Posted on: Wednesday, August 30, 2006

UH senior running back
Nate Ilaoa

Video Inteview: Nate Ilaoa

If everyone stays healthy, "big things can happen," says Nate Ilaoa. RICHARD AMBO | The Honolulu Advertiser

He can run, block and catch. He just hasn't been healthy his entire career. But when Nate Ilaoa is on the field, he's a threat with his ability to bust tackles and be elusive. Ilaoa started his UH career as a slot receiver. He missed the next two seasons with an injury. Last year, he was relatively healthy, leading the team with 643 yards rushing and six touchdowns. He averaged 7.6 yards per carry and added 36 catches for 274 yards. His presence poses an offensive threat.

You've had an injury-plagued career and had to deal with weight issues, how would you want this season to go and how would you want it to end?

"Obviously I want the season to go real well. The amount of potential that we have is great, so everyone is expecting good things, as well as ourselves. Of course I would love it to end with an undefeated season, every football player wants that.

"When you have somebody like Reagan (Mauia) who is able to block for you ... it's definitely helps me; it's going to help him as well in his career and his future."

(On injuries, weight issues)

"It was kind of tough, in a way, but it is something you have to go through in life. You just have to stick with it and hope for the best, and good things come from it.

"In high school I was in a similar situation going into my junior year. We had a real good offense and the expectations were real high. We were able to work hard and break a lot of school records. It feels very similar, so I'm expecting the same thing for everybody to hopefully stay healthy and big things can happen. That all together should equal to a big season.

(On any particular game looking forward to playing)

"Oregon State, just because Coach Cav (former UH line coach Mike Cavanaugh) is over there. He's a great guy, a good friend of mine. Some of the lineman want to get back at his team. Having Coach Cav come out here for the last game is going to be big for our seniors."

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