Unga weighs decision on entering NFL draft

LAS VEGAS — Harvey Unga could be playing his last college game in Sam Boyd Stadium when the Cougars and Oregon State meet on Tuesday.

Or not.

Unga will decide whether he'll give up his senior year, as Austin Collie did in 2008, in the weeks following this bowl trip. He'll consult with his inner circle, including his family, and take note of what his coaches and folks with NFL ties tell him.

Right now, Unga says he's not worrying about answering the NFL question until after the Cougars play the Beavers. Even then, he's got a lot to study.

"I'm not really thinking of that right now. We've got a game to play," said Unga.

Still, people wonder if this is the curtain call.

Why go early? There are plenty of reasons.

His health is always at risk as a running back. Why not be paid for getting hit? He needs to take this step while he's young and still without a major injury such as an ACL or serious shoulder injury.

He could use the money. Unga can always come back and get his degree.

His legacy as BYU's all-time leading rusher is in the books; it's time to move on, especially if somebody promises him a pick before the fifth round.

Why stay?

Well, he's not on the NFL's big-time radar screen.

He has yet to play without injury.

He's a halfback in a fullback's body, and his stock would be higher if he had more experience blocking, like former Cougars Fahu Tahi in Minnesota or Fui Vakapuna in Cincinnati.

He doesn't have NFL halfback speed; he could get ignored in the draft.

Manase Tonga could be taken before him because Tonga is a proven, experienced and productive blocker.

A key in this decision will be if Unga can learn if NFL teams plan on inviting him to the NFL combine in February. That could be the deciding factor.

Meanwhile, BYU running backs coach Lance Reynolds is ecstatic Unga is packing the ball next week.

"He is unbelievable; he makes a huge difference for us," said the longtime Cougar assistant coach.