Havili gets first taste of NFL action

Stanley Havili now knows what life in the NFL is all about.

The former Cottonwood High standout, like other pro players, had to wait out the months-long NFL lockout, but is making up for lost time. A seventh-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, Havili carried the ball one time for one yard in the Eagles’ 13-6 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on August 11. The 6-foot, 230-pounder is listed second on the depth chart at fullback behind Owen Schmitt.

Soon after the lockout ended, Havili, who starred at Southern California, signed a four-year contract with the Eagles on July 27. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. His chances of making the team dramatically increased with the release of starting fullback Leonard Weaver, a former Pro Bowler who was injured in the Eagles’ second game last season and never returned.

The Eagles have been highly active in free agency, adding such players as Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Vince Young, Ronnie Brown and Steve Smith. The signings have led to the Eagles being referred to as the “Dream Team,” reminiscent of the NBA’s Miami Heat.

Havili, who wears jersey No. 39 with the Eagles, was the 37^th pick of the seventh round (No. 240 overall) in April’s NFL Draft. Scouts projected Havili, a four-year starting fullback at USC, to be drafted as early as the second round, but questions surrounding a shoulder injury he sustained during his senior year likely detracted some NFL suitors. Havili had surgery in the offseason for his dislocated shoulder, which also prevented him from working out for NFL scouts during USC’s Pro Days in April.

A college roommate of New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, Havili, 23, comes off a stellar college career. He finished his USC career with 1,799 all-purpose yards (1,290 receiving, 509 rushing) and 15 touchdowns (12 receiving, three rushing) in 52 games (48 starts) for the Trojans. His 116 receptions are the most by a fullback in school history and rank him 16^th on the career list.

To gain more insight on life in the NFL, Havili has consulted with former pro Vai Sikahema, who is now the sports director and anchor for NBC’s affiliate in Philadelphia. Sikahema played in the NFL from 1986-1993, including a two-year stint with the Eagles. A running back and kickoff returner, he was the first person from Tonga to play in the NFL. Sikahema also played at Brigham Young University.

Local fans had the opportunity to watch Havili in action Aug. 18, when the Eagles’ preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was televised on FOX. Philadelphia was also scheduled to host the Cleveland Browns in another preseason game on Aug. 25.