Although no former University of Hawaii player was selected in this weekend’s NFL Draft, four alumni reached agreements on free-agent contracts.
Kicker/punter Rigo Sanchez will sign with the Indianapolis Colts, wideout Marcus Kemp with the Kansas City Chiefs, offensive lineman Leo Koloamatangi with the Detroit Lions and linebacker Jerrol Garcia-Williams with the Denver Broncos.
“They believed in me,” Sanchez said of the Colts. “I have to go there, work hard and remain humble.”
Indianapolis special teams coordinator Tom McMahon traveled to California for a private pre-draft workout for Sanchez. “I had a good bond with him,” Sanchez said. “He understands the kicking world. We kind of clicked.”
Sanchez was not discouraged when he was not selected in the seven-round draft. Nor did he mind joining a roster featuring 44-year-old kicker Adam Vinatieri, who holds the NFL record for consecutive field goals made, and punter Jeff Locke, who signed last month.
Agent Brooks Henderson said the Colts indicated there is “a long-term plan for Rigo and not just the short term. That’s what brought us this way.”
Henderson said Sanchez will compete as kicker and punter. Henderson said five other teams expressed strong interest. But Henderson said Sanchez felt the Colts were “a good fit.”
“I’m going to go there and work, work, work,” Sanchez said. “Nothing will be given. Nothing has ever been given to me.”
The Chiefs showed interest in Kemp during UH’s pro day last month in Azusa, Calif. Just before the draft ended, the Chiefs called Kemp, explaining an offer was on the table if he was not picked by another team. Soon after the draft ended, Kemp said, “instead of waiting it out (for other offers), I decided to pull the trigger.”
The Chiefs drafted only one wideout, Michigan’s Jehu Chesson in the fourth round.
“They liked my size and speed combination,” said Kemp, who is 6 feet 4. “I’m sure that’s what got me there.”
His brother is a basketball forward for Missouri, a 125-mile drive from the Chiefs’ training facility.
Detroit offensive line coach Michael McCarthy worked out Koloamatangi at UH’s pro day. “Since then, I thought Detroit did a nice job of following up with him. He was getting calls from coaches and the front office. They did a good job letting him know they liked him.”
Dominic Raiola, a Saint Louis School graduate who played 14 seasons with the Lions, is Detroit’s assistant strength/conditioning coach.
Koloamatangi is projected to play guard or center.