Fans have no problem spotting Nate Ilaoa.
Even if they can’t pronounce his name (ee-LAU-uh) or know much about his career (Ilaoa was a seventh-round pick out of Hawaii), he’s distinguishable with his curly hair let out like a bush coming out of his head. When Ilaoa arrived in Philadelphia following the draft, his hair was braided. Now it’s loose – and noticeable.
“You can wet it down and it actually keeps you kind of cool,” Ilaoa said.
But Ilaoa is trying to get noticed by his game and not his hair. He’s a short, stocky back (5-foot-9, 245 pounds) who can catch out of the backfield. The Eagles’ offense often dumps the ball to its running backs, which could work in Ilaoa’s favor.
Hawaii utilizes a run-and-shoot offense that you might remember from head coach June Jones’ days as an NFL coach with the Atlanta Falcons and San Diego Chargers. Ilaoa had 67 receptions last year, which is more than some of college football’s top wideouts record.
“We had a lot of swings – kind of like this,” Ilaoa said. “Every offense is new and takes time to get used to, but if you’re not ready for it now, you shouldn’t be around here.”
Ilaoa was involved in passing drills today and was able to catch most thrown his way. He was twice overthrown by Kevin Kolb, some of which could be attributed to timing. Ilaoa’s speed might have also been a factor. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.77 seconds, which is a poor time for a running back. There was talk around the draft that he might project as a combo back in the NFL, sliding over to fullback when needed. But Ilaoa’s experience at Hawaii was as a running back and receiver, not as a fullback.
Ilaoa will have to fight for a roster spot. The Eagles have their franchise running back in Brian Westbrook and spent a third-round pick on Tony Hunt. Correll Buckhalter is a productive player when healthy and the Eagles have invested time in the veteran while he was fighting knee injuries earlier in his career. If he’s healthy, he should be around.
Who remains is former third-round pick Ryan Moats. Moats showed flashes as a rookie in 2005 although he had barely any production last season.
The Eagles carried four running backs last season, partly because former Eagles running back Reno Mahe contributed as a returner. Perhaps special teams will dictate whether the Eagles carry four running backs – and whether that back is Moats or Ilaoa.
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The second practice of the day starts at 3:30 p.m. Check back after practice for a full practice report.
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