ESPN: Saints' Hau'oli Kikaha learning to become more than just a pass-rusher
 

Mike Triplett, ESPN Staff Writer

METAIRIE, La. -- Hau'oli Kikaha figures he might have run downfield covering a tight end once in his entire college career at Washington, where he racked up 32 sacks over the past two years as one of the nation's top pass-rushers.

But coverage is becoming a regular part of Kikaha's repertoire now that he's a rookie outside linebacker with the New Orleans Saints.

"It's kind of half and half," said Kikaha, who embraced the challenge of learning his new responsibilities from the moment his senior year ended.

"It's something that I knew that I'd be working on this entire offseason," said the 6-foot-3, 246-pounder, who expected NFL teams would project him as a 3-4 outside linebacker. "So I've been working on it a ton, and I feel like I'm a lot more comfortable now. Things are easier, my eyes and my feet and my hands. It just kind of clicks a lot better than it had in the past."

Kikaha said he's excited to keep growing and show what he's worth. That attitude has been evident to those around him...

Source: Saints' Hau'oli Kikaha learning to become more than just a pass-rusher - New Orleans Saints Blog - ESPN

Reads like this have it looking like we're finally moving to the 3-4 defense...

Re: ESPN: Saints' Hau'oli Kikaha learning to become more than just a pass-rusher
 

I didn't realize that he had no coverage experience. With Jr. on the outs it looks like he will get the majority of the reps. We still have Spencer though.....I hope he's the short term answer while Hau learns the ropes.

Re: ESPN: Saints' Hau'oli Kikaha learning to become more than just a pass-rusher
 

If he can get the pass coverage down and can maintain the corner JR. will be an afterthought. I hope he excells in all of it.

Re: ESPN: Saints' Hau'oli Kikaha learning to become more than just a pass-rusher
 

just do not give up the edge.

Re: ESPN: Saints' Hau'oli Kikaha learning to become more than just a pass-rusher
 

I don't remember Junior running after TE's all that much.... IJS... If he can set the edge.... and follow TEs there could be mad pro bowls in his future....

Re: ESPN: Saints' Hau'oli Kikaha learning to become more than just a pass-rusher
 

I take this as us committing more to the 3-4 because we've only been lining up in that formation 33% of the time. If we're having him work so much on dropping into coverage then I have to believe we'll see more of a true 3-4 defense.

Re: ESPN: Saints' Hau'oli Kikaha learning to become more than just a pass-rusher
 

I'm excited to see our defense more then anything else.

Re: ESPN: Saints' Hau'oli Kikaha learning to become more than just a pass-rusher
 

This guy is 'local boy' through & through, which means he has a lot of Hawaiian pride & a warrior spirit ... this one's paying dividends, fellas ;). "No Ka Oi" ... means "best of all". Great pick, :) ... my son's a 'local boy', :).

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxMj...UaFqK/$_35.JPG