Ikei Athlete Afalava Gets Drafted by the Chicago Bears, 3 Others Sign Free Agent Contracts

Ikei Performance NFL Combine & Draft Preparation Athlete Al Afalava was drafted in the 6th round (190th overall) to the Chicago Bears. Afalava played Safety at Oregon State University and performed extremely well at his NFL Proday Workout running a 4.48s forty-yard dash and smashing all his agility drills which included a 40” vertical jump and 25 reps in the bench press. With a reputation for hard hits and his proven speed, Afalava will fit right into the NFL system.

Afalava already has plans on returning to training at Ikei Performance in preparation for his first NFL Training Camp, “I can’t wait to return to AZ and start training with Ikei again. Chad has helped me so much preparing for the draft and the results I got is proof of what he can do with his athletes. I really wasn’t projected to get drafted, especially because I didn’t get invited to the combine. But I guess it was a blessing because I got to spend a little more time working with Chad and allowed me to perform well at my Proday.”

Chad Ikei has worked with numerous NFL Draft Prospects for the past 6 years and has proven to improve their performance at their Proday workouts. “Each year we work with athletes that are either not projected to get drafted or are listed as a late round selection. Our goal is for them to showcase their skills at their proday workouts so that teams will consider drafting them at a higher position. Al exemplified what hard work and discipline can earn you. He came in as an undrafted free agent status, but after smashing his proday workout his stock raised and was selected in the 6th round. Al deserves all the credit as he put in the work necessary to get to the next level, we’re just honored and proud that we were able to be a part of his life and wish him the best in his future.”

Here are some video clips and articles from the Chicago Bears Website on Al Afalava:

Bears draft safety Afalava in Round 6 http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5778

Director of College Scouting Greg Gabriel discusses newly acquired S Al Afalava: http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/multimediapopup.asp?mm_file_id=1470&play_clip=Y

Afalava on final day at camp http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/multimediapopup.asp?mm_file_id=1492&play_clip=Y&rn=11

Three other Ikei Performance athletes sign free agent contracts with NFL Teams:

DT Vaka Manupuna – Washington Redskins



DT Josh Leonard – Houston Texans



WR Tyler Grisham – Pittsburg Steelers



Congratulations to these hard working young men and we wish them much success.

Videos of Ikei Performance Athletes NFL Proday Workouts

Each year Ikei Performance accepts 10 athletes into their NFL Combine & Draft Preparation Program. From January-March these athletes dedicate their life to preparing for their NFL Workout Day. Months of hard work and sacrifice will be determined by one day of performance and two days of anticipation. The 2009 NFL Draft is only a week away and lives will be changed forever. Scheduled to take place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25-26, the NFL Draft will transform top amateur college players into professional athletes and establish a dream come true for many, including several Ikei Performance Athletes. As their coach I would like to share with you the outcome of the intensity, commitment, sacrifice, dedication, discipline and hard work these athletes made in preparation for the NFL Workout Day.

Check out these videos of Ikei Performance Athletes performing at their best.

Al Afalava
Safety
Oregon State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDOAigebulE

Tommie Hill
Defensive End
Colorado State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQDc6ky_dg8

Josh Leonard
Defensive Tackle
Hawaii
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tzumvn_AIU

Francis Maka
Defensive End
Hawaii
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SySTuOxT2vc

Jacob Patek
Safety
Hawaii
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBjrGEm6ceM

Jeremy Perry
Offensive Guard
Oregon State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLlqGmxwG4g

Patrick Schwenke
Offensive Tackle/Guard
West Texas A&M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usB9BoXhbzo

Vaka Manupuna
Defensive Tackle
Colorado
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsKs6fv3l1E

University of Hawaii NFL Proday Workout Results - Ikei Athletes Continue to Impress Scouts

University of Hawaii NFL Proday Workout Results

Our 2009 NFL Combine & Draft Preparation training program has come to a close with the final proday workout being held yesterday at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA for the University of Hawaii athletes. Four Ikei Performance athletes were on hand to perform in front of NFL Scouts, DT-Josh Leonard, DT-Vaka Manupuna, DE-Francis Maka & S-Jacob Patek. Leonard & Maka recently finished their career with Hawaii while Patek’s last season was a year ago. Manupuna played at the University of Colorado but was granted permission to participate and Oregon State University Offensive Lineman Jeremy Perry also from Hawaii was on hand and spoke with several scouts but did not participate in drills.

Ikei Performance athletes impressed scouts and coaches with their performances. Both Leonard and Manupuna had record breaking performances with 41 reps in the 225 lbs bench press test, while Patek & Maka tied for the highest vertical jump for the day.

