Cockheran hurt shoulder in Hawai'i Bowl

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Jeremiah Cockheran, a former University of Hawai'i wide receiver, will undergo surgery next month to repair an injured left shoulder.

COCKHERAN

Cockheran had signed a two-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, but was waived after failing a physical examination. As a result, he forfeited a signing bonus of $5,000.

"I'm going to have surgery, rehab and then I hope to get a shot at NFL Europe" in February, Cockheran said.

Cockheran refused to describe the shoulder injury, but said he played with it during the Hula Bowl in January. He said he feared he might not pass the Bengals' physical "but I wanted to give it a shot and see what I could do."

Although Cockheran completed his UH football eligibility last December, he is eligible to receive financial aid from the athletic department to attend classes. He is scheduled to earn a bachelor's degree next year.

"I'm looking at this as a blessing in disguise," he said. "I have another year to get better. I'm not going to walk around and be sad. It's nothing to be down about. If you pout, what's it going to do? This is a challenge for me. I'll have to step up and live up to my reputation as being a hard worker."

In related developments:

• Former UH defensive linemen Travis LaBoy, the Tennessee Titans' second-round draft pick, and Isa'ako Sopoaga, the San Francisco 49ers' fourth-round selection, have reached endorsement deals with Reebok.

Kenny Zuckerman, the agent for both players, said they received offers from Nike and Reebok, but chose the shoe brand they wore at UH. Zuckerman said LaBoy received a five-figure deal and Sopoaga a four-figure contract.

Zuckerman said both are expected to sign contracts with their NFL teams in July. Zuckerman said LaBoy is expected to receive a four-year contract worth $3 million, with half the money distributed as a signing bonus. Only the signing bonus is guaranteed in all NFL contracts.

Zuckerman said Sopoaga is expected to receive a three-year, $1.2 million contract, with half the amount as a signing bonus. In the fourth year, Sopoaga will be a restricted free agent. If Sopoaga is a starter by then, Zuckerman said, he could command a fourth-year salary of $1.6 million.

Sopoaga was projected to be drafted in the first three rounds. "Even though he was a fourth-rounder, he can make up the money in the fourth year," Zuckerman said. "That's why it's important that you go to a good situation."

• Former UH cornerback Kelvin Millhouse has received a signing bonus of $20,000 from the Miami Dolphins. "I'm not spending any of it yet," said Millhouse, one of six cornerbacks on the roster. "I want to see what my situation is like."

Millhouse has spent the past three weeks at the Dolphins' training facility in Plantation, Fla. He said every other week, there is a three-day minicamp. In between, the players live free of charge in a hotel, receiving about $80 per diem for meals not covered by the team, and train under the supervision of the conditioning coaches.

Millhouse said he has practiced at both cornerback positions, defending every receiver except David Boston.

"The players have been helpful," he said. "I'm learning a lot."

Millhouse signed a three-year contract. If he makes the team, he will earn at least $375,000 a year.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.