After months of workouts, former University of Hawaii football player Tavita Woodard is on a staycation with his family this weekend.
Woodard, a father of three, checked into a Waikiki hotel as UH’s top NFL Draft prospect. He hopes to exit with a rookie-camp invitation as a late-round draft selection or a free agent.
"I could sneak up into the sixth or seventh round," Woodard said. "Or I know I’ll be a priority free agent, and I’ll be in camp next week."
Woodard was expected to have a breakout season in 2013. Instead, he admittedly struggled because of a family-related issues. He said "everything is fine now," an assessment reflected at UH’s Pro Day in March.
Woodard measured at 6-foot-33/8 and 250 pounds, with a 331/2-inch reach and 801/8-inch wing span. He ran 40 yards in 4.65 second and benched 225 pounds 24 times.
Woodard projects as a hybrid outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.
The Dolphins, Vikings, Packers and Browns have expressed the most interest. Tony Tuioti, who coached UH linebackers last season and recruited Woodard to UH, is a quality-control coach with the Browns.
"It all comes down to a numbers game," Woodard said.
Woodard said he ended the 2013 season at 263 pounds. He then trained under Chad Ikei, and said he now weighs 254 pounds with 10 percent body fat.
"I’m sticking with our diet," Woodard said. "It’s high in protein, no salt, no sugar. I feel good."
Saturdays are usually workout days.
"I’m going to spend it with my family," Woodard said.
Quarterback Sean Schroeder, wideout Chris Gant, tight end Craig Cofer, defensive back John Hardy-Tuliau and linebacker Brenden Daley also could receive free-agent offers.