Former University of Hawai'i football player John Estes yesterday took the first step in his quest for a professional career, reaching an agreement with Priority Sports & Entertainment.

Kenny Zuckerman, Priority's president, will serve as Estes' representative in pro football matters.

Priority represents several top NFL centers, such as Olin Kreutz of the Chicago Bears, Dominic Raiola of the Detroit Lions and Kevin Mawae of the Tennessee Titans.

Priority also represents former Warriors Ryan Mouton of the Tennessee Titans, David Veikune of the Cleveland Browns, Davone Bess of the Miami Dolphins, Isa'ako Sopoaga of the San Francisco 49ers and Wayne Hunter of the New York Jets.

Estes will earn a bachelor's degree in communications Saturday. He then will return to his home in Stockton, Calif., where he will remain through the holidays. Zuckerman said Estes will begin training Jan. 4 at Peyton Manning's D1 facility in Nashville, Tenn.

Zuckerman said Estes has received an official invitation to compete in the Jan. 23 East-West Shrine Game in Orlando, Fla.

Estes has been told he will be invited to the National Football League Scouting Combine, which begins Feb. 22 in Indianapolis. Those invitations are expected to be sent this week.

Meanwhile, nine agents have submitted proposals to represent former UH linebacker Blaze Soares.

Soares said he hopes to make a decision before Christmas. Soares also will earn his bachelor's degree Saturday.

Defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea and linebacker Brashton Satele are appealing to the NCAA for exemptions that will allow them to compete as sixth-year seniors in 2010.

Both are enrolled in online classes in the spring semester. They will train in Arizona while they await results of their appeals.