Huskies’ Kelemete goes to Arizona in fifth

The Arizona Cardinals selected Washington left tackle Senio Kelemete in the fifth round Saturday with the 151st overall pick.

Kelemete was the second Washington player selected in the draft’s final day. Defensive tackle Alameda Ta’amu was picked in the fourth round,  109th overall, by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“I could see myself playing left guard or left tackle,” Kelemete said. “Either or, it doesn’t matter. I just want to be out there and help contribute to the team. Wherever the coaches need me to go, wherever they need to put me in, I’ll play.

“I think my strengths are my attitude, being really aggressive, and bringing the best out of the guys around me.”

Kelemete, 6 foot 4, 301 pounds, protected the left side of Jake Locker and Keith Price during his four years at left tackle. Kelemete was consistent and twice a captain for the Huskies.

“Obviously, the kid played left tackle for Washington and did a nice job with them,” Arizona associate head coach and offensive line coach Russ Grimm said. “We’re projecting him at a guard position. We’ll start him there, but it’s nice to know that he’s a guy that you can move out to tackle if you have to, because he’s played the position in college.”

He went to Washington out of Seattle’s Evergreen High School.

“I was hoping I would go in the fourth round, but anywhere I would be happy,” Kelemete said. “Fifth round, I’m glad about that. Very few guys get picked, so I am blessed to be one of those guys.”

Kelemete started 26 consecutive games at left tackle his final two seasons at Washington. In 2009, he played 11 games at right guard after being switched from defensive to offensive line. He played eight games as a defensive tackle in 2008.