Afalava for more than three seasons at strong safety for the Beavers, taking over during his true freshman season. He managed only 36 tackles in 2008 (after making 64 as a junior), but showed some ability in coverage with two interceptions and eight pass break-ups.

His reputation as a hammer in the secondary earned him honorable mention All-Pac-10 each of the past two years. Afalava's linebacker size and mentality makes him a perfect in-the-box safety and special teams contributor at the next level.

Afalava was a two-star athlete by Scout.com and rated the second-best defensive back on the Islands by the recruiting service...Rivals.com two-sport athlete...first-team all-state on defense...led Kahuku to a 10-2 record and an appearance in the semifinals of the state playoffs in 2004...the team was ranked No. 14 in the West and won the Oahu Interscholastic Association...scored in a 2004 state quarterfinal game by recovering a fumble in the end zone...helped Kahuku to the state title and a 14-0 record as a junior...played in the state's Goodwill Football Classic All-Star game...made 100 tackles, including 20 for loss and nine quarterback sacks, and eight interceptions in '04...SuperPrep Magazine All-Region team member.

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Positives: Good build for the position. Instinctive defender who reads the quarterback's eyes well and breaks on the ball. Very quick to read run and come up in support. Physical hitter who can be an intimidating presence over the middle. Reliable open-field tackler. Willing to take on blocks to make the play. Durable performer with experience at strong and free safety.

Negatives: May lack the speed and agility for NFL coverage. Makes most of his plays coming downhill and isn't the same playmaker with his back to the quarterback. Questionable deep speed. Lacks the hip flexibility to turn and run with receivers one on one. Rarely tested deep in this defense due to Oregon State's good pass rush and veteran press corners - both of whom will be drafted this April. Character red flag: Suspended for the first game of 2008 after he crashed his car into an empty bus shelter and left the scene on foot. Reached plea agreement to reduce original DUI, hit-and-run charges.

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