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In recent history, ever since the inception of June Jones as Head Coach, Hawaii has become a factory for producing NFL players. Most notably, it seems like a productive farm for offensive linemen. Here and there a few other skill positions prove their worth and get drafted or make some NFL teams camps. The highest drafted player was receiver Ashley Lelie to the Denver Broncos in round 1 in the 2002 draft. He is expected to solidify his place as a number 2 receiver and eventually take over for Rod Smith.
Last year, outside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa was drafted in the second round by the Saint Louis Rams. He proved his worth as he was the Rams best rookie and looks like the starter for years to come. Guard Vince Manuwai was drafted in round three and completed arguably the Jacksonville Jaguars best Offensive line in history. He also went on to be their best rookie. This year, Defensive End Travis Laboy was drafted in round 2, and Defensive Tackle Isa'ako Sopoaga was drafted in round 4 by the 49ers.

Here, I will follow players who I believe have NFL potential. So all you draft scout pundits can have a heads up on one of the best kept secrets for finding valuable NFL players. Because Hawaii players are always underrated. If a player happens to break out, they will be added to this list.

The Class of 2005

Tim Chang - QB
The hype surrounding Tim is the most about any Hawaii player in history. Which is why I dedicate a page solely for him.

Abraham Elimimian - CB
One of the most emotionally charged leaders of the defense. He's a fast one, who can stay and recover with the best of the receivers. He's a gambler who often wins, making him an excellent playmaker. It's his heart that is most notable as he rallies his team mates, and gets really aggressive when he gets into a funk. He is probably the best defensive player for the Warriors this year. As a junior, Abe did not allow a single touchdown pass on his side. He looks like he runs a mid 4.4 40 yard dash. If he has a good season, I see him being drafted between rounds 2 and 4.

As a special for the preseason, he is writing for the Honolulu Advertiser a diary for the preseason.

WARRIOR DIARY: Learning to enjoy the suite life in Reno - July 28, 2004
WARRIOR DIARY: Flying home shouldn't be anything to lose sleep over - Aug 8, 2004
As a nickel, Elimimian's right on money - Stephen Tsai
Warriors name captains - Stephen Tsai

Uriah Moenoa - OG
Warrior linemen are always excellent pass blockers. Which is amazing. Usually the curve has most college line-men good at run blocking, but not as good in pass protection. So in a line of excellent pass protectors, I see Uriah Moenoa as the best run blocking guard Hawaii has ever had. An excellent road grader whose wide body shields UH's smallish backs until they get into the open. He's a behemoth at around 330 pounds. Weight problems can have him well into the 360 pound range, but if he can keep it to his playing weight, he should make a solid strong-side guard in the NFL.

Moenoa pleased with summer weight-loss program - Dave Reardon
Warriors' Moenoa joins fall practice - Stephen Tsai
Moenoa fills in for injured center - Stephen Tsai & Ferd Lewis
Rice turf took its toll on UH - Stephen Tsai
Moenoa not caught off guard by move - Stephen Tsai
Offensive line gets new look for Tulsa game - Dave Reardon
Offensive line holds up well despite changes - Dayton Morinaga

Chad Owens - KR/PR/WR
As a freshmen he was the best returner in the country. Despite his fumbling problems, he was always a threat to score. You also knew he was going to be a special one, when he lined up for his first snap as a running back, he took it to the house, he lined up for his first snap as a receiver, and he took that one to the house. His sophomore and junior years, he had a reduced role in special teams, but polished his game as one of the best slot receivers Hawaii has ever had. His nickname is mighty mouse, and it suits the small guy who plays big every down.
Where he gets taken in the NFL depends a lot on the workouts. If he can run a sub 4.4 40 yard dash, he will turn some heads and be a first day pick. But, at the moment it looks like most will pass on him labeling slow 40 times, and being undersized. In a league where, specialization is increasing, as teams have pure kick and punt returners, Chad has a chance to make it in that area.

