Quotes about Ikaika

After being promoted to #1 right DE in today's practice, Ikaika said:
"I didn't expect it. But whatever they want me to do, I'm going to do it." (Detroit Free-Press)

“(Taking reps with the starters) I was on the other side, but it was just the same thing. I’ve got to execute and I’ve got to do the same thing and there are a lot of things I’ve got to improve on; just my footwork and my keys and everything. I’ve just got to relax and keep going. It was no different , it’s football. This is a different side, same calls. Mentally it was the same thing, I’ve just got to get squared away with it." (DetroitLions.com)

"To me, it's very special. The head coach is working with you personally when you're out of the plays and even when you're in the plays. He's one of the best defensive line coaches ever to coach the game." (Detroit News)


About how they can't seem to pronounce his name in Detroit, Ikaika said:
"Everybody knows how to pronounce my name in Hawaii. My name has been destroyed over and over again. I just gave up on it -- 'Five-O' is fine with me." (Detroit News)


After telling reporters that Ikaika meant "brave, strong" in Hawaiian, Ikaika was asked about his last name and said:
"My mom and my dad's last names. You guys are going to have to sort that one out. That's not my choice." (Detroit News)

Michigan Live Note: "With defensive end Kalimba Edwards sidelined with a right ankle sprain, rookie Ikaika Alama-Francis took the majority of practice snaps at right end. From the start of the off-season workouts, Alama-Francisa, a second-round draft pick, had been working on the left side. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry said the rookie will likely back up both positions during the season, and it shouldn't be an issue because he played the right side in college."

About Ikaika's athleticism, Detroit defensive coordinator Joe Barry said:
"The first thing you like is his athleticism. You forget sometimes that the kid is 280 pounds when you just see him. He's very fluid and athletic." (Detroit News)