I want to be the best player out there. The Dolphins picked me. I’m going to bust my buns. I’m going to be a rookie, but I’m not going to play and practice like a rookie. I’m going to be a vet out there – like I’ve been in the league for awhile. I’m just going to bring everything I have.”

(On offensive line coach Hudson Houck) – “He’s a great coach. He worked me out at the Pro Day. I fell in love with the coach.”

(On what specifically he likes about Hudson Houck) – “I like the coaches that tell you one time and you have to do it. He’s a good coach, a teaching coach and a tough coach.”

(On how working under June Jones helped his development) – “It helped me a lot. Coach Jones helped me with the defense. He helped me with my (knowledge) of knowing the defense and where the blitzes are coming from. I’m thankful that I went to UH.”

(On if he sees himself as a multi-position player) – “Multi – I told Coach Hudson that I’d love to play center, but if he wants me to play guard then I’ll move to guard.”

(On what the Dolphins said to him about playing a different position) – “He told me I was a tough guy.”

(On when his mean streak comes out) – “I’m a humble a guy off the field. Once I step onto that field, practice and games, I just turn into a different guy.”

(On what adjustments he will have to make in the NFL after having played in the run-and-shoot at Hawaii) – “A lot of the coaching, the run-blocking scheme, we didn’t do that much at UH. We just did special work. The more reps I do, the more feeling I get back for me because I did it a lot in high school. I missed the run-blocking out in Hawaii.”

(On why he chose to play at Hawaii) – “I always wanted to play for Hawaii. I made a decision at Christmas, a verbal commitment.”

(On if several colleges recruited him out of high school) – “A lot of colleges were recruiting me like Nebraska, Colorado, BYU and Utah. I just wanted to play for Hawaii.”

(On where he is located currently in Hawaii) – “I’m in Mililani.”

(On how many people are with him) – “About 50.”

(On what the scene was like when he was selected) – “I couldn’t even hear the guy that called me. They knew right away. They were just yelling.”

(On relatives playing in the NFL) – “Uncle Alvis (Satele) made it to the San Diego Chargers. I have a lot of cousins that made it too. Those guys that made it before me, they gave me a lot of things to look forward to and think about because it’s not college anymore, it’s a business.”

Miami Dolphins Profile 2nd Round Pick: Samson Satele

SAMSON SATELE

April 28, 2007

Offensive Center/Guard
University of Hawaii Warriors
6:02.5-300
Kaneohe, O`ahu, Hawaii
Kailua High School

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OVERVIEW
The Warriors’ coaching staff was concerned about protecting their star quarterback, Colt Brennan, entering the 2006 season. With starter Derek Faavi having graduated, there was a huge vacancy to fill at the center position. Satele (pronounced (sah-TELL-ay) approached head coach June Jones about moving to the pivot from left offensive guard. Not only did Samson solidify the Hawaii front wall, the versatile blocker quickly established himself as the premier pass protector in college football at his new position. With his raw power and nimble feet, pro scouts are comparing him to former San Francisco 49ers great, Jesse Sapolu.

Satele was an All-State first-team selection by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and The Honolulu Advertiser as a senior at Kailua High School. He was also named first-team All-League and earned All-American honors from Prep Star, a recruiting service that rated Samson as one of the top twenty offensive linemen in the West. He was the recipient of the Top Offensive Lineman Award at the 2001 Maverick Football clinic, after leading the team to a share of the league title.

Samson also lettered three times in basketball. He was chosen All-State in hoops three consecutive seasons, adding All-League accolades as a junior and senior. He was also named the team’s Most Valuable Player his junior campaign. Satele added three letters in track, competing in the shot put and discus. He was also named the school's Athlete of the Year for 2000-01.

Satele enrolled at Hawaii in 2002, spending the season performing on the scout team. He moved into the starting lineup immediately, lining up for the season opener at left tackle before moving to left guard for the rest of the fourteen-game schedule. He registered 48 knockdown blocks and allowed only one quarterback sack. For that performance, he earned second-team All-Western Athletic Conference and Scripps/FWAA first-team Fresh-man All-American honors.

Samson would go on to start every game that he played in for the Warriors. He lined up at left guard in ten contests and at center for three games, producing 42 knockdowns with only one sack in 2004, picking up All-WAC second-team accolades. In 2005, he stayed at left guard for all twelve games. He registered 32 knockdowns, allowed two sacks and graded 86% for blocking consistency while garnering All-WAC first-team recognition.

Having moved back to center in 2006, Satele was an All-American first-team pick by The NFL Draft Report. He was named All-WAC first-team, as he produced 65 knockdowns for an offense that generated 559.2 yards per game, paving the way for a unit that generated 84 touchdowns.

