I wasn't really surprised when I saw Nate Ilaoa on the 2007 NFL Combine list. Every time I watched the Hawaii Rainbow's play the last few years I was amazed by this players talent. Very short and stocky at 5 foot 9 inches and around 250 pounds, he looks like Barry Sanders on steroids. But oh what a prospect, he has fought all kinds of adversity in his career, he has had injury problems and weight problems, seeing his weight fluctuate between 245 and 255 pounds.
I really like his NFL potential because of his versatility, he is a former receiver and it shows. Quite often you would see Ilaoa going in motion and splitting out wide from his running back position. Over his career he caught 151 passes for 1,694 yards and 9 TDs. He is a weapon on screens and draws and as a regular running back he is no slouch either, he played in 40 games, had 222 carries for 1,719 yards and 20 TDs.
I think he will provide an NFL team some nice value in the later rounds of the 2007 NFL Draft. He should earn a roster spot returning kickoffs, playing on special teams and coming in as a third down back. A lot of NFL Scouts will have their eyes on Nate Ilaoa at the NFL Combine, and I would expect him to have an excellent workout. If he runs the 40 yard dash around 4.50 he could even sneak into the 4th or 5th round of the 2007 NFL Draft.
7 comments:
Nasti was drafted as a light wr for Hawaii. He put on weight rehabing from a knee injury. He led Hawaii, the NCAA's top offense, in scoring. He had balanced 900+ receiving and rushing yards in his senior year. Nasti was Hawaii's secret weapon in 2006, coming out of the backfield. Speed, power, hands, feet...he has it all.
Great insight on "Nasty" Nate Ilaoa, but just to let you guys know...THATS NOT NATE in the picture that you guys have posted, hahahah. That is actually REGAN MAUIA who played RB/FB for us. It's okay, as a fan of the University of Hawaii WARRIORS (sorry RAINBOWS are a THROWBACK for us now), it's great the college world as well as the NFL gives props to our players. Aloha
btw, this is a GREAT VIDEO on NATE ILAOA...it's just a YOUTUBE video of his HIGHLIGHTS this past year. it showcases just how vital he was during this year when HAWAII ranked #1 in almost EVERY CATEGORY on OFFENSE. enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JMq0FLpb9I
nate is a wonderful versitale back with great size and pretty good speed. He would be a threat out of the backfielsd with his recieving skills. But he's nowhere near being a starting back.
um, i think you mean adversity, not diversity
Nate is vastly underrated. He will bring another dimension to the NFL. Can't wait to see him rip it up.
Does anyone know where he is playing now? I am UH alumni and would really like to keep up with all the players from Hawaii. Thanks in advance for you help
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