Former University of Hawaii kicker Rigo Sanchez is preparing for the transition from a perfect statistical season to an imperfect football market.
“I can’t tell you what’s going to happen,” said Sanchez, who might be selected in the late rounds of this week’s National Football League Draft. “It’s unpredictable, especially for a specialist. The life of a kicker is different.”
Sanchez converted all 13 of his field-goal attempts in 2016. He also averaged 44.6 yards per punt. But Sanchez said he considers himself primarily as a place-kicker.
At last month’s UH pro day in Azusa, Calif., 28 scouts watched Sanchez kick from various distances and angles. After that, the New Orleans Saints used one of their 30 pre-draft visits to invite Sanchez for a private workout. The Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions traveled to California for in-person interviews with Sanchez. The New York Jets also have been in constant contact. Several teams asked for a telephone number where Sanchez may be reached on Saturday, the final day of three-day, seven-round draft.
If he goes undrafted, he is expected to be invited to an NFL mini camp as a free agent.
“It depends on what teams end up doing,” Sanchez said.
Leo Koloamatangi, a former Warrior who can play all five positions on the offensive line, is projected either as a late-round pick or free agent.
“I’m confident by the end of Saturday, Leo will know where he will go,” said his agent, Adam Snyder. “A number of teams have expressed some interest in him.”
Koloamatangi participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in January. The all-star game “raised some awareness about him,” Snyder said.
Koloamatangi participated in UH’s pro day, and attended the Oakland Raiders’ and San Francisco 49ers’ regional combines. In UH’s offense, the center calls the cadences. That leadership role and Koloamatangi’s skills to play anywhere on the line, according to Snyder, “will be viewed as having some value. … He’s definitely a great young man. I definitely think he’ll get an NFL opportunity.”
Former UH edge defender Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea has received strong interest from the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets. He is regarded as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Kema-Kaleiwahea trained in Washington state until UH’s pro day. He returned to Hawaii after that, and has been training six days a week. He also is busy coaching the Waimanalo Sharks youth team.
Cornerback Jalen Rogers, who probably will receive a free-agent offer, will be competing in a Canadian Football League combine in Las Vegas on Saturday. “Hopefully, something happens,” Rogers said. “If not, I’ll keep working and grinding.”
Wideout Marcus Kemp, who has trained in Hawaii this semester, said he will travel to his family’s home in Utah today. “We’ll see what happens this weekend,” said Kemp, who led the Warriors with 73 catches and 1,100 receiving yards in 2016.