Getting Ready for the Draft

Stephen Tsai writes that Ikaika Alama-Francis is recovering well from his pectoral injury.

Two weeks ago, Alama-Francis suffered a torn right pectoral muscle during the Hula Bowl. He underwent surgery in San Francisco last week, and has started a rehabilitation program in Hawai'i.

"It was something that happened," said Alama-Francis, a defensive end. "My chest just gave out."

Such an injury could have necessitated a recovery period of up to six months. But Alama-Francis said the San Francisco-based surgeon "really took care of me. He's one of the best in the country."

Alama-Francis promised: "I will make the combine. I'll participate in it."

Really good to hear.

Dave Reardon writes about Samson Satele's progress in Senior Bowl workouts.

"He's having an unbelievable week," said Satele's agent, Leo Goeas. Goeas might be biased for more than the obvious reason -- he, too, played offensive line at UH.

But a scout said Satele, like everyone else, has had his good reps and his bad reps. That's how it is for even the bluest of chips competing for draft position. The difference is Satele has improved as the week has gone by, the scout said.

Satele has been playing center and guard in practice.

"They're having me split the reps. It's good that I can play both," Satele said. "It's fun. Felt like three games in a row. I love the contact and tempo of the practice. There are some good players over here."

Good luck to Samson, Ikaika, Nate, Tala, Dane, Leonard and Melila.