HAWAII FOOTBALL
8 isle players at NFL audition this week
Hawaii has six at the Combine, a school record, while Oregon sends two
Dane Uperesa's combination of agility and acuity could help him move up the charts during his time at the NFL Combine, which started today in Indianapolis. But the first day's test was mostly dealing with boredom.
"Medical stuff, live at the hospital for a day," Uperesa said last night, when asked what the meat market would feature upon check-in.
After the extensive physical exams, participants are tested for speed, strength, flexibility and intelligence. Scouts, coaches and draft-day decision makers from every NFL team are present.
Uperesa, a 6-foot-4, 312-pound offensive tackle, is among a University of Hawaii school-record six combine selections.
The others are defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis (6-5, 290), offensive tackle/guard Tala Esera (6-4, 312), running back Nate Ilaoa (5-9, 245), safety Leonard Peters (6-1, 205) and center/guard Samson Satele (6-2, 294).
Two former Oregon offensive linemen from Hawaii are also at the combine. They are Kamehameha graduate Enoka Lucas (6-3, 302) and Kahuku graduate Palauni Ma Sun (6-5, 338).
Alama-Francis or Satele will probably be picked the highest (both possible second-round choices), but Uperesa could elevate himself into a first-day selection at the combine.
"The Combine's going to be huge for him," said Leo Goeas, his agent. "I think he'll test out very well. I know he will interview well. There's a chance (to become a first-day pick). He really needs to put up some great numbers."
Uperesa -- already known as very athletic for his size -- spent the weeks leading up to now working on his quickness.
"Probably the biggest thing was just getting the steps down for the pro shuttle and the 40. (The 40's) not just run straight-ahead," Uperesa said. "I covered those bases with techniques that help maximize each yard, things like staying low, getting a good start."
Defensive end Melila Purcell, another Goeas client, was not invited to the combine. But some scouts consider him a potential mid-round pick.
Purcell is recovering from a minor knee sprain at the Hula Bowl last month, but should be ready to perform at UH's Pro Day, March 29 in Carson, Calif.
"He got a little banged up in the Hula Bowl, so it's actually a good thing he's not going to the Combine, more time to rehab," Goeas said. "His Combine will be at his Pro Day."
