Defensive tackle Seali’i Epenesa played in 12 games during his 2013 senior campaign at UCLA. The 6’1”, 310 pound, Hawaii native recorded 16 tackles on the season, as UCLA finished ranked 16th in the final AP poll.
Photo By Desiree Astorga
The NFLPA Collegiate bowl was not only an opportunity for Epenesa to show NFL scouts that he has what it takes to play at the next level, but a chance to learn from some of the NFL’s best. Former NFL head coaches Dick Vermeil and Dennis Green and former NFL players Priest Holmes, Will Shields, Andre Reed and Daunte Culpepper, just to name a few, are all instilling their knowledge of the game on these seniors.
“It’s awesome to you know have a lot of knowledge and experience, their own experience playing in the NFL,” said Epenesa. “It’s nice to come out here and pick their brains for a week. You learn a lot about business, the NFL.”
Epenesa was surrounded by a handful of friendly faces as UCLA had 5 seniors who participated in the game, but it is the friendships and bonds with players from across the nation that have come surprisingly easy.
“I thought it was going to be a lot harder. A lot of guys coming from different schools trying to get along, you’ve got to do it quick, you only have a week,” said Epenesa. “But everyone is getting along.”
Only a week to build friendships that the players hope last throughout their long NFL careers.
