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METAIRIE, La. -- While working with a group of draft-hopeful linebackers in Dallas this offseason, former New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Shanle was struck by the passion and work ethic of one in particular. Shanle said he figured it was an undrafted free agent-type who was eager to get as much coaching as possible.

Then he looked him up.

Turns out, the player was Hau'oli Kikaha, who led all FBS players with 19 sacks for the University of Washington last year and was drafted in the second round by the Saints.

“This kid, right away …,” Shanle said. “He wanted to meet with me, go over chalkboard sessions, watch film, go over my plays that we ran [with the Saints]. I was completely blown away with his passion and how eager he was to learn.

“Because there were some other kids I worked with who were gonna be late draft picks or undrafted, and they had it all figured out. They didn’t need any help. This kid, there was never a moment he didn’t want to meet and talk football.”

Former New Orleans Saints LB Scott Shanle impressed by Hau'oli Kikaha - New Orleans Saints Blog - ESPN

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