Vakapuna was recruited by Nebraska, Utah, Oregon, Utah State and Washington, but the Salt Lake native chose to stay home and attend BYU.

After redshirting in 2002, Vakapuna had 30 carries in eight games in 2003 before serving a two-year church mission in Carlsbad, Calif. He returned in 2006, appearing in 12 of 13 games in 2006. He battled through a broken hand in 2007 to carry the ball 73 times and serve as an important blocker.

He wasn't as involved in the running game last season, carrying just 54 times while adding 10 receptions. But he was a valued blocker in front of Harvey Unga.

"I think Harvey should be taking Fui out to dinner, or to lunch once in a while," said quarterback Max Hall. "Because right now Fui is playing very unselfish and doing all of the little things right to make not only the run game, but the pass protections and everything, work. You'll see in some of the games he'll take on his blocker, knock him down and then go to someone else -- and get another block. And then Harvey will run for 15 more yards."

Vakapuna has been limited by a variety of injuries the past few seasons (hand, ankle, hamstring), but will be given a look as a blocking back after performing well in agility and strength drills. He has been compared to former BYU teammate Naufahu Tahi, who is currently with the Minnesota Vikings.

Positives: Typical Polynesian build with the bulk to handle NFL punishment. Good vision to locate and get through the hole. Surprising lateral agility to make defenders miss in the open field. Bullish interior runner who can drag tacklers for extra yardage. Good lower, leg drive. Flashes soft hands out of the backfield as a receiver. High effort player.

Negatives: Lacks the agility and straight-line speed to be a true running back at the next level. Has never been the bell-cow back and will only be successful at the next level as part of a rotation. Inconsistent effort and technique as a blocker. Has struggled with durability throughout his career. Enters the NFL older than most (24) due to time served on an LDS mission.

Earned letterman honors as a senior … started eight games at fullback … ran for 291 yards on 54 carries, totaling three touchdowns … caught 10 passes for 69 yards and one touchdown … longest run of the season was for 33 yards against UNLV.

Missed time with broken hand and lingering effects from 2006 ankle injury. Received the Leon White Award for Unselfish Devotion … slowed by injury throughout the season … played in 10 games during the season … earned letterman honors … had 73 carries for 252 yards, averaging 3.5 yards per carry … credited with a season-high 97 yards on 14 carries in the Cougars' win at San Diego State … scored two touchdowns on the season.

Earned letterman honors … saw action in 12 of the Cougars' 13 games … battled an ankle injury late in the season … produced 445 yards on 92 carries during the season … had eight rushing touchdowns … averaged 4.8 yards per carry … had a season-best 13 carries agianst Utah State … totaled a season-high 89 yards rushing against Tulsa, including a memorable, hard-hitting 38 yard run … credited with 11 receptions for 87 yards on the season, including three touchdown receptions.

Served a church mission in Carlsbad, Calif.

Served a church mission in Carlsbad, Calif.

2008: Slowed by a hamstring injury in fall camp. … Missed the season opener due to academic work.

2007: Played in 10 games, but was limited at times by a broken hand.

2006: Bothered by an ankle injury late in the season, but played in 12 of 13 games.

Combine: Did not receive an invitation.

Pro Day (from NFL.com): 4.83 seconds in the 40-yard dash. … 34-inch vertical jump. … 9'2" broad jump. … 4.40 short shuttle. … Bench pressed 225 pounds 29 times.

A three year letterwinner at East High School in football and track … finished fourth in the state in the 100 meters as a senior … clocked a 40-yard time of 4.4 at Nike and Jamal Willis camps … Most Valuable football player at East high school and an all-state and all-region selection (regional MVP) … credited with 112 carries for 1,107 yards as a senior … recorded 20 receptions for 215 yards … tallied 15 punt returns for 434 yards and 11 kick returns for 293 yards … registered 12 touchdowns as a senior, including two defensive TDs … credited with three interceptions and four sacks and two forced fumbles … MVP of national championship high school rugby team … a Polynesian All-State selection … earned defensive MVP honors as a junior and team MVP honors as a senior … District 5 Offensive MVP.

A native of Salt Lake City, Utah … parents are Semisi and Uina Vakapuna … Vakapuna is the oldest of eight children.