WhoDat!656

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

"A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life."

RaginCajun83

Its Shanle, how hard would it be to blow him away

spkb25

scott was a hard worker and an extremely intelligent player. I respect his opinion

blackangold

Exactly, as much as I didn't like Shanle you could never doubt his passion for the game and football intellect. He was never a good athlete and it showed on the field. If Shanle had the athleticism of Martez Wison he could have been the greatest LB ever.

The Dude

He was also a lot better than most people gave him credit for.

Danno

Wow, you know absolutely nothing about Scott Shanle.

foreverfan

He was an very important part of the crackerbackers.
Did Shanle ever play for the worst defense in the league?
Maybe second worst but not the worst.

Wait a minute... that wasn't funny. This looks like Scott's cat.

rezburna

Scott Shanle was a smart player. If he wasn't he wouldn't have even been on the field because his physical ability was sub par compared to the rest of the league. I always wanted us to upgrade his spot too, but I can't say anything bad about the guy. He did a good job.

blackangold

I don't think he did a good job.

He was actually fairly bad, but his passion and football IQ shouldn't be questioned. Problem was his body could catch up to what his mind wanted.

voodooido

I hate how everyone talks down on SS. He had a few productive years here and helped win a championship.