To have four players on the 57-man list (49 of them offensive linemen) is remarkable considering it is more than Pennsylvania, New York or Illinois placed. And more than Michigan, Georgia and Alabama had combined.

But maybe the talent Hawai'i delivers at the bulk rate should no longer be much of a surprise. Look around the NFL on a given Sunday and chances are one or more former Hawai'i high schoolers are playing on somebody's line. Per capita, Hawai'i annually ranks high among states in placing people on NFL rosters. Last season the 50th state was fourth among states, according to a study on Rivals.com. And most of them were of the offensive line variety.

"To me, the state is a breeding ground for great offensive linemen," said Mike Cavanaugh, UH's offensive line guru and a former NFL coach who has sent Vince Manuwai, Kaulana Noa, Wayne Hunter, Lui Fuata and Manly Kanoa, among others, to pro camps.

"And we've got some more pretty good guys in the pipeline — Tala Esera, Uriah (Moenoa), Jeremy Infererra, Michael Lafaele..." Cavanaugh said.

But, clearly, Satele is the one opening the eyes and leaving black-and-blue impressions after a freshman All-American season. "He started every game as a freshman, had 53 legitimate knockdowns and didn't give up a sack all year until the Houston game (in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl)," Cavanaugh said. "That's 754 pass attempts and one sack, incredible!

"I look at him and he's got what you're looking for in an offensive lineman. But what separates him from a lot of guys is how he finishes (plays). He has a mean streak. He just wants to kick your (butt). To me, that's a beautiful thing."

June Jones, UH head coach, said, "In a way it is a surprise (Satele making the list as a sophomore), but not when you saw how he dominated against some of the teams we played, like USC and Alabama."

After all, Satele is but the latest product in a rich — and growing — industry: Hawai'i offensive linemen.