What was even more impressive was that he held his main assignment to no tackles in seven of the fourteen games he played in. In 53 games at Hawaii, all starts, Samson was credited 177 knockdown blocks.

CAREER NOTES
Satele holds the school career-record by starting 53 consecutive games for the Warriors… That streak was the longest among all active players in the NCAA Division 1-A ranks in 2006…Did not allow an opponent to register any statistics in seven games during his first year as a full-time starter at center in 2006…A colorful character, Samson “lives up” to his first name, as he has not had his hair cut since enrolling at Hawaii in 2002.

2006 SEASON
All-American first-team selection by The NFL Draft Report…Rated the best center prospect for the 2007 NFL Draft by nfldraftscout.com…Consensus All-Western Athletic Conference first-team choice…Served as one of the team’s tri-captains. Head coach June Jones said Satele was the right choice for that leadership role, stating, “Samson has asserted himself in a leadership role this year through his workouts and on the field. He’s trying to be a winner. He’s a good kid, and a very powerful player.”…Satele bypassed entering the 2006 NFL Draft to return to the team, moving from left guard to fill a huge vacancy at center…Fresno State’s Kyle Young was regarded as the WAC’s best center entering the season, but Satele’s performance far surpassed his counterpart. Samson kept Young’s picture in his locker for “motivation.” “He had a lot at stake
(coming back),” Jones said. “He had a very good season. Samson is all I thought he would be, and more.”…Assistant offensive line coach Dennis McKnight chimed in, saying, “Sam, for having moved inside and playing his third position in four years, has done a phenomenal job at center. He makes all the calls. He’s so smart and we could not imagine where we would be this year without him.”…Satele led what many pro scouts felt was the best offensive line in college football…He helped the offense win the offensive “triple crown,” as the warriors led the nation in total offense (559.21 ypg), passing offense (441.29 ypg) and scoring (46.86 ppg)…The team’s 559.21 yards in total offense rank second in NCAA Division 1-A history, topped only by Houston’s average of 624.9 yards in 1989…Finished the season with a career-high 82 knockdowns/key blocks, including 24 touchdown-resulting blocks, grading 87.4% for blocking consistency…Satele did not allow any tackles in seven contests and gave up only one quarterback pressure and two stops behind the line of scrimmage in fourteen games.

2005 SEASON
All-Western Athletic Conference first-team selection…Started all year at left offensive guard, grading 86% for blocking consistency while coming up with 32 knockdowns, en route to helping an offense that generated 5,714 yards…Allowed two quarterback sacks and three pressures on 578 pass plays…Part of a unit that ranked second in the nation in passing offense, averaging 384.25 yards per game and finished eleventh nationally with an average of 476.17 yards per game in total offense…Produced a string of three-straight games where he did not allow his assignment to register any tackles (New Mexico State, San Jose State, Fresno State).

2004 SEASON
Satele earned All-Western Athletic Conference second-team honors…He started every game for the Warriors, lining up at left guard in ten contests and at center in three others… Led the team with 42 knockdown blocks, including ten that resulted in touchdowns…The offense ranked second in the nation with an average of 384.25 yards per game passing and finished ninth in scoring with an average of 35.92 points.

2003 SEASON
Second-team All-WAC selection…Member of the Scripps/Football Writers Association Freshman All-American first-team…Warrior Club Award winner…Started all fourteen games, lining up at left tackle in the season opener vs. Appalachian State before shifting to left guard for the rest of the schedule…Registered a team-high 48 knockdowns, as he allowed only one sack (vs. Houston) in 754 pass attempts...Compiled a career-high nine knockdowns at Louisiana Tech.

2002 SEASON
Redshirted as a freshman.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Kailua (Hi.) High School, playing football for head coach Darren Johnson…All-State first-team selection by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and The Honolulu Advertiser as a senior…Named first-team All-League and earned All-American honors from Prep Star, a recruiting service that rated Samson as one of the top twenty offensive linemen in the West…Recipient of the Top Offensive Lineman Award at the 2001 Maverick Football clinic, after leading the team to a share of the league title…Lettered three times in basketball… Chosen All-State in hoops three consecutive seasons, adding All-League accolades as a junior and senior…Named the team’s Most Valuable Player his junior campaign…Added three letters in track, competing in the shot put and discus…Named the school's Athlete of the Year for 2000-01.

