Faga, Fuga agree to free-agent contracts
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By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Former University of Hawai'i defensive tackles Lui Fuga and Matt Faga agreed to free-agent contracts with National Football League teams yesterday, and four of their teammates — including quarterback Tim Chang and cornerback Abraham Elimimian — were in negotiations last night.
Within a few hours after the seven-round NFL draft ended, Fuga accepted an offer from the San Diego Chargers and Faga finalized an arrangement with the Miami Dolphins.
Faga
"I'm excited," said Fuga, whose UH career was extended to six years because of shoulder and leg injuries. "All I ever asked for was a shot, an opportunity to get my foot in the door. If I don't make it, I can put up my cleats and get on with my life, knowing I didn't give up."
Fuga already had prepared for a post-football life. He is attending graduate school and working as a youth counselor.
The Chargers, who sent a scout to all of the Warriors' road games, have kept track of Fuga, a UH defensive captain.
"He's tough," said Vantz Singletary, who coaches the UH defensive linemen. "He'll whip your facemask off. He has a great work ethic."
The 6-foot-2 Fuga had dropped to 292 pounds last season. At the suggestion of the Chargers, who hinted they might select him as early as the sixth round, Fuga increased his weight to 315 pounds.
Despite the weight gain, Fuga has remained fit with a weight-lifting routine he calls his "endurance workout." The 45-minute training sessions involve several weight-lifting repetitions of 275 pounds.
Fuga said he will report to the Chargers' mini-camp on Thursday.
Faga also was not depending on receiving an immediate NFL opportunity. After two seasons at Fresno City College, the Kaimuki High graduate did not play in 2002 and was limited to four UH games in 2003. But last season, he emerged as an effective interior defender, excelling in victories against Northwestern, Michigan State and UAB.
He said he planned on competing in an exhibition game in Japan, when he was told of the Dolphins' interest.
"It was kind of shocking," he said.
Faga entered UH as a 420-pound junior in 2003. He now weighs 345, but can bench press 475 pounds once and 225 pounds 37 times.
"Teams need a big, wide guy to take up space and keep the linebackers free," Singletary said. "He can certainly do that."
UH coach June Jones expressed surprise and disappointment that Chang, the NCAA's career passing leader, was not drafted.
Chang could not be reached for comment. His Los Angeles-based representatives indicated they were pursuing free-agent opportunities.
Jones said Chang has a standing offer from Edmonton of the Canadian Football League. But Jones was optimistic Chang will secure an invitation to an NFL camp.
"He'll have a chance, and he'll get noticed," Jones said. "He'll make all of the throws."
Elimimian was mulling free-agent offers from three NFL teams. He is expected to announce a decision today.
Offensive lineman Uriah Moenoa said he is weighing "two, possibly four" NFL offers. He said one team has shown a great amount of interest. He also is expected to announce a decision today.
After competing in the Maui Hula Bowl in January, Moenoa trained for several weeks in San Francisco. The 6-foot-2 Moenoa, who can play all five line positions, now weighs 335 pounds.
Running back West Keli'ikipi said he is hopeful of landing a free-agent deal.
He said the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have expressed the most interest, and a decision should be made in the next few days.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
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