WARRIORS NOTEBOOK
Fuata, McBriar keep NFL dreams going

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

While their three heralded former University of Hawai'i teammates wowed the scouts at the recently completed National Football League Combine in Indianapolis, offensive lineman Lui Fuata and punter Mat McBriar kept alive their pro aspirations.

Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa and offensive linemen Vince Manuwai and Wayne Hunter drew the most interest, but Fuata and McBriar were able to drop off their resumés and meet with pro officials.

Fuata, who is recovering from double surgery on his left knee, attended the combine but did not participate in any physical drills.

Several scouts had one-on-one interviews with Fuata, with the Atlanta Falcons showing the most interest.

"It's probably because they like Kynan," Fuata said, referring to Kynan Forney, a former UH offensive lineman who starts for the Falcons. "Kynan put in a good word for me."

In December, Fuata underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee. Last month, surgeons operated on a torn left anterior cruciate ligament.

"Everything's OK," Fuata said. "I'm walking around now, and I'm about a month away from jogging."

He said he has kept in shape with weight training. He weighs 309 pounds, up 10 pounds from his pre-surgery weight. "I'm putting on muscle," he said.

Fuata has played every position on the offensive line, but is projected to compete at center in an NFL training camp. He also is a long-snapper.

"I'm not sure what's going to happen," Fuata said. "All it takes is one team to like me, one team willing to take a risk. I'm very hopeful."

Fuata said he has been invited back to Indianapolis for a private workout in April.

McBriar, meanwhile, is balancing his academic and workout schedules. As a resident of Australia, McBriar is in this country on a student visa. While many pro prospects are on sabbatical to train, McBriar, an economics major, is taking a full load of classes.

"It's difficult," he said, "but I need a certain number of credits to keep my visa. I'm missing a bit of school, and it's tough, but I still want to work on my bachelor's."

McBriar was one of 11 punters to participate in last week's NFL combine. After six physical examinations and several taped interviews, he was allowed to warm up for 20 minutes before attempting 10 punts.

McBriar said he was working on the hang time of his punts, and none of his attempts exceeded 60 yards. He also had to adjust to two snappers, one a professional and "another who was loafing them back."

McBriar was admittedly nervous. "It was dead quiet when you're kicking," he said. "The kicking wasn't that terrific. It was a tough deal."

But McBriar said he received encouraging feedback. "I don't know if I'll necessarily get drafted, but I hope I'll be in (an NFL) camp this summer."

UH does not have a coach specifically assigned to teaching punters. McBriar said he receives off-the-field tutoring from his friend, former UH kicker Eric Hannum. McBriar said his parents pay his way to attend a punting combine in San Diego every summer.

Because of a miscalculation in his eligibility clock, McBriar's collegiate career expired in December, a year earlier than previously expected. "I thought I'd get my four seasons (at UH)," he said.

Earning a pro shot "happened a little sooner," he said. "I feel I'm ready to take the step. I just need someone to throw me a lifeline."