This Saturday, former University of Hawaii football player Charles Clay will be trading a cap and gown for a helmet and uniform.
Clay scratched plans to participate in UH’s commencement ceremony after receiving an invitation to the Green Bay Packers’ rookie mini-camp.
"That’s how it is," Clay said. "It doesn’t matter as long as I get my degree."
Clay said he hopes to parlay his camp performance into a free-agent contract. For the second consecutive year, no former Rainbow Warrior was selected in the NFL’s three-day, seven-round draft.
But Brenden Daley and Tavita Woodard earned NFL opportunities on Saturday. Daley agreed to sign a contract with the Atlanta Falcons. It is expected to be a three-year contract, standard for an undrafted free agent, with only his $1,000 signing bonus guaranteed.
Woodard said he accepted an invitation to participate in the Seattle Seahawks’ rookie mini-camp. He said he will learn details Sunday or Monday.
Woodard had received inquiries from several NFL teams. He said he allowed his Empire Athletics agents to choose the team.
"I went with how they felt," Woodard said.
Woodard admittedly had an uneven senior season because of family issues. But he resolved those concerns, then did well at UH’s pro day in March. Woodard, who played mostly defensive end last year, is projected to compete at outside linebacker/rush end with the Seahawks.
Daley said his agent handled all talks with NFL teams. That freed Daley to focus on training. Daley worked out in Hawaii and California.
At UH’s pro day, Daley measured 6-21/4 and 245 pounds. He bench-pressed 225 pounds 27 times.
On signing with the Falcons, Daley mused: "I’m growing wings."
He added: "I’m excited about going to Atlanta. And that’s the Daley report."
Clay took a circuitous route. Raised on the Big Island, he began his college career as a walk-on receiver at Southern Methodist. Clay then transferred to UH in 2011, when he appeared in 13 games on special teams and as a reserve receiver.
In 2012, he moved to defensive back. Last season, he played nickelback and safety, finishing fourth on the team with 69 tackles.
At UH’s pro day, Clay ran 40 yards in 4.44 seconds and benched 225 pounds 18 times.
After participating in an NFL-sponsored tryout in Seattle, he was invited to the super regional combine in Detroit.
"I knew I wasn’t the guy that everybody knew," Clay said. "I knew I had to run fast."
He ran the short shuttle in 4.15 seconds.
"My agent told me to be proud of my journey," Clay said. "I did a lot of things. I’m happy for this opportunity. I’m going to do my best. I want to earn a free-agent contract."
