UH players 'audition' at Hula Bowl

Klaneski, Shinnick and Oliveira hope to impress the NFL scouts

By Paul Arnett
Star-Bulletin

WAILEA, Maui - The three University of Hawaii players on the roster for Sunday's Hooters Hula Bowl know the odds aren't on their side.

While Michigan's Brian Griese, Georgia's Mike Bobo and Penn State's Joe Jurevicius are certain they will be selected in April's National Football League draft, the Rainbow players almost certainly won't be.

That's not to say free safety Eddie Klaneski, center Shane Oliveira and strong safety Chris Shinnick won't be invited as free agents. But they aren't on any of the NFL scouts' can't-miss lists.

''I know I've got to do something special in Sunday's game to get a good look,'' Klaneski said after yesterday's workout at Maui High School. ''But all of us are going to be given a chance to show what we can do. It's up to us to make the most of it.''

The Chicago Bears and New York Giants have shown some interest in Klaneski, who at 190 pounds isn't the kind of imposing free safety teams will be looking for in the upcoming draft. But what Klaneski does possess is a strong desire to play at the next level.

He also displayed some solid athletic ability during yesterday's practice. Klaneski not only worked out at free safety, but at cornerback and on punt returns.

''I want them to see that I can be an all-around athlete, that I can do a lot of different things,'' Klaneski said. ''I'd go at receiver if they would let me. Anything just to give the scouts a look at my speed, my knowledge of the game and my ability to cover.''

Shinnick is taking a similar approach at strong safety. Granted, he isn't going to raise many eyebrows with his size and speed. But like Klaneski, he has football savvy. He understands what the coaches are asking and how the defensive coverages are supposed to unfold.

''It's a long shot for me, I know that,'' Shinnick said. ''But if there's any way I can play at the next level, this week is my chance to show what I can do. Why not get paid to play something I love to do?

''What also has been a lot of fun is being around all these great players. There are a lot of future NFL players out here. I can see that just by the level of talent around me. I'm going to try to enjoy the experience and see if anything positive can happen from it.''

Oliveira isn't nearly as loose. In fact, he conceded he was nervous - this was his first opportunity to show the NFL scouts what he can do. Unlike Shinnick and Klaneski, Oliveira already has an agent.

An agent can help open some doors for Oliveira, as long as the 6-foot-1, 271-pounder performs on the field during practice and in the game. Oliveira's a bit undersized - by comparison, Illinois' Chris Brown (6-3, 300), Utah State's Brandon Dyson (6-4, 290), Texas' Ryan Flebiger (6-3, 282), North Carolina's Jeff Saturday (6-3, 290) and Florida State's Kevin Long (6-5, 290) possess more size.

''But you can't measure heart and I know I have that,'' Oliveira said. ''I also believe I can play at the next level if someone gives me the chance. I've been training and staying in shape since the end of the season. I feel pretty good.

''I got my weight back up to where I was in the summer and my ankles feel good. I've just got to get back into that football shape because it's really important that I do well. This is a time for me to erase all the doubts they may have about me and clear up some things concerning my injuries.

''I just want to show the scouts what I can do and to also show I can play well against this kind of talent. I've just got to go out here and do the best I can. There's pressure on me because I've got to do well. I'm a little nervous about it, but I've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.''

That's the same approach Klaneski is taking. He led the Rainbows in tackles with 128, pass breakups with 13 and interceptions with two en route to making first-team All-Western Athletic Conference for the second straight season.

The NFL scouts have the individual data. What they want to see now is what Klaneski can do in the heat of battle.

''I just like to compete against all these great players,'' Klaneski said. ''It's fun because it's so challenging. These guys are the best of the best. You like to compare how you stack up with the best guys in the country.''

Shinnick agreed.

''It's just fun being out here one last time,'' Shinnick said. ''I thought my college career was over, then I get this invitation. I have nothing to lose by being here. And the experience is something I'll remember for the rest of my life.''

''It's kind of fun knowing the quarterback (Griese) who led his team to the national championship is behind me,'' Oliveira said. ''He's a good guy, you know? And the other quarterback (Note Dame's Ron Powlus) isn't too bad, either.''