NFL Draft: Washington LB Hau’oli Kikaha Racking Up Sacks

Sep 13, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Hau

NFL Draft fans need to be aware of Washington Huskies linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha if they’re not already, because he might just be entering the draft with — by far — the most sacks of any player in college football. Kikaha is getting overshadowed at a Washington program that features Shaq Thompson, a defensive player who is out-scoring many offensive players this year and getting hype for a lot of good reasons. However, Kikaha is a prospect that we’ve previously written about and a guy that is set to make a huge impact in the NFL if he keeps this up.

In only eight games, he has 50 tackles, 19.5 for a loss, 14.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He’s been an absolute monster on the field for the Huskies and is a relentless rusher with a great motor. The questions that have arisen are health concerns and an ability to hold up in the NFL vs. the run in his current position.

Kikaha plays all around the defensive formation, mostly setting the edge and the biggest problem I see in his game at times is that he’s often putting himself in a situation where it’s an “all-or-nothing” pass rush move, even on running plays.

Still, Kikaha makes plays behind the line of scrimmage, there’s no doubt about it. I think if he gets coached up in this role and becomes a bit strong at the point of attack as well as disciplined in his rush, he can be a star in the NFL and a steal in the draft.

For your viewing pleasure, here’s Kikaha’s three-sack performance against Cal, courtesy of the great people at DraftBreakdown.com.