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WALLY NEIL / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER
Charles Clay reaches to catch a ball during the University of Hawaii NFL pro day in San Diego.
SAN DIEGO » Safety Charles Clay had a breakout performance in the University of Hawaii football team’s pro day on the San Diego State campus this morning.
Clay ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds, the fastest among the 11 former Rainbow Warriors who competed in this combine-like audition before National Football League scouts.
Clay, who is 5 feet 10 1/2 and 202 pounds, also had the best long jump, at 9 feet, 11 1/2 inches. His vertical jump was 37 1/2 inches.
"Maybe I should try basketball," Clay mused.
Clay is a Hilo resident who played wide receiver for two years at Southern Methodist University before transferring to UH as a non-scholarship player. He moved to safety at UH, and was placed on scholarship last year.
Tavita Woodard, who competed at linebacker and defensive end, had a vertical jump of 38 1/2 inches. His best time in the 40-yard dash was 4.65 seconds.
Each NCAA FBS school has a pro day ahead of the NFL’s draft in May.
