Lelie picked in first round NFL draft

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Advertiser Staff

University of Hawai'i wide receiver Ashley Lelie yesterday became the first UH player ever selected in the first round of the NFL draft.

The Denver Broncos chose him 19th overall.

Warrior Ashley Lelie yesterday became the first UH player to get picked in the first round of the NFL draft. He will head for Denver. Advertiser library photo

Previously, UH's highest selections were in the second round -- receiver Golden Richards (Cowboys) in 1973, receiver Walter Murray (Redskins) in 1986 and offensive tackle Adrian Klemm (Patriots) in 2000.

Lelie, a 6-foot-2 1/2, 197-pounder from Radford High School, entered the NFL draft after a junior season in which he caught 84 passes for 1,713 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Another Hawai'i player, Toniu Fonoti, a 6-4 guard and 350-pounder from Kahuku and Nebraska, was selected in the second round by the San Diego Chargers, 39th overall.

Others draft prospects from Hawai'i are:

• Makoa Freitas, offensive line, 6-31/2, 305 (Kamehameha, Arizona)

• Steve Grace, center, 6-21/2, 292 (Kamehameha, Arizona)

• Manly Kanoa, offensive line , 6-41/4, 314 (Kamehameha, UH)

• Maake Kemoeatu, defensive tackle, 6-41/2, 310 (Kahuku, Utah)

• Faaesea Mailo, offensive line, 6-31/4, 332 (Kahuku, USC)

• Nick Rolovich, quarterback, 6-2, 209 (UH)

• Clifford Russell, receiver, 5-111/4, 185 (Campbell, Utah)

• Mike Souza, offensive line, 6-51/4, 305 (Punahou, Northwestern)

• Ed Ta‘amu, guard, 6-11/2, 330 (Iolani, Utah)

• Jerry Togiai, nose tackle, 6-3, 295 (Roosevelt, Kansas St.)