ESPN analyst likes Tinoisamoa
By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer
ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen yesterday provided his insight on several Hawai'i NFL players and University of Hawai'i coach June Jones.
Mortensen, who was with his son Alex at yesterday's NFC practice, said he will be involved in ESPN's Pro Bowl pregame and postgame shows.
TINOASAMOA
• On St. Louis Rams rookie linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa: "Nobody projected him to come in and have an impact for the Rams. They instantly fell in love with him. He's got the toughness that everyone in Hawai'i knows he had. It's not easy to play well as a rookie in the NFL and Pisa did it."
Teammates voted Tinoisamoa, a second-round draft pick, as the team's top rookie this past season. Tinoisamoa recorded 76 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions and four pass breakups during the regular season. He also forced five fumbles.
Added Rams cornerback and teammate Aeneas Williams: "Pisa's one of the better rookies I've ever been around as a player. He's taken the posture as a learner. He came in extremely humble. He came in just like the people on this island — excited, real loose and knowing his responsibility. He's even had an impact with the veterans on this team. I believe, you'll see Pisa in this Pro Bowl for many years to come."
• On Denver Broncos second-year wide receiver Ashley Lelie: "He's starting to make a name in the NFL but he probably should have had a bigger leap forward this year."
This past season, Lelie caught 37 passes for 628 yards and two touchdowns during the regular season. He has four touchdowns in two seasons.
"You hear he's got Jerry Rice talent, maybe even better," Mortensen said. "He just has to get Jerry Rice work ethic. Once he gets that, he can become a star in this league. I think they're still waiting for him to become a Pro Bowl player. He's got the talent to be in Hawai'i for the Pro Bowl."
• On Hawai'i coach June Jones: "June Jones is one of the best coaches in football — college or pro. My feeling at some point the NFL is going to call and somebody is going to say, 'Hey we want you as our head coach.' It will be interesting to see how June responds because he loves Hawai'i. I hope Hawai'i appreciates him like he should be appreciated because he's special. He's a great quarterback guy.
"I know some NFL general mangers who have June on their short list. I can't tell you which teams, because it would be a break of confidence right now. But I assure you there's two that I know who have June on their short list. But right now, they're not looking for a coach."
Commemorative coin
The Honolulu Mint, Hawai'i's exclusive mint founded by jewelry designer Steven Lee in 1985, will produce this year's 25th Anniversary Pro Bowl Official NFL Coin.
The mint will produce a gold coin that will be used Sunday in the coin flip to determine which team kicks or receives. The coin will be donated to the NFL's Hall of Fame.
Limited replicas minted in silver and gold can be purchased online at www.honolulu-mint.com or by calling 486-6468.
Green to sign autographs
Green Bay's Ahman Green will sign autographs at Macy's Ala Moana Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Pro Bowl running back will be on the "level one" floor with cheerleaders Tracey Snyder of the Baltimore Ravens and Amie Harrell of the Seattle Seahawks.
Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2458.