PERSONAL
Graduated in December, 2006, with a degree in Sociology…Son of Norine and Faalata Satele…Nephew of former Hawaii Warrior and San Diego Chargers linebacker Alvis Satele and former Rainbow Wahine volleyball player Lee Ann Pestana…Cousins, defensive end Melila Purcell (2003-06) and offensive guard Hercules Satele (2004-present) were team-mates of Samson’s on the Hawaii football team…Samson lives up to his first name, as the lineman has not had his hair cut since enrolling at Hawaii in 2002…Born 11/29/84 in Kailua, O`ahu, Hawaii…Resides in Honolulu. Hawaii.

DE Ikaika Alama-Francis' Professional Sports Dreams Ended up with the NFL

Falling in Love with Football
DE Ikaika Alama-Francis' Professional Sports Dreams Ended up with the NFL
By Chuck Klonke
Detroitlions.com
April 28, 2007

Alama-Francis' father, Joe, was a backup quarterback during the Vince Lombardi era. (Photo: WireImage)

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- When he was in high school, Ikaika Alama-Francis dreamed of a career in professional sports.

However, that vision had the Hawaiian native wearing the uniform of an NBA team.

Saturday, that dream became reality when the 6-foot-5, 280-pound defensive lineman from the University of Hawaii was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Lions.

Obviously, there were a couple of detours along the way.

It might seem like Alama-Francis was destined to be a football player. His father, Joe Francis, was a backup quarterback for the Green Bay Packers during the early Vince Lombardi-era.

That wasn't the case. Ikaika never played a down of football at Kalaheo High School in Hawaii. Instead, he was a star basketball and volleyball player.

"My dad told me that I'd have to make my own decisions in life and at the time I was playing basketball and loving it," Alama-Francis said. "He was a big football player but he told me to do what I liked to do.

"At the time I dreamed about being in the NBA. Then I came over to football, and it's just unbelievable the way things turned out. It's crazy."

A lot of folks probably thought Hawaii football coach June Jones was crazy when he offered Alama-Francis a scholarship coming out of high school.

"I thought he was crazy," Alama-Francis said with a laugh. "I had no prior football experience. There was no tape. I was 190 pounds and 6-6. And he threw me with the defensive linemen. I was going up against guys who were 250 pounds plus."

Jones had one word of instruction for Alama-Francis, keeping in mind his basketball background.

"He said, 'the quarterback is the hoop, so get to the basket as fast as you can,'" Alama-Francis recalled.

The words obviously sunk in. The last two years he registered 10 quarterback sacks and 18 1/2 tackles behind the line. He also developed a love for football.

"As years went along, I told myself that I was going to give everything I had to football," Alama-Francis said. "I fell in love with the game, but I never imagined this would happen. I'm so grateful and I'm going to dedicate myself to getting better every day and be as good a football player as I can."

A lot of Alama-Francis's development can be traced to the Rainbow Warriors' hiring of former NFL head coach Jerry Glanville as their defensive coordinator. Detroit native Glanville, like Jones, is a former assistant coach for the Lions.

"He and June Jones complement each other so well," Alama-Francis said. "June Jones is a laid-back strategic person and Jerry Glanville will get in your jock strap. He has that fire that will make you go, and if you don't go, you won't play.v

"I was energized to have him as our defensive coordinator because he was a former NFL head coach. I'm glad he was on our side."

Alama-Francis had heard that he might be drafted in the early rounds, but the wait got to be too much for him.

"I watched a little of (the draft) in the beginning but I just couldn't watch it," Alama-Francis said. "When the Lions called me I was hitting a bucket of golf balls. I was just trying to get the nerves out.

"When I got that phone call that said 'welcome to the Motor City,' every emotion raced through my body. It was an incredible feeling, something I've never felt before in my life."

The Lions coaches liked Alama-Francis's versatility.

"This guy is an athletic guy," said head coach Rod Marinelli. "He's played basketball, volleyball -- all those different types of things. His movement laterally is exceptional. This guy can play inside and I think he can play outside, so he gives you position flexibility. He's got real good hand-eye coordination and the balance is extraordinary."

When Alama-Francis's father was playing for the Packers, Green Bay and Detroit were dominating the NFL's Western Division. However, Joe Francis didn't spin a lot of yarns about those days to his young son.

"He's such a humble, grounded person that I didn't even know he played professional football until I got to high school," Alama-Francis said. "He's kept me grounded my whole life. He said you should never expect anything from anybody -- you have to earn it. I guess you'd call it that old-school mentality.

"When I asked him about (his career) he'd tell me about it. It was incredible to hear him tell about the guys he played on the team with like (Ray) Nitschke, Jerry Kramer, Bart Starr. Those are all legends."

Joe Francis played against some legends, too, like Lions greats Joe Schmidt, Alex Karras and Yale Lary just to name a few.

"I'm sure I'll hear about them now," Alama-Francis said.