Here are the final results from the University of Hawaii NFL Proday Workout, April 2, 2009 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA:

Josh Leonard
DT - Hawaii
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 283 lbs
Vertical Jump: 31.5”
Broad Jump: 8’10”
225# Bench Rep: 41
40 Yard Dash: 4.93
20 Yard Shuttle:4.31
3-Cone Drill: 7.35

Francis Maka
DE - Hawaii
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 257 lbs
Vertical Jump: 34”
Broad Jump: 9’4”
225# Bench Rep: 26
40 Yard Dash: 4.81
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.45
3-Cone Drill: 7.31

Vaka Manupuna
DT - Colorado
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 287 lbs
Vertical Jump: 31”
Broad Jump: 9’3”
225# Bench Rep: 41
40 Yard Dash: 5.09
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.43
3-Cone Drill: 7.23

Jacob Patek
S - Hawaii
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 210 lbs
Vertical Jump: 34”
Broad Jump: 9’6”
225# Bench Rep: 22
40 Yard Dash: 4.58
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.21
3-Cone Drill: 6.72

Offensive Lineman Jeremy Perry is currently scheduling a private workout at Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR) in the next 2 weeks for NFL Scouts.

Now that the proday workouts are over it becomes a waiting game with hopes and prayers that an NFL Team will give these athletes a chance to become a professional. The 2009 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 25-26 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Our positive thoughts and prayers will be with all our athletes and we’re so very proud and honored to have you guys as our ohana. A great job well done and thank you for believing in our program and for all your efforts.

Ikei Performance Athletes Impress NFL Scouts at Pro Day Workouts

Just wanted to send out a proud update of how 5 of our 10 athletes have performed at their recent NFL Pro Day workouts. Each year Ikei Performance accepts 10 elite collegiate football players to join their NFL Combine & Draft Preparation Training Program. This year we had representatives from 6 different schools: Clemson, Oregon State, Colorado, Colorado State, Fresno State and Hawaii. These athletes have dedicated their last 3 months to training and preparing themselves for a chance to become a professional athlete representing the National Football League (NFL). I’ve had the privilege of traveling to 2 of the 5 athletes pro day workouts and wanted to share some proud video moments with you.

On March 13, 2009 I traveled to Corvallis, OR to witness Oregon State University Safety, Al Afalava, put on a show for all the NFL Scouts.

Height: 5’11”
Weight: 207 lbs
Vertical Jump: 40”
Broad Jump: 10’5”
225# Bench Rep: 25
40 Yard Dash: 4.47
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.07
3-Cone Drill: 6.63
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.05

You can watch Al’s workout on youtube.com or by clicking on the link below.
Al Afalava #9 Safety: NFL Pro Day Workout - Oregon State University
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDOAigebulE

On March 10, 2009 in Fort Collins, CO, I watched Colorado State University Defensive End, Tommie Hill put on an outstanding performance in front of NFL Scouts. Here’s Tommie Hill’s measurables:

Height: 6’6”
Weight: 257 lbs
Vertical Jump: 35”
Broad Jump: 9’3.5”
225# Bench Rep: 23
40 Yard Dash: 4.74
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.32
3-Cone Drill: 7.17
60 Yard Shuttle: n/a

You can watch Tommie’s workout on youtube.com or by clicking on the link below.
Tommie Hill #91 Defensive End: NFL Pro Day Workout - Colorado State University
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQDc6ky_dg8

Three other Ikei Performance Athletes had stellar performances on their pro day workouts but I was unable to attend. Here are their measurables:

Tyler Grisham, WR - Clemson
March 24, 2009

Height: 5’10.5”
Weight: 185 lbs
Vertical Jump: 35”
Broad Jump: 9’6”
225# Bench Rep: n/a
40 Yard Dash: 4.43
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.10
3-Cone Drill: 6.60
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.29

Will Harding, DB – Fresno State
March 11, 2009

Height: 6’2”
Weight: 202 lbs
Vertical Jump: 36.5”
Broad Jump: 9’11”
225# Bench Rep: 19
40 Yard Dash: 4.46
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.12
3-Cone Drill: 6.93
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.28

Sharrod Davis, DB – Fresno State
March 11, 2009

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 185 lbs
Vertical Jump: 31”
Broad Jump: 9’10”
225# Bench Rep: 17
40 Yard Dash: 4.52
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.03
3-Cone Drill: 7.02
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.22

Five athletes are waiting for their opportunity to perform for NFL Scouts on April 2, 2009 in Carson, CA. Three athletes from the University of Hawaii: Josh Leonard-DT, Jacob Patek-S and Francis Maka-DE; University of Colorado Vaka Manupuna-DT; Oregon State University Jeremy Perry-OL will all get their chance to showcase their skills and make an impression on NFL Teams.

Stay tuned for a detailed wrap up of our 2009 Ikei Performance NFL Combine & Draft Preparation Training. See how hard these young men worked, the intensity, the dedication, the sacrifice, the discipline…see their progress of when they started to where they finished and what it takes to become a champion. Go to www.ikeiunderground.com

Adrian Wilson's 66-inch Hurdle Jump on Youtube Becomes Legendary

Over 6.2 millions viewers have witnessed the now legendary 66-inch hurdle jump that Arizona Cardinals Safety, Adrian Wilson, easily cleared during his training at Ikei Performance. Who would have guessed that a friendly competition placed on youtube would have found its way to national TV recently being featured on NFL Live, Jim Rome's Burning and ESPN News. Thanks to the miraculous athleticism of Adrian Wilson and the outstanding performance of our Arizona Cardinals, this 19 second clip has become legendary amongst sports enthusiasts. If you haven't seen the video clip click here: Adrian Wilson's 66-inch Jump

I've had the privilege of working with Adrian since 2001 and have witnessed some of the most incredible feats of strength, speed and power. This young man is a very dedicated and motivated individual and continuously strives to make himself better as well as those around him. I would like to share with you some footage of how hard one of the best safeties in the NFL trains and to prove to the world that talent coupled with hard work is the formula for success as Adrian is living proof. Please take a moment to watch this video and pass it along to any young athlete that you believe would be inspired to exceed all expectations.

