What a great attitude! I hope the younger players learn from this. Hopefully the players will appreciate the unique opportunity they have to present themselves before future employers whether they be in the NFL or otherwise.

Glad to see Fui back to full strength. Our running game is going to be AWESOME this year with the Tongan Trio and JJ.

Look for Fui to play only a blocking role on passing downs this season. He should have left two years ago when it became apparent that they were giving his job to Harvey. He could have been a 1000 yarder for some teams. I always feel bad for the players who get upended by better underclassmen. Winning is the bottom line, though, so you can't blame the coaches.

I'm glad to see Fui healthy. We have some solid backs, and it will be to our advantage to use them all. Not only does it keep the backs healthier and keep them fresh throughout the game, it changes the tempo of the offense. This makes it harder for the defense to settle in. I'm looking forward to a great season to come. Go Cougs!

Is it true he had a bad eating habbit last year. Stay away from Pizza and stay in fit. Him transfer to another school- what - he won't leave with all those blood family being close together. Go TONGANS COUGARS!

I look forward to seeing you eat your words. Fui isn't a blocking back, for one, that role will go to Tonga. A healthy Fui will be back to the form he had before his injury -- breaking tackles and running over defensive backs -- part of a lethal 1-2-3-4 punch. Each player will get less carries, but having fresh backs constantly rotating into the lineup will wear down opposing defenses. I expect to see some HUGE 3rd quarters for BYU this season.

This years is going to be a lot like it was in 2006 with Harvey getting the bulk of the carries until they get in close yardage situations.

Remember Fui got the carries he did because he ran right over everyone. He will get his and it will be a great combo. It will take so mutch pressure off the passing game.

Share the load and we win games

Don't count out Vakapuna. He'll do more than a blocking role on passing situations. Harvey Unga is a flash in the pan, and will wear out. Fui is, and has been the real deal. Bronco will recognize it.

he's the gooderest!

Fui, you're the man! Good luck this season bro! We're all expecting great things from you this season, and we know you'll deliver. The same goes for the entire Y team.
The Y's running game will be scary this season! Good luck to opposing coaches trying to stop it.

Behold! More running yards! And there was much rejoicing.

If Vak does get to play, I don't know if it will be regularly. He's definitely got muscle, and some speed considering his size, but he hasn't really been that impressive of a back to me. I can't seem to figure it out, but other than the San Diego game last season, it seems like he struggles to get more than a few yards each carry. It seems like he should totally flatten defenders who try to bring him down, but they always wrap up on him to well and he ends up going down. He also doesn't seem to have the speed needed to do quick outside runs, quicker defenders always catch up to him.

That being said, I've always thought he would be a better fullback. With a tough O-line and a back with stregnth like Vak's, they should be able to drill opposing defenses. It's apparent that Harvey has a lot more speed and is more capable of working the ball down the field. As awesome as Harvey is, even he isn't the fastest guy. With JJ being smaller I can see him having a lot more speed. Harvey Power + JJ speed + Solid O-line= Goodrushing!

As a Ute fan, I just felt obligated to post something here to make this about Utah, since that's what Cougar fans need to do on all of the articles about Utah. Further evidence that there are no real Cougar fans, only Ute haters.

Good to see Fui back! Loved watching him run over people in 2006.

I love watching Fui plow through line backers and the pure enthusiasm he has for the game! I think the biggest value Vakapuna adds to the team is the passion he shows as he is on the field. He motivates EVERYONE to play harder and pound the turf.

Vakapuna is right about 2008 being a special year for the program. Similar to the 1997 squad. BCS or Bust Baby!

Ernest T Bass- it seems every article I ever read on DN you have posted some comment. Is there any subject that you don't have an opinion on? Just curious

I was privileged to teach Fui as a senior at East High. This young man is an even better person than he is a football player. I have the highest respect for him both as a player and a person. I hope that he is highly successful this upcoming season. It is my opinion that he deserves it. Good luck, Fui!

... is he tries to go outside too much and he just doesn't have the speed for that. When a hole doesn't open up for him he needs to just lower his shoulder and go through, not around! He has the size and strength to be a punishing back in short yardage situations, if he is 100% healthy again, he can be a great compliment to Unga.

I remember when beck threw to the outside to the backs quite often. Spreading out the offence is where Fui is strong. Hall doesn't do it. Not saying its bad, but stacking the inside hurts fui because there is enough strenth to bring him down. I could see this year going either way for Fui. But hands down, Fui has the most fun out there on the field.. what an animal

Cheers! It looks like the Ute backfield will be loaded for the next few years (Asiata, Mack, Shakerin etc) The cougs have a few horses too, but I don't think Fui will be a part of it. Let's make this message board about the Utes because byu fans seem to think the article about Zane should be discussing 1984. Oh and obligated, I don't think the Utes need to worry about Mario's brother deLuigi. Is that his name? Who cares.

Lets talk about backs? All you can hate on West Valley for what its worth but they have produced great running backs for both the Y and the U. Haters! Go Asiata and Vakapuna. West Ville fo Life

Time will tell if Fui can stay healthy. Some players are injury prone (Luke Staley) and Fui is one of those players. Once a player has a leg or ankle injury they never seem to really recover 100%. Hopefully, Fui will be what Luke Staley was his senior year.