Alama-Francis, Satele picked in NFL draft

Alama-Francis, Satele picked in NFL draft

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Yes, big guys cry.

They weep unabashedly when their pretty-please wishes are answered.

"I just broke down," said Ikaika Alama-Francis, a former University of Hawai'i defensive end who was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of yesterday's National Football League draft. "I couldn't save any tears. It was an amazing thing."

Former UH center Samson Satele tried to leash his emotions after learning he was picked in the second round — two spots after Alama-Francis was selected — by the Miami Dolphins.

"After I talked to the Miami guy, I saw my dad and gave him a big hug," Satele said. "And then everything just came out. All of my tears just came out. It took me an hour to recover."

The announcements ended a white-knuckle week for both players. Although each was projected to be selected on the first day, Satele admitted, "You never know."

Alama-Francis did not play organized sports until his freshman year at Kalaheo High School. His first time in a football uniform was three years ago, when he switched from the UH basketball team. The Lions were not one of the six teams to invite Alama-Francis for a personal interview.

Satele had played football for 15 years. But last year was his first season as a full-time center.

Satele had a pillow-punching night leading to yesterday morning's draft telecast.

"I couldn't sleep," Satele said. "I stayed up more than 24 hours. I drove around at 4 o'clock in the morning. I went to Fast Stop and got a couple of Red Bulls. I thought (the draft) started at 5. It started at 6. I had to wait another hour."

Both knew they would not sneak into the first round. Still, Alama-Francis could not take the tension.

"I turned around, and he was gone," said his father, Joe Francis, who played for the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s. "I said, 'Where's Ikaika?' They told me he had to leave."

Alama-Francis and former UH punter Kurt Milne met at the Bay View Golf Course. They headed straight to the driving range.

"I was going crazy, man," Alama-Francis said. "I had to do something. I couldn't take it anymore."

Then his cell phone rang.

"It was a 313 number," Alama-Francis recalled. "I thought, 'This could be it.' I answered the phone, and the voice on the other end said: 'Welcome to the Motor City.' I started going crazy. I started screaming and yelling. And then I started giving away my golf balls. I just bought a bucket and I'm like, 'I don't care.' "

Meanwhile, Satele was in the eighth hour of his personal anguish.

"It was nerve-wracking," Satele said of watching the draft coverage. "I had my hat down low. My pillow was covering my face. I tried not to look at the TV. I was sitting there for a long time. It was a long wait."

There was a slight panic in the self-styled "Party Zone" — his uncle Alvis Satele's living room, where family and friends had waited — when ESPN's draft coverage ended. It took about a minute to realize the coverage moved to ESPN2.

"All we had to do was click the channel button, and everything was better," Satele said.

And then Satele received the call from the Dolphins.

"I know I have a lot of work to do, but I'm so happy I was drafted," Satele said. "It's so hard to explain."

Alama-Francis could relate.

"It's a dream come true," said Alama-Francis, who will play defensive end in the Lions' 4-3 schemes. "I never thought I'd be in this position. Never. I mean, what do you know? I'm in the National Football League. Me. Unbelievable."

Alama-Francis reports to the Lions' mini-camp on Thursday.

Satele leaves Thursday for the Dolphins' introductory dinner in Miami. He then will stay for mini-camp.

Both will have to make adjustments. The Lions always play on Thanksgiving.

"Happy Thanksgiving," Alama-Francis said.

For the introductory dinner, Satele must buy his first suit and tie.

"It's going to be a fun ride from now on," Satele said. "I'm going to make my way around Miami and try to find Shaq."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Honolulu SB: Alama Francis to Detroit and Satele to Miami in 2nd Round

Alama-Francis, Satele go in second round

By Cindy Luis
cluis@starbulletin.com

Instant millionaires.

It was hard to comprehend what being a second-round NFL Draft pick meant in terms of money. It was as unreal as watching the ticker on ESPN constantly running "58. DET-Ikaika Alama-Francis, Hawaii, DE" ... "60. MIA-Samson Satele, Hawaii, C" ...

Just USC center Ryan Kalil -- Carolina's pick -- between them.

Alama-Francis, who didn't play football in high school but whose father Joe was a reserve quarterback for Green Bay in 1958 and '59. And Satele, whose DNA is laden with pigskin molecules.

The pair gave the Warrior program its first set of second-round draft picks. It was also the best first day for Hawaii since 2003, when Pisa Tinoisamoa went in the second round and Wayne Hunter and Vince Manuwai went in the third.

As expected, both were still in a state of shock after the record 11 hours and 4 minutes it took to complete the first three rounds yesterday.

