Drive no problem for UH's Manuwai

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Former UH offensive lineman Vince Manuwai, left, could go in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft on Saturday. Advertiser library photo

"I was so nervous," he recalled. "It was the hardest thing I had to do."

But Manuwai, in a typically clutch performance, aced the test, collecting an elusive prize: a driver's license.

"I finally got one," the 22-year-old Manuwai said. "With the draft coming up, I knew I would have to move to the Mainland and start to drive. I'm not the type to drive with people in the car. I get kind of nervous. But I did it. I'm kind of proud of myself."

Manuwai, it seems, has always successfully navigated life's road tests. He admittedly overcame a difficult childhood, reconciling a few years ago with a father who spent time in an Oregon prison.

Still, Manuwai has worked his way into a top draft prospect. He is expected to be selected Saturday in the first two rounds of the NFL draft. The Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and New York Giants have expressed the most interest.

"I can't wait to see what happens," he said.

Manuwai, a Farrington High graduate, has made an impression since reneging on a verbal commitment to Utah and instead signing with the Warriors. In his first collegiate training camp, in August 1999, UH coach June Jones told reporters that Manuwai was good enough to play in the pros.

Manuwai started three seasons at right guard, serving as a lead blocker on trap plays and as a skilled pass protector. Last summer, he bench pressed 500 pounds. In December, CNN/Sports Illustrated named him to the All-America first team. He was invited to three postseason all-star games, as well as the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

It was then, under the probing of the NFL scouts, that Manuwai's skills were questioned. Was the 6-foot-2 Manuwai tall enough? Could a crouching blocker in a pass-oriented system adjust to a three-point stance? Could he overcome his vision problems?

While Manuwai admittedly struggled early in the week leading to the Senior Bowl, he rebounded, showing a willingness to learn the three-point technique. Manuwai dismissed Internet reports alleging he received a poor evaluation.

"It was all bull crap," he said. "Everyone I talked to said I did great."

At the combine, he passed a test measuring his peripheral vision. During a private workout with the Titans last week, he again passed the eye test. As part of the exam, he caught passes and shot basketballs.

"They said I could see a lot better than guys with two good eyes," Manuwai said. "If I played baseball, it might be a problem. But blocking a person is different from hitting a baseball. I can see people and I can hit people."

Manuwai said he believes he increased his stock by serving as the snapper on field-goal attempts and extra-point kicks last season. While tackles are the most valued offensive linemen, guards who can play center also are attractive. Manuwai said the Titans want to draft him strictly as a center. The Jets want to draft him as a guard with the intention of grooming him to succeed All-Pro center Kevin Mawae.

Manuwai, who trained in Florida before the NFL combine, has spent the past two months living with his girlfriend's family in Kane'ohe. Manuwai and Jaime Paulo have two children together, and he is prepared to adopt Paulo's 6-year-old son.

With a choice of any car on the lot, Manuwai used an advance to buy a Honda mini van.

"I have three kids, and they won't fit in a little Honda Accord," said Manuwai, whose mini van is loaded with a DVD player and monitor. "They can watch Barney and 'Lilo and Stitch.' It keeps them busy when I'm driving."

And armed with a new license and bright football future, Manuwai is indeed going places.