Kemoeatu chosen by Steelers in 6th round
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By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Kahuku alum Chris Kemoeatu, out of the University of Utah, said he felt tired and excited after being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round, 204th overall, yesterday morning just before 10.
"
I've waited kind of long; I kind of celebrated too soon," said Kemoeatu, who was projected to go in the third or fourth rounds. "It feels great. Things didn't work out the way we planned, but things happen for a reason.
Kemoeatu
"I really appreciate and thank Pittsburgh for believing in me."
He said he "just kind of waited in the back of the house," not watching any draft coverage while waiting for his phone call the past two days.
"I was hoping to get it over with the first day," he said. "When you're picked up late, you can't sleep, can't eat, don't want to do anything until you know what is going on."
The Steelers won their division, finishing 15-1 during the regular season last year.
"I'm excited to go out there and get the opportunity," said Kemoeatu, The Advertiser's State Defensive Player of the Year in 2000.
He joins fellow Hawai'i native Kimo von Oelhoffen, from Kaunakakai, Moloka'i, on the Steelers. Kemoeatu said he doesn't know von Oelhoffen, but he has heard about him.
Kemoeatu is now in the same division, the AFC North, as his older brother, defensive tackle Ma'ake Kemoeatu, who has played for the Baltimore Ravens the past three years.
"I'm excited," Chris Kemoeatu said. "We both respect each other and we're real close, but when it comes down to it, it's a job. Even if that means banging heads with him."
Another Kahuku alum, safetty Aaron Francisco, signed a free-agent deal with the Arizona Cardinals. He played for Brigham Young last season.
Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2457.