Warriors name captains - Stephen Tsai
Owens new, improved in '04 - Stephen Tsai
Owens' feats never made it to the NCAA record books - Dave Reardon
Owens gives UH a pickup - Stacy Kaneshiro
Owens was gone, gone, gone - Nick Abramo
Sports Notebook: Owens pulls an encore - Staff
Warriors' Owens a special talent - Stephen Tsai

Justin Ayat - PK
For his first two years, I was sure, Justin was going to be one of the best NFL kickers in the league. Steady, calm, accurate, and one heck of a leg. The guy kicked a 55 yarder easy in Tulsa, which could have easily been a 63 yarder. However, as a junior, he was in the worst kind of funk I've ever seen. Blowing easy kicks, and even extra points! Of course, though he was having a tough time. Like a batter with a strikeout streak, or a golfer who's struggling to find his swing. He wore the initials DA on his helmet. Which stood for David Ayat, his brother who had passed away before the season started. So his place in the NFL depends on which Justin Ayat shows up in 2004. Will he get back to top kicking form? Or will the emotional wounds be still affecting him? We will see.

Ayat lone placekicker on travel roster - Stephen Tsai
Hawai'i left with some legwork - Ferd Lewis
Wounded Warriors plan to play Saturday - Stephen Tsai
Warriors' Ayat nearing 100 percent - Dave Reardon
Warriors packing backup kicker - Stephen Tsai
Ayat proves he's just fine and kicking for UH - Dayton Morinaga
Warriors' Ayat kicks it up a notch - Stephen Tsai

West Keli'ikipi - RB
A Polynesian Jerome Bettis or Jamal Lewis. Huge hefty back, who can fly. Guys this big aren't supposed to make cuts and be elusive, but the most amazing thing is when he lays the wood on would be tacklers. He knocks them on their backs. He also has the hands to catch out of the backfield, and is superb at pass protection. Some might look at him as a full back, but I think he's talented enough to make it as a change of pace half back. He's make a perfect 3rd down back.
The problem is most teams will overlook him, for many reasons. First off he's in a heavy passing offense, which can go for downs without running the ball. He won't get as many looks that way. His size isn't prototypical. Most will assume he's too big to be a half-back. And many will talk about a shaky history. He was indicted for insurance fraud. Truth is someone (a neighbor) lent him money acquired through fraud, without his knowing where it came from. He used it to buy a car. Upon learning of the situation, he turned in the car. He should be cleared since he is one of the most mild-mannered, humble guys who would never do anything illegal, but some will look at this situation and not even hear his side.

Carrying reputation of a school - Ferd Lewis
Things shaping up for senior - Jason Kaneshiro
Keli'ikipi, Ilaoa are 'iffy' for UH's opener - Stephen Tsai
Keli‘ikipi ready to rumble against Rice - Dave Reardon
Slim Keli'ikipi back on field/UH No. 5 in ESPN.com's 'Bottom 10' - Stephen Tsai
Keli'ikipi helps bolster UH running attack - Dayton Morinaga

Possible Undrafted Free Agents
Lui Fuga - Defensive Tackle
Matt Faga - Defensive Tackle
Michael Brewster - Running Back

Underclassmen
Of course there's always talent on the rise, but their time is still at UH for now. Keep track of some names that may appear in future drafts.

Offensive Linemen
Samson Satele - Right Guard
Tala Esera - Left Tackle

Quarterback
Jack Rolovich

Wide Receiver
Nate Ilaoa
Jason Rivers
Ross Dickerson

Defensive Ends
Melila Purcell Jr
Tony Akpan
Ikaika Alama-Francis

Linebackers
Ikaika Curnan
TJ Moe

Defensive Backs
Leonard Peters - Free Safety
Kenny Patton - Cornerback

Discuss Hawaii players with NFL prospects on the Hawaii Warrior Football Message Board.