Four ex-UH football stars will get a shot at the pros

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Denver first-round draft pick Ashley Lelie of Hawai'i holds up a Broncos' jersey during a meeting with the press.

Ex-Kahuku High athlete Toniu Fonoti of Nebraska, a second-round draft choice of the San Diego Chargers, met the press yesterday. He was flanked by Quentin Jammer, left, and Reche Caldwell. Associated Press

Jackson, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound safety, signed a two-year contract with the NFL's Tennessee Titans.

Kanoa, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound offensive lineman, has been invited to the Atlanta Falcons' free-agent camp on Thursday.

Smith, a 6-foot-1, 276-pound center, has reached an agreement with the Baltimore Ravens on a free-agent contract.

Harris, a slotback listed at 5-8, signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.

UH coach June Jones was instrumental in securing contracts for Jackson and Harris. Jones and Titan general manager Floyd Reese are close friends. When Jones was in the CFL, his coach was Bob O'Billovich, now the Stampeders' director of player personnel.

"I owe everything to Coach Jones," said Jackson, who entered UH as a non-scholarship player in 1998, a year before Jones was hired as head coach. "He had faith in me, and he helped me out so much."

Jackson's agent, Leigh Steinberg, said only the undisclosed signing bonus is guaranteed.

"In this era of salary caps, a free agent, especially with the type of capability that Nate has to play special teams, has a very viable chance to make the team," Steinberg said.

After Jones made his recommendation, Titan scout Chuck Cecil, a former NFL safety, evaluated a highlight tape of Jackson.

Nate Jackson signs a two-year deal with the Titans.

Channon Harris signs with Calgary of the CFL.

Two teams are reportedly interested in UH quarterback Nick Rolovich. Advertiser library photos

Jackson weighed 170 at the end of the football season, but lost eight pounds while playing for the UH baseball team. He said he now weighs 175.

"He'll keep getting bigger," Jones said. "He's going to be a good player. I wouldn't have recommended him if I didn't think he could play. He's a hitter, and he makes plays."

Kanoa received the call yesterday afternoon, and he said he looks forward to being reunited with Atlanta's Kynan Forney, a former UH offensive lineman.

"I wanted a chance and this was it," Kanoa said. "I have to make the best of it."

Smith, who said he will be looked at as a long snapper and back-up center, will sign a deal with Baltimore this morning.

Harris' signing fulfills a promise Jones made in 1999. During a recruiting visit, Jones told Harris, then a cornerback, that his future was on offense. Harris was finally convinced, and he became Jones' first recruit to sign.

"He has speed, and usually guys with speed are athletes who can convert," Jones said. "He got better and better as he went on. If he works hard and commits himself, he has a chance to make it up there."

UH quarterback Nick Rolovich, and safety Robert Grant will learn this week if they will be invited to NFL free-agent camps. Steinberg said two teams expressed interest in Rolovich.

Grant also will choose a team this week. The Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans and 49ers have expressed interest.

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