Warriors likely to lose Lelie to NFL
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
University of Hawai'i wide receiver Ashley Lelie apparently is prepared to forgo his senior season and apply for the National Football League draft.
Although UH coach June Jones Monday told The Advertiser Lelie is undecided on his plans, Jones has told at least two others that "it looks like he's going to come out" for the draft.
UH assistant coach Rich Miano said although he believes Lelie would benefit from another season at UH, he expects Lelie to leave, placing the odds "at 80-20."
What's more, people familiar with the situation say Lelie is prepared to hire Ray Anderson, a San Francisco-based agent. Anderson is affiliated with the agents who represent Jeff Ulbrich, a former UH linebacker now playing for the San Francisco 49ers.
Another California-based agency also has expressed an interest in representing Lelie.
Lelie, who returned to his parents' home in South Carolina yesterday, was out with his father last night and could not be reached for comment.
Monday, a former roommate said Lelie had sublet the room in his McCully house and is not expected to return to Hawai'i until March. Lelie is enrolled at UH for the spring semester, which begins Monday, but has until mid-March to withdraw from classes without hurting his academic status.
Lelie, a 1998 Radford High graduate who has attended UH for seven semesters, has earned enough credits that he would not be hindered academically should he decide to remain in school for his senior season.
Friday is the deadline for underclassmen to apply for the NFL draft. NCAA rules state that by agreeing to allow his name to be placed on an NFL draft list, Lelie will be ineligible to play for the Warriors again.
Lelie also would forfeit his amateur status by signing with an agent, even if neither party receives financial compensation.
As of last night, Lelie had not applied for the NFL draft nor signed with Anderson.
Lelie spent the holidays with his family in South Carolina. He returned to Hawai'i last Thursday, met with Jones Monday afternoon and then left for South Carolina Monday night.
Lelie said he was told by one scout that he would be selected in the second round of the draft.
Mel Kiper Jr., who analyzes the draft for ESPN, rated Lelie No. 2 among underclassmen wide receivers.
