After two months of preparation, former University of Hawaii football player Jahlani Tavai is ready to be questioned, measured, tested, analyzed and questioned some more.
“I’m just excited and blessed to have this opportunity,” Tavai said of his attendance at the National Football League Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
General managers, personnel directors, scouts and coaches from all 32 NFL teams are attending the invitation-only combine.
Tavai, who is auditioning as a linebacker, arrived in Indianapolis on Wednesday, and is set to register and attend orientation sessions today. On Friday, Tavai will be measured, undergo medical examinations, and continue interviewing with NFL representatives. Saturday’s schedule includes the bench press, Wonderlic test and media interviews. Field workouts for linebackers are scheduled for Sunday.
“I’m just trying to win the day, win the week, and impress the coaches with whatever I can do,” Tavai said.
Tavai said it has not been determined the events in which he will participate. He said he was cleared last week to participate in running drills. He is four months removed from a shoulder injury that abbreviated his senior season.
He underwent shoulder surgery at the prestigious Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, whose clientele includes the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Clippers. He is expected to participate in most of the skill drills.
Tavai, who grew up in Inglewood, Calif., has been living and training in San Diego the past couple of months. “I love it here,” said Tavai, who praised the trainers and physical therapists. “All I have to worry about is football and getting back to 100 percent.”
He said he has lost 5 pounds and weighs 245 on a 6-foot-3 frame.
Tavai played defensive end as a second-year freshman in 2015, middle linebacker in 2016 and 2017, and hybrid rush end/linebacker in 2018. He has been used as a pass rusher, edge defender, run stopper and in pass coverage. He has been told he projects as a next-level linebacker.
The combine extended invitations to 337 prospects. Tavai is one of 37 linebackers who will participate.
He said he has received tips from players who have gone through the combine, including his older brother. J.R. Tavai is a former USC linebacker who took part in the 2015 combine. The elder Tavai ended up signing a free-agent contract with the Tennessee Titans that year. “Hopefully, I can use their advice to my advantage,” Tavai said.
Jahlani Tavai has been told he projects anywhere from a third-round selection to undrafted free agent. For now, Tavai said, “I’m just happy I’m one of the guys they selected to go to the combine. I’m living in the moment right now.”
