Freitas combines strength and speed

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Arizona tackle Makoa Freitas, a Kamehameha Schools graduate, has improved his stock in the NFL Draft. Arizona photo Makoa Freitas Position: Offensive tackle College: Arizona High school: Kamehameha Height: 6-4 Weight: 307 pounds Workout notes: 5.01-second 40-yard dash, 36 reps at 225 pounds, 24-inch vertical leap Comment: "An offensive tackle for most of his career, Freitas could probably move inside to OG in the pros. He's a tough kid with a street fighter mentality — exactly what you look for in an interior offensive lineman." — Mel Kiper Jr., NFL draft expert Tomorrow: Whether he gets drafted or not, former Saint Louis School and Washington State quarterback Jason Gesser expects to be playing somewhere next year.

"I felt I improved my stock," the 1998 Kamehameha Schools graduate said. "It got me back on the map."

After a stellar career at the University of Arizona, where he was primarily a left tackle, the 6-foot-4, 307-pound Freitas is eagerly awaiting this weekend's NFL Draft. Analysts project him to be a fifth- or sixth-round pick, but only after his impressive showing at the combine in Indianapolis.

"They liked my strength and my speed," said Freitas, a 1997 Advertiser All-State selection.

Freitas pumped 225 pounds 36 times, the third-highest repetitions among offensive tackles — one behind Hawai'i's Wayne Hunter and two back of Illinois' Tony Pashos. Freitas also clocked 5.01 seconds in the 40-yard dash, among the fastest times for tackles. He also has increased his weight from the 295 he was listed for his senior season.

"Because of that, he might be able to contend for a backup spot at tackle," according to Mel Kiper in his NFL Draft Report. "He has good athleticism and mobility, and could also fit well as a guard in the right system. He's a tough kid with a street fighter mentality — exactly what you look for in an interior offensive lineman."

As a true freshman at Arizona, Freitas played 13 games as a backup offensive lineman. He then started 11 games his sophomore year at left tackle, and three his junior year before a foot injury forced him to take a medical redshirt. He remained at left tackle when he returned for his junior and senior seasons.

After graduating with a degree in psychology in December, Freitas trained with strength coach Kurt Hester in New Orleans. After the combine, he went back to train with Hester before returning to Arizona to work out.

Freitas could become a second generation NFL player. His father, Rockne Freitas, was a third-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1967, but was later traded to the Detroit Lions, where he became an All-Pro tackle in 1970 and 1972. Rockne Freitas ended his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1978.

"He helped me a lot in understanding the game," Freitas said of his father. "He helped correct my technique and showed me what it takes to get to the next level."

Freitas said it would be a dream come true if he could follow his father's cleat marks.

"Hopefully, I could have a career as good as his and it would be good if I could play as long (as he did)."