Collis is still open

Nobody here is "hating" on West Valley. In fact, you're the only blogger who even mentioned West Valley.

SERIOUSLY: Release the anger and GET OUT of the bunker mentality. It's not healthy.

Personally, I couldn't care less WHERE someone is from. I'm only interested in what type of person they are.

Fui is a great player and person and I'm glad he's a Cougar. I'm sure Utah fans feel the same way about Asiata.

Collis is still open??? Hmmm never heard of him. BYU still trails the series by over 20 games. HA HA HA.

I'd like to see JJ returning kicks. I think Collie should be protected to be the speed receiver we need.

I loved Fui in 06'. It's too bad his injury set him back so much. But it also gave Unga the chance to highlight his NFL caliber skills. If Fui is truly back he will play a similar role to 06' - get close to 600 all-purpose yards to compliment Unga's 1,500 and they both will have scouts giving them a look. I can see Fui finding a spot as a backup fullback/utility player like Tahi has done for a few years in the NFL - IF he is 100% both physically and mentally. Enjoy them both because Unga is NFL eligible after this season and a monster year will see him tempted to go.

Objects in the rear view mirror may be closer than they appear...

BYU is 25-11 vs. Utah since LaVell took over in 1972; 29-21 in the last 50 years.

Enjoy the overall lead while it lasts; and, be grateful that BYU didn't bother fielding a team until the 1960s.

Fui isn't from West Valley. Rose park & and maybe Glendale could claim such. West Valley lies

Ya, but since I have been following BYU we are up 15 or so games - Ha Ha Ha. I don't care what happened from 1250 - 1971.

Luke Staley didn't play a senior season.. so lets not hope fui has one like Lukes

"I don't care what happened from 1250 - 1971."

Of course not. I hear they offer an actual degree at the Y in "selective citing of facts"

Your rear view mirror is a bit foggy. BYU has had a football team since at least 1922, or longer than that if you count BY Academy.

Even with the last two (incredibly lucky) wins by BYU, the Utes have won 9 of the 15. I see the momentum shifting to the north this year ...

The only reason Fui V. didn't excel last year was due to his injuries. It was suspected that his weight went well above 240 which slowed him down. He always gives 100% of what he has, so if he's healthy again- Look out! I look for he and Unga to have outstanding seasons. Latu is an underrated runner that hasn't got much of a chance to display his talents. I wish the season started tomorrow.

LaTendresse still open. john beck still throwing the ball away on fourth down.

Oh so since you've been following BYU football we should all revolve around YOU. Typical BYU fans...FOOTBALL DIDN'T START IN 1970

Luke Staley won the Doak Walker award (the award given to the best running back in college football) his Jr year and then opted to go pro.

Ha ha ha. You're funny.

By the way, what is the record for BYU - Utah football since YOU have been following the rivalry? Isn't that what really matters?

Since I have been following BYU, I have come away happy from the BYU - Utah game many more times than not. I have actually gone to, or watched on TV, almost every one of those games.

I don't care who won in 1932. I don't know the players, don't know the records, and quite frankly have no emotional attachment to games prior to my existence.

Just my take - but it sure seems to make sense to me. But then I don't think like most Utah fans.

LeWho?

BYU vs. Utah

Even the last 10 years: 5-5
Even the last 20 years: 10-10

But the momentum is decidely going in BYU's direction. Utah lost the momentum when Whittingham and Mendenhall took the reins of Utah and BYU.

"...the last two (incredibly lucky) wins by BYU..."

Really?

Did you mean to say... Utah was incredibly lucky to be IN the game at the end last year after Harvey Unga dropped a touchdown pass and BYU nearly doubled Utah's offensive output?

Ya can't pick and choose your drives mate, account for the whole picture. Harvey Unga dropping the TD was far luckier for Utah than Austin Collie burning what-his-name was lucky for BYU.

Harvey greyshirted, then redshirted, then played last year. He already is eligible for the NFL.

And last I checked, Fui played a ton two seasons ago, so it would've been stupid of him to leave then. He's right where he needs to be. He's not going to run on a bum ankle for any other team better than what he's doing for BYU. Fui is not and never has been an every down back. He gets the tough yards, and would greatly improve his draft stock he could become a good blocking full back. He doesn't have the speed to be a tailback, but he has great speed and size to be a fullback.

If this is what I thought it was like then I could be game for the team and what its purposes are this year! I can and will be there and i know for sure that it will turn out one way or another

Maybe Fui can take Hook's spot on the defensive side of the ball?

In the end who cares what the overall record is.For the last 40 years Utah has been BYU's little brother up north. I have a feeling that in just a few years (especially if the coaching situation remains the same for both schools) BYU-Utah will become just another games against the future gas pumpers for BYU and for Utah it will become their only purpose in life. Have fun living in mediocrity for at least the rest of the Bronco-Whittingham era.

Every year before the football season I pay tribute to those early missionaries who converted people in Tonga and Samoa. The local football teams who definitely not be as good if not for their sacrifice.

i totally agree about fui going to the defensive side of the ball. just look at that guys eyes when he plays! i wouldnt want to be tackled by him thats for sure hes a huge load and very active if he got time at LB you better believe our defense would be all that much better, but ive got faith that bronco knows what hes doin.

I tink Fui need to lay off Pizza and Kava but he career is ova he not touf enuff nemore. I say he come to my party more often