Former Hawaii standouts attending NFL combine

By Fred Guzman

A trio of recent University of Hawaii standouts will be seeking to gain the attention of pro scouts and coaches as the NFL Scouting Combines begins today in Indianapolis.

Among the estimated 325 players receiving coveted invitations to the annual event are slotbacks Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares, as well as running back Alex Green.

The combine is separated by positions, and sessions for the running backs and receivers are scheduled from today through Sunday

Salas and Green will participate in all of the skill drills. Pilares, who suffered a partially torn PCL during the Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl, will take part in the weight-lifting drills, but not the 40-yard dash. Instead, he plans to run at UH’s Pro Day March 31 in Carson, Calif.

Of the three, the 6-foot-1, 212-pound Salas probably comes into the combine with the most notoriety based on his stellar reception numbers during the past season. Various scouts have projected Salas to be selected anywhere from the second to the fifth rounds.

The 5-foot-10, 210-pound Pilares also has a shot at having his name called on Draft Day in April based on comparisons with another former elusive slotback from UH. Ironically, Davone Bess was passed over in the draft but has since established himself as a top slot receiver with the Miami Dolphins.

Green is a 230-pounder who can run, catch and block. While scouts are impressed with his versatility, there are concerns about has perceived lack of breakaway speed.

The former UH players will be joined by a huge cast of pro hopefuls, including such high-profile prospects as defensive linemen Da’Quan Bowers and Nick Fairley, linebacker Von Miller and receiver AJ Green.

As always, lots of attention will be focused on the quarterbacks, with Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert and Jake Locker leading that group.