"I am speechless right now," Satele said. "I am so happy for Ikaika and I'm praying for our other boys (to be drafted).

"Anywhere would have been good, but I was pretty sure it was going to be Miami. They had the most interest and I love their coach. I've never been there, but I think it will be easy to get used to."

Sports agent Leo Goeas, a former Warrior and NFL player, represents Satele. He was at his Domann and Pittman office in Colorado Springs, Colo., yesterday watching the draft and text-messaging his brother Larry, who was with the Sateles during the ESPN broadcast.

"After Kalil got picked, I texted Larry with 'Miami,' " Leo Goeas said last night. "Then came the call (from the Dolphins) and then his name flashed. He was the first from our company to go (in the draft). There was a lot of jubilation and cheering here.

"I thought it was really cool that he and Ikaika were so close together. He's such a great kid whose potential is untapped."

Goeas' company represents 12 players hoping to be drafted this year, including several Warriors waiting for calls today: offensive lineman Dane Uperesa, defensive end Melila Purcell and running back Nate Ilaoa. Other draft possibles are defensive back Leonard Peters and offensive lineman Tala Esera.

"I think Dane should be the next of my guys to go, probably fourth, fifth round," Goeas said. "But the draft is never a perfect science.

"Esera is right up there and Mel and Nate should go sixth, seventh round. I remember what it was like, the stress of waiting, watching, seeing the clips of players then all of a sudden your phone rings and there's someone saying, 'We just took you.' Sixty seconds it's on TV."

When watching yesterday, Goeas noticed something else. Both he and Satele were the 60th pick overall on their respective draft days, Goeas going to San Diego in 1990 early in the third round.

But the bonus money is a world apart 17 years later. Goeas said he signed for $127,000, while Satele is expecting around $1.1 million.

It will be close to $1.4 million for Alama-Francis.

"I'm going to stash it away," Alama-Francis said. "I'll take care of my family, of course.

"Having that amount of money ... I just want it to be the start of something good."

Having the two players go so early was a good way to start the last day of spring practice for Warrior coach June Jones.

"I'm really excited for them and their families," Jones said. "I was hoping they'd go first or second round. And to have them drafted so close to each other got our program a lot of play on ESPN.

"Sam is going to be a great player. Ikaika is very physical and is only going to get better.

"I think we've got at least four more with a shot Sunday."

Ilaoa said he hadn't expected to see his name on ESPN yesterday, but watched anyway.

"I'm doing OK," Ilaoa said last night. "I'm happy for my teammates, a little surprised about their teams, but happy for them.

"I'm hoping for the best. I'll wait and see."

Hawai'i Offensive Lineman: Dane Uperesa

Dane Uperesa was recently selected District VIII All-Academic Team in addition to being named Second Team All WAC. Uperesa is preparing for the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on December 24, 2006 and has been selected to play in the Hula Bowl All Star Game.

Not much down time for Warriors' Uperesa

By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com

The Hawaii football team had last week off, but Dane Uperesa didn't stop working.

"Not really," the senior starting right tackle said, when asked if he got to relax a little.

"I've been writing my thesis paper and it's about 40 to 50 pages. I had to dedicate a lot of time to the computer." Uperesa is among the Warrior seniors who graduate Sunday. Yesterday, he learned he was named to the District VIII All-Academic team. Uperesa, who has a cumulative GPA of 3.63, is getting a degree in communications.

His thesis deals with the effects of media exposure on body image for males.

"In the research we came across reverse anorexia. Some guys work out too much and it can cause problems," Uperesa said.

Of course, there are some athletes who don't work out enough. Uperesa said the Warriors didn't suffer that problem last week, as players still found their way to the weight room during the lull before practices for the Dec. 24 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl against Arizona State.

"We worked out, but we also all definitely took some time away from football last week, and that's good. Heal the body up. Of course the winning made the weeks go by faster. We were so immersed in football for 12 straight weeks," Uperesa said. "It's good to get away from it, especially around finals week."

The Warriors (10-3) have one big onfield exam remaining in the Sun Devils (7-5). A victory in the Hawaii Bowl allows UH to tie the school record for wins in a season. It could also propel the Warriors into the final polls after the Dec. 2 loss to Oregon State to end the regular season knocked them out of the rankings.

Yesterday, the team went through a light hour-long workout, and will do the same tomorrow after taking today off.

Uperesa said he's fully recovered from a bent wrist that sidelined him for the last four plays of the Oregon State loss.

"I put a brace on it and it was sore the next morning, but I'm ready to go now," he said.

The Sun Devils arrive next Monday and will be staying at the Sheraton Waikiki. The Warriors move into their Hawaii Bowl rooms at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider on the same day.