Rankings / Lawrence Wilson / Samson

Paul Arnett writes about the Athlon ranking as well as Lindy's, which also ranks UH #19 in its preseason poll.

"We're not too worried about preseason polls at this point," UH head coach June Jones said after learning of the Lindy's ranking on April 28. "But it's good to get the recognition and all. What we need to focus on is winning that first football game."

Both publications gave UH senior quarterback Colt Brennan some high praise as well. Lindy's selected Brennan preseason first-team All-American, while Athlon listed him as second-team preseason All-American. Brennan was excited to learn after the spring game that he was listed first team by the prestigious publication.

"I got some small recognition last year, but to be named first team is quite an honor," Brennan said. "I don't really think about any of that stuff. It's something that comes your way if you play well as an individual and win as a team. We're all about winning here. To be nationally ranked in the preseason reflects how good we can be as a team. It's great anytime you get national recognition."

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Stephen Tsai writes that both Lawrence Wilson and Kenny Patton have been invited to their respective teams extended camps.

Until the Pro Day in March, when he impressed more than 50 National Football League scouts with his strength and agility, Wilson did not have an agent.

Wilson's performance at Pro Day earned him a free-agent contract with the Ravens.

His work at last week's mini-camp earned him an invitation to the extended camp.

After a successful mini-camp last weekend, former UH cornerback Kenny Patton is prepared to participate in the Oakland Raiders' extended camp.

Patton faces tough competition. There are nine cornerbacks on the roster, Patton said, "and they can all run. The team speed is definitely there."

Wilson also stayed in school during all this to earn his degree. Right on. Good luck to both of them.

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And finally, Hugo Guzman of Real Football 365 has lots of good things to say about Samson Satele.

As his first name would suggest, Satele is extremely powerful. His low center of gravity and mighty hand punch make him an ideal centerpiece for the power running attack that head coach Cam Cameron plans to employ. And benching 225 pounds 29 times doesn't hurt either. Combine these measurables with Satele's innate capacity for downright nastiness and you've got yourself a prototypical NFL center.

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And while it is true that many draft "experts" rated Kalil above Satele, there were other draft insiders who considered Satele to be not only one of the more underrated offensive linemen but among the most under-appreciated overall prospects in the class of 2007.