Feature article on Nate

http://www.phillytrib.com/channel/sports/081207/sports1081207.asp

About how it was not hard for him to adjust to moving to Philly from Hawaii, Nate said:
“There’s no type of adjustment for me. I’ve been moving around all my life. Football has taken me all the way to Hawaii and it’s brought back to the East coast. I love playing football.” (Philly Tribune)

PT Note: "As the seventh round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, Ilaoa is hoping Philadelphia and the Eagles will be a permanent stop. So far in camp, the stocky 5-foot-9, 245-pound back, has managed to draw some applause from the fans at Lehigh with his ability to catch the ball. During last Sunday’s workout, Ilaoa took a couple of big screen passes and turned them into big gains."


About his chances to make the roster, Nate said:
“I don’t really know what my chances are. All I can do is go out there and perform and that decision is not on me. But I have a lot to do with what the decision may be and that’s why I take on my half to work hard and make sure I know what I’m doing.” (PT)


About how his ability to catch the ball may help him in this offense, Nate said:
“I was a receiver throughout college until my last two years when I started playing running back, so catching the football is something I’m accustomed to and it’s something that I feel I can do pretty well. I try to use that to the best of my ability and hopefully that stands out with the coaching staff.” (PT)


About Nate, Philly offensive coordinator Marty Morhinweb said:
“Very good feet. He’s highly productive, both in the pass and the run game. I believe he rushed for over 900 (yards) and caught a bunch of balls there at Hawaii. That would be the main thing, his productivity in both the running and passing game.” (PT)



About the similarities between Philly's offense and JJ's offense, Nate said:
“All offenses are basically the same, you’re trying to attack spots. That’s what every offense is trying to do. You’re trying to find holes in the defense. The philosophy is the same, it’s just the way they go about it.” (PT)


About how when he was growing up he admired NFL players from Samoa like Seau and Sapolu, Nate said:
“When I was growing up, it was Junior Seau. Everybody in my family had a Seau jersey and he was the people that we looked up to in the Samoan community. You had Jesse Sapolu and you had Vai Sikahema. It’s great to see those Polynesian players playing ball. Now you have the Lofa Tatupu and Troy Polamalu continuing that tradition and bringing out the Polynesian spirit.” (PT)


About how the culture of football fits with the Samoan culture, Nate said:
“The foundation is really tight as far as family goes and football is no different. You get a group of guys working together toward the same goal and you build sort of a family bond. They love to play for someone else and provide for their families and that carries onto the football field.” (PT)