The National Football League will attempt to solve the enigma that is Marvin "Joey" Iosefa this week in Indianapolis.
Iosefa, a former University of Hawaii running back, is one of 323 players participating in the NFL Scouting Combine. There are questions about his health (he suffered foot and ankle injuries in each of the past two seasons) and potential position. He also missed three games following a DUI arrest.
Iosefa was scheduled to depart Honolulu on Monday night, have a layover in Phoenix, then arrive in Indianapolis on Tuesday afternoon. After that, it gets hectic.
On Wednesday, he is scheduled for an orientation session, X-rays and interviews with decision-makers from several NFL teams.
On Thursday, he will be weighed and measured, undergo medical examinations and meet with NFL officials and the media.
Iosefa will undergo psychological testing and perform bench-press reps on Friday, then participate in on-field workouts on Saturday.
"I’m ready," Iosefa said. "It’s exciting."
Chad Ikei, who is training Iosefa, has administered a two-part program since the end of the 2014 season.
Iosefa had endured shoulder and ankle issues for most of the past season. Ikei said Iosefa needed to get those resolved before participating in combine-specific workouts to prepare for such disciplines as the 40-yard dash and three-cone drill.
"There would be a lot of cutting involved," Ikei said of Iosefa’s workouts. "We wanted to make sure he proportionately got his health back."
Iosefa, who is 6 feet tall, weighed about 260 at the end of the season. This week, he weighed 246-247, slightly off the target of 245.
"We’re on track," Ikei said, noting Iosefa should be about 240 pounds for UH’s pro day on March 19 in San Diego.
Ikei said Iosefa does not project as a burst back. A reasonable goal would be for Iosefa to run the 40 in the "4.8 range; 4.7 would be better," Ikei said.
Strength should not be a problem. In the bench press, Iosefa has maxed at 455 pounds, as well as 30 reps of 225 pounds.
There are 30 running backs/fullbacks competing at the combine.
"I"m excited for him to be invited," Ikei said. "Teams are wondering whether he’s a fullback or H-back or third-down running back. That’s going to be the big question. They also want to see his durability."
