Dick Harmon: Former BYU fullback Manase Tonga has chance to turn his NFL dream into reality

"Dave is a miracle worker," said Tonga. "He's working miracles again. When I found out I could play my senior year, I came to him to get in shape, working out with Fui, Fahu and Harvey Unga. All I had was two weeks. After 16 months of doing nothing, he whipped me into some kind of shape."

A combination of work on weights, bands and Bungee cords, Tonga is making workouts his full-time job while his wife, Lolohea, is home with 18-month-old Semesi and 4-month-old Laila.

"Now he's transforming my body. I feel stronger than I ever felt, even before my high school days. I'm feeling more mobile and faster. It's the training Dave's had, and to spend time individually every day, working on mechanics and techniques has helped. He knows how the body works. He has the weirdest workouts, but they are effective."

Tonga knows the combine will be a cattle-prod session, and his concentration will be tested.

But from where he was a year ago, just to be invited is a blessing he counts every day.

e-mail: dharmon@desnews.com