2014 BYU Football Newcomers: Ului Lapuaho

Leading up to Fall Camp at the end of the month, here at Lawless Republic we will be giving you a daily glimpse at the signees and return missionaries that will be part of the 2014 BYU Football team.

Ului Lapuaho 

Hunter High School | West Valley City

6-6 | 323

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Before BYU: As the son of former Cougar offensive lineman, Rob Lapuaho, Ului Lapuaho knows all about BYU football. His father’s skills also have seemed to rub off on him. As an offensive lineman for Hunter High School, Ului was named Utah 5A All-State first team as a Senior in 2010. Most of the major recruiting services listed him as a 3 star recruit and a top 20 player in the state of Utah. 

Highlights: Watch from :44 until 1:00 mark. Ului is #71.

A couple things stick out on this highlight. First is Ului playing until the whistle. On the first play, Ului pancakes his man and pushes him right back down as soon as he gets up. That nastiness is much needed along the line. Another play shows Ului getting downfield and blocking in front of his running back. Not many offensive linemen have the athleticism to get into the secondary and make blocks in the open field.

Ului served in the Sydney South, Australia mission and returned home in time to participate in spring camp.

Expectations in 2014: Eventual starter

In the depth chart released on BYU media day, Ului was listed as the back-up right tackle behind Brock Stringham. With a spring camp already under his belt and fall camp right around the corner, Ului has had ample time to learn the offense and get back in shape following his mission. While its hard to see Bronco having a freshman starting along the line day one, don’t be surprised to see Ului make his way into the starting 5 along the line as the season moves along.

Potential in BYU career: NFL prospect

Ului has been described by Bronco Mendenhall as having the look of “maybe an All-Pro NFL player” at the left tackle postion. Coming from a mild-mannered person like Bronco, that is very high praise. Bronco usually does not go out of his way to give public praise this high. For an offensive line that has been underwhelming in the recent past, Ului’s entrance into the program will hopefully add an infusion of talent and nastiness to the offensive line that has been lacking.