http://www.byucougars.com/Filing.jsp?ID=10790

Tonga Ruled Ineligible
by Jeff Reynolds, BYU Athletic Communications


PROVO, Utah (May 12, 2008) -- BYU head football coach Bronco Mendenhall today announced senior running back Manase Tonga has been ruled academically ineligible to compete during the 2008 season. Tonga has been suspended from the University and may re-apply for admission in October for Winter Semester, 2009. Tonga will redshirt the 2008 season.

"Not having Manase with us this coming season is disappointing and hurts our program; however, our program is designed so that the next player in line will step in and contribute at a high level," Mendenhall said. "I'm confident Manase will take the necessary steps to restore his eligibility and be able to return to the team next season."

The 6-foot, 238-pound native of San Mateo, Calif., saw action in 12 of the Cougars' 13 games last season and was credited with 88 carries for 305 yards and eight touchdowns.

Too bad. I have to think they saw this coming. With the buddy system and tutors and stuff, I don't see how this could have come as a surprise; they at least had to know it might be a possibility.

So who will take his place as fullback? From my understanding, Fui and Wayne Latu are more running backs; but I see this as a perfect opportunity for Fui to return to his pre-injury, run-people-over ways. Hopefully he'll step up. Are there any other realistic options? How's Fui's blocking?

Although we'll miss Manase this year, it'll be nice having him back for Max and Collie's senior season.

Dang. I am most worried about what this will do to blocking.

Yndian wrote:

http://www.byucougars.com/Filing.jsp?ID=10790

Tonga Ruled Ineligible
by Jeff Reynolds, BYU Athletic Communications


PROVO, Utah (May 12, 2008) -- BYU head football coach Bronco Mendenhall today announced senior running back Manase Tonga has been ruled academically ineligible to compete during the 2008 season. Tonga has been suspended from the University and may re-apply for admission in October for Winter Semester, 2009. Tonga will redshirt the 2008 season.

"Not having Manase with us this coming season is disappointing and hurts our program; however, our program is designed so that the next player in line will step in and contribute at a high level," Mendenhall said. "I'm confident Manase will take the necessary steps to restore his eligibility and be able to return to the team next season."

The 6-foot, 238-pound native of San Mateo, Calif., saw action in 12 of the Cougars' 13 games last season and was credited with 88 carries for 305 yards and eight touchdowns.

Too bad. I have to think they saw this coming. With the buddy system and tutors and stuff, I don't see how this could have come as a surprise; they at least had to know it might be a possibility.

So who will take his place as fullback? From my understanding, Fui and Wayne Latu are more running backs; but I see this as a perfect opportunity for Fui to return to his pre-injury, run-people-over ways. Hopefully he'll step up. Are there any other realistic options? How's Fui's blocking?

Although we'll miss Manase this year, it'll be nice having him back for Max and Collie's senior season.

1. If they use the I formation more maybe they'll let So'oto block, or even in goal line situations. With split backs, is a true fullback really necessary?

2. If he comes back.

Rhiannon Potkey confirmed my suspicions:

My colleague Jay Drew and I made calls Friday and throughout the weekend checking on Tonga's status with a few sources inside BYU, and running backs coach Lance Reynolds confirmed Tonga was on shaky ground and unlikely to play in the fall - although Reynolds could not comment on the reasons why.

A few former teammates confirmed Tonga was having problems keeping his grades up, and said they were not able to get Tonga to call them back lately.

Bummer, his run and pass blocking will be sorely missed. We'll definitely miss his receiving out of the backfield too.

Wow, tough loss. Hopefully he buckles down on the academics and we have him back for 2009-10.

That 2009-10 team will have Seniors: Hall (Q, Tonga (F, Pitta (TE), George (TE), and Collie (WR). Junior: Harvey Unga (R. Sophomores: Chambers (WR), Jacobson (WR), Hafoka (WR), Diluigi (R. Freshman: Timo (R, Austin Holt (TE). If we keep the O-line developing (Matt Reynolds, RJ Willing, Levi Mack, Jason Speredon) that offensive unit will be special.

The defense should be senior laden with lots of experience too...Seniors: Jan Jorgenson (DL), Brett Denney (DL), Ian Dulan (DL), Tevita Hola (DL), Bernard Afutiti (DL), Shawn Doman (L, Vic So'oto (L, Matt Ah You (L, Matt Bauman (L, Brandon Howard (C, Scott Johnson (D. Juniors: Brandon Bradley (D, G Pittman (D, Grant Nelson (L. Sophomores: Jadon Wagner (L, Masi Tuitama (L, Shiloah Te'o (S). Freshman: Craig Bills (S).