Nate Ilaoa Profile

Steve DeShazo of the Free Lance-Star in Fredericksburg, Virginia talks to Nate Ilaoa about this weekend's NFL Draft. Here are some excerpts:

The former North Stafford High School star could get a call during Sunday's late rounds. Or he could be an undrafted free agent who has to earn his way onto an NFL roster.

"That's fine," Ilaoa said by telephone from Honolulu Wednesday night. "Some guys take the longer road. If you get an opportunity, that's all you can ask for.

"The draft doesn't necessarily mean you've made it. You're just in the door quicker than the other guys."

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Hawaii coach June Jones--who once coached the NFL's San Diego Chargers and Atlanta Falcons--is convinced Ilaoa can make it.

"He's one of the most talented kids I've been around as a coach," Jones said. "He has unbelievable quickness and vision. He's the real deal. He's a good football player."

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One of the teams Ilaoa said showed the most interest is the Pittsburgh Steelers. They have a history of husky tailbacks, including likely Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis and Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala.

Ilaoa doesn't care where he lands. He plans to watch tomorrow's first three rounds with teammates, several of whom may be drafted. (Center Samson Satele is a likely first-day pick.)

In addition to Nasti, Ikaika, Samson, Tala Esera, Leonard Peters, and Dane Uperesa have all been mentioned by pundits and prognosticators in the past few weeks as being potential draft picks. And who knows, Reagan Mauia, Mel Purcell and Kenny Patton might sneak in there as well. The suspense ends this weekend. Good luck to the Warriors!