But that's exactly what occurred to this year's 10th pick in the National Football League draft when he came face to face with Ink Aleaga.

"I was so surprised to see him because I didn't know he had signed a free-agent contract with New Orleans," Naeole said of Aleaga, who played locally for Pac-Five and his college ball at the University of Washington.

"I hadn't seen him since the Hula Bowl, so it was a nice surprise," Naeole said. "Things went well at the camp for both of us, so hopefully, things will work out this summer."

Aleaga is a 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker, who was expected to be selected in the later rounds. When that didn't happen, he signed a free-agent deal with the Saints.

As for Naeole, he will return to the mainland on Monday. New Orleans head coach Mike Ditka sang high praises of Naeole during the recent minicamp, saying he was one of his starting guards.

"It's an honor to be in that position," Naeole said. "But I'm still going to have to work hard to keep it. This is a business where things can change quickly if you don't get the job done."

Naeole, Aleaga and former Brigham Young University tight end Itula Mili are the only local players to be drafted or sign free-agent contracts. Despite a serious knee injury last December, Mili was selected in the sixth round by the Seattle Seahawks.

Former University of Hawaii tight end Ryan Green also signed a free-agent deal with the San Diego Chargers.