Fourth player from Hawai'i gets draft call

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Former Iolani player Ed Ta'amu got the call from the Minnesota Vikings today in the fourth round of the NFL draft, becoming the fourth player from Hawai'i and 132nd selected overall.

Ta'amu, a offensive lineman, was Defensive Co-Player of the Year at Iolani School in 1996.

Yesterday, Cliff Russell was one of three players with ties to Hawai'i to get drafted in the early rounds. Hawai'i receiver Ashley Lelie went in the first round to Denver and former Kahuku all-state offensive lineman Toniu Fonoti (Nebraska) went to San Diego in the second round.

The draft continues with rounds through seven today.

For Russell, the University of Utah wide receiver, the Washington Redskins are a perfect fit.

The Redskins chose the 1997 Campbell High graduate as the 22nd pick in the third round (87th overall).

"I'm happy," said Russell in a telephone interview from Salt Lake City. "I love the offense they will play in."

Under new coach Steve Spurrier, noted for his pass-oriented offense at the University of Florida, Russell said he expects Washington to throw the ball a lot.

"I can't wait" for next week's mini camp, Russell said.

Russell said Washington showed no early indication that it was interested in him.

"I had no idea," he said. "It surprised me."

Russell, a 5-foot-11, 183-pounder, was timed at 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Reports say he has the speed and tools to be a good receiver. But they added that he still needs to polish his route-running skills.

Russell was an Advertiser all-state selection as a running back in 1996. He changed to wide receiver his first season at Utah.

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