NFC Champions Arizona Cardinals Heading to Super Bowl XLIII – An Experience I Will Never Forget

“SHOCK THE WORLD,” was a statement many people used but only a few truly believed. The Arizona Cardinals are the NFC Champions and will be heading down to Tampa for the 2009 Super Bowl XLIII. Ikei Performance would like to congratulate Aaron Francisco, Larry Fitzgerald, Adrian Wilson, Travis Laboy, Matt Ware, Taitusi “Deuce” Lutui, Gerald Hayes, Karlso Dansby, Elliot Vallejo and Antrel Rolle and wish them the best in the road to becoming Super Bowl Champions.

As the owner and founder of Ikei Performance, I’ve had the privilege to work with these players through the years and was extremely honored when Safety Aaron Francisco invited me to join him and his family to attend the NFC Championship Game. The festivities started off with a Kick-Off Luau at the Francisco Hale (house) on Saturday afternoon with great food, family and friends. Everyone got to the game on Sunday early to watch Francisco lead his team out to the coin toss at the beginning of the game as the Special Teams Captain. The Cardinals won the coin toss and the rest is history as they went on to become NFC Champions. Francisco had a great game finishing with 4 solo tackles and 1 interception. I would personally like to thank Aaron Francisco and his Ohana (family) for being a part of the Ikei Performance Ohana and appreciate sharing this wonderful moment with me.

This was an experience of a lifetime. I’ve competed at the national and world championships as well as Olympic Trials, attended every major professional sports game and have coached at some nail biting events, but the Cardinals win this past Sunday was something else. There’s something about the underdog going the extra distance when everyone counted them out and in the end pulling off the victory…that gets me pumped. I would like to share with you the craziness of how I felt on the final play of the game and witness what it was like standing in the stands when the final second ticked off the clock and the Cardinals was officially the NFC Champions heading to the Super Bowl. Click on the image to experience the intensity of the win.


Take a walk with me onto the field as Arizona Cardinals Safety Aaron Francisco celebrates the victory with his family during the NFC Championship Ceremony. Click on image to take a walk onto the field.

Ikei Performance Athletes represent Arizona in Offense-Defense All American Bowl

January 2, 2009, Coastal Carolina University will welcome eighty-eight of the best high school seniors in the country to compete in the Offense-Defense All American Bowl. This prestigious all-star football game has provided numerous athletes opportunity to showcase their skills amongst the best in the country and produced countless NCAA and NFL greats throughout the years.

Ikei Performance is proud to announce that two of our athletes, Ryan Reardon and Caleve Deboskie, will be representing Arizona on the West Team. Ryan Reardon of Notre Dame Prep was selected as a Linebacker and has proven to be one of the top tacklers in the state as he helped lead his team to back-to-back State Championships. Caleve Deboskie of Chandler High was selected as a Wide Receiver and led his team with receiving yards this season. Both of these young men wasted no time after their seasons finished and immediately started training at Ikei Performance in preparation for the bowl game.

“I’m honored to have been selected to the O-D All American Bowl. This year was a great one for me, winning back-to-back state titles and now being able to represent the state of Arizona on National TV, I can’t wait to play” states Reardon. “I’ve worked hard all year long since the end of last season. I took the advice of what some of the scouts and college coaches have shared with me and put in the work to overcome my deficiencies. Now it’s time to lay it all out on the field.”

Caleve Deboskie is familiar with the High School All-star Games as his older brother Covaughn played in the Army All-American Game last year. “Last year I got to watch my brother play in his all-star game and told myself that I’m going to do everything possible to get invited to a bowl game as well” says Deboskie. After receiving his invite to the Offense-Defense All American Bowl Deboskie was pumped about playing stating “I’m extremely proud to be representing my school and the state of Arizona. I know this is a great opportunity for me to show my skills and ability against top level competition.”

“We are very proud of Ryan and Caleve. I think I got more excited than them when I received the news” remarks Chad Ikei, owner of Ikei Sports Performance, “both these boys exemplify what hard work and discipline can do for a young athlete. They dedicated their summers to improving their athletic ability. To make the sacrifices they made to improve their game says it all and both of them are very deserving of playing in this bowl game.”

Congratulations Ryan and Caleve and enjoy this moment as you play your final High School football game on National Television. All of us here at Ikei Performance are extremely proud of you and know you will both exceed all expectations.

Check out our boys play at the Offense-Defense All American Bowl live on Fox College Sports, Friday, January 2, 2009 kickoff at 5 pm EST.