Friday, April 28, 2006 | 9:07 a.m.
Age: 23
Born: Nov. 18, 1982, in Thousand Oaks, Calif.
High School: Moorpark (Moorpark, Calif.)
Size: 6 feet 8 , 255 pounds
After a disappointing 2004 season, in which he played in only one game because of an injury, Greg Estandia left his mark on the UNLV football program last season.
An impressive figure at 6 feet 8 and 255 pounds, Estandia put up equally impressive numbers for the Rebels. He led 2-9 UNLV in receptions and receiving yards as a senior and, in head coach Mike Sanford's estimation, thrust himself into this weekend's NFL draft picture.
"Obviously he has great height, and he has excellent catching ability, and he did a great job of running after the catch," Sanford said. "To me, right now, he has the tools (to play in the NFL)."
Some NFL draft experts have tabbed Estandia as a sixth- or seventh-round draft choice. ESPN the Magazine has him ranked as the 18th-best senior tight end in the country.
"I think he should be higher than that," said Sanford, who spent three years as a receivers' coach with the San Diego Chargers. "I just think he's a very special player that has a huge upside."
Although he likely won't be selected until Sunday's final two rounds, Estandia said he doesn't expect to lose any sleep this weekend.
"I'm not really nervous or anything because I know that I've done the most I can do so far," he said. "It's pretty much out of my hands and now I'm just waiting and seeing."
2. Backup plan
If Estandia isn't drafted this weekend, he could probably find a spot on an NFL roster via free agency. Estandia said he hopes it won't come to that.
"Actually, my goal is to get drafted," he said. "I think whatever team I go to, I'll be able to fit in with my talent. Obviously, being a free agent, you can pick your team and pick a better situation but I'm looking to be drafted."
3. Go to the tape
Estandia took part in two "Pro Day" workouts for prospective NFL draftees but said it is what he did on the football field that will most impress NFL officials.
"I feel pretty good about my pro days," Estandia said. "But when it comes down to it, it's the game film that really counts."
4. The numbers
As a senior, Estandia led the Rebels with 49 receptions and 563 yards. His seven touchdown receptions were a school record by a tight end. He also blocked two field-goal attempts on special teams.
5. The injury
Estandia suffered a knee injury on the final play of preseason practice in 2004 and played in only one game that year before taking an injury redshirt. As it turned out, that may not have been the worst thing that happened.
"The one thing I think Greg did a great job of (last) year, he worked extremely hard and got himself in great shape so he could avoid injury," Sanford said. "The byproduct of that is he became a better player. He improved, and I see him continually improving; I don't think he's one of those guys that's maxed out his ability."
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