LaBoy ready for NFL camp

By Stanley Lee
Advertiser Staff Writer

LaBoy

A second-round draft choice of the Tennessee Titans, LaBoy reports to training camp at Baptist Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn., with high hopes and expectations.

Training camps for all NFL rookies and veterans started as early as today with a majority of the players reporting to their respective camps Thursday and Friday.

Warrior teammates, defensive lineman Isa'ako Sopoaga (49ers, fourth round) and cornerback Kelvin Millhouse (Dolphins, free agent) also are on NFL rosters. Another UH player, Jeremiah Cockerhan, signed a two-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, but was waived after failing a physical examination.

Of this year's group, LaBoy could make the biggest impact and have the best opportunity.

The Titans lost all-pro defensive end Jevon Kearse to the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency.

They drafted three defensive ends in LaBoy, Antwan Odoms of Alabama and Bo Schobel of Texas Christian.

But Schobel is out until September after foot surgery in June.

"I'm trying to learn the system better, develop my skills better and find my place on the team where I can contribute," said LaBoy, who's originally from San Rafael, Calif.

LaBoy's time will be spent trying to impress the coaching staff at training camp.

He studied the Titans' playbook every day and said, "the more you learn your plays, the easier it is on the field.

"As a rookie, you know you have to be in the best shape, really know the playbook, and make sure you are really listening to the coaches," said LaBoy's agent Kenny Zuckerman.

"There's only so many reps the young guys get. You can't take a chance to getting by."

Besides studying the playbook, LaBoy spent the past few months training daily with trainers at UH, adding new moves to his repertoire like pass rush moves and developing an attack plan on the field.

"I'm refining my techniques and trying to get bigger, faster and stronger," LaBoy said.

LaBoy credits UH coach June Jones' NFL experience for preparing him.

"He has an NFL mindset, the same way my coaches treat me now in Tennessee," LaBoy said. "He gives you a lot of freedom but holds you accountable for your actions. In the accountability aspect, he got me ready."

LaBoy has also called upon UH alums now in the NFL like Vince Manuwai (Jacksonville), Pisa Tinoisamoa (St. Louis) and Ashlie Lelie (Denver) for words of advice.

"I've taken a little bit from each of them and have a feel for what to expect," Laboy said. "It's a lot more than what they tell me, but I'm looking forward to it."

LaBoy's contract with the Titans is close to getting finalized, according to Zuckerman. While the final figure has yet to be determined, LaBoy has already decided to set aside part of his signing bonus to his foundation for autistic children.

"That's the first thing I plan on doing," LaBoy said. "I'm not going to buy a fancy car but take out a chunk to help out people.

"If everyone in high profile gave back, it would make life a lot easier for some unfortunate people. When I was coming up, so many people helped me along the way, I feel I need to do the same."

The Titans went 12-4 last season and LaBoy predicts a bright future this season.

"I don't see anything but good things for this team," he said.

Reach Stanley Lee at lee@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8533.