University of Hawai'i offensive lineman Samson Satele said he might forgo his senior season and apply for the 2006 National Football League draft.

Satele, a fourth-year junior from Kailua High School, has discussed the situation with his family and UH head coach June Jones. He said he expects to announce a decision "in December."

Asked if he was ready to make the jump, Satele said: "Hopefully. We'll see."

Satele, who is 6 feet 2 and 305 pounds, was named to the Scripps/Football Writers Association of America's Freshman All-America first team in 2003. Last season, he was selected to the All-Western Athletic Conference second team.

"He's one of our leaders and one of our best players," Jones said. "He's tough mentally and tough physically."

Jones said he encouraged Satele to participate in the NFL's evaluation program for underclassmen. In the program, which will not affect Satele's NCAA eligibility, the NFL will assess his draft value.

"I advised him to go through that process so he doesn't make a mistake," Jones said. "The NFL will tell you where they think you will be drafted. If they say he's going to be drafted in the fourth, fifth, sixth round, then I'd come back (to UH). If they say he's going to be drafted real high, then how are you going to tell a kid to come back? I think you have to weigh heavy on what (NFL officials are) going to tell you. They're going to tell you the truth. They're not going to mislead you. If they have a chance to better themselves as a senior, to move up, then you've got to come back. It could cost you millions of dollars."

Satele, the starting left guard, practiced at center in training camp. With Derek Fa'avi, the starting center and team captain, completing his eligibility at the end of Saturday's game against San Diego State, Satele, if he chooses to return, would enter training camp as the top center.

Three UH players applied for the NFL draft after their junior years. Slotback Jeff Sydner was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round in 1992, wideout Ashley Lelie by the Denver Broncos in the first round in 2002, and offensive tackle Wayne Hunter by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round in 2003.

KAHUKU ALUM JOINS UH

Offensive lineman Brysen Ginlack, a 2005 Kahuku High School graduate, has accepted a football scholarship from the Warriors.

Ginlack, who is 6 feet 3 and 275 pounds, is a part-time student in the UH system. He will enroll full time in January, and compete in spring practice in March.

"He's a big-time player," Kahuku coach Siuaki Livai said. "He's a Division I player. End of story."

Ginlack was named to The Advertiser's 2004 All-State football team as an honorable mention.

Two other UH "gray shirts" — recruits who enroll at mid-year — are Rick Taylor, a wideout from Nease High School in Florida, and Adrian Thomas, an offensive lineman from Gymea Technology High School in Sydney, Australia.

Defensive lineman Tolifili "Andre" Liufau, who was named to The Advertiser's 2002 All-State team, has expressed interest in joining the Warriors for the 2006 season. Liufau signed with Utah in 2002, but did not meet the requirements to play as an NCAA freshman. He played for Fresno City College in 2003 and 2004. Liufau needs to earn an associate degree to be eligible to play for UH.

Wideout Jason Rivers, who is not playing this season to recover from a broken ankle and focus on academics, is expected to re-enroll at UH in January. Although Rivers will not participate in spring practice, he is on track to play for the Warriors in 2006. He will have two years to play two seasons.

As a UH sophomore in 2004, Rivers was third in the WAC in receptions with 6.15 per game.

Cornerback KayBrin Stevenson, who was expected to gray shirt, will not enroll at UH in January. He hopes to join the team in August.

Blaze Soares, a 2005 All-State linebacker from Castle High School, also is expected to enroll at UH in August. He is taking extra credits at a local college.

ILAOA WANTS TO RETURN

Running back Nate Ilaoa said he wants to play for UH next season, and will file a request to extend his career.

The NCAA allows a player five years to play four seasons, with the eligibility clock starting with full-time enrollment. Ilaoa first enrolled at UH in August 2001.

Because shoulder and knee injuries limited him to a total of one game in 2003 and 2004, Ilaoa is seeking a medical hardship that will allow him to return for a sixth year. Former UH defensive tackle Lui Fuga received a sixth year because of similar circumstances.

Ilaoa yesterday ended questions about his desire to return, saying, "Of course, I want to come back. I like it here."

An applicant must wait until the end of the season to request a medical hardship. Jones said the NCAA's decision is not expected until the spring semester.

But Jones said Ilaoa's return would boost the offense.

"He's one of our better players," Jones said. "This last couple of games, you get an idea of what he can do."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.