BYU Football: Position Preview – Running Backs
By Ron Jensen
The Blue Chipper
No one received the attention Ula Tolutau (6’1, 242, So) did coming out of high school. The former 2013 Deseret News Mr. Football had scholarship offers from the likes of Wisconsin, Utah, and BYU. He signed with Wisconsin and agreed to play for the Badgers after serving a two-year mission for the L.D.S Church.
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On his return, Ula had a change of heart, and flipped his commitment to BYU football. In his inaugural season, he ran for 303 yards on 72 attempts and seemed to have a promising future as a tailback in Provo. However, following some nagging injuries and a run-in with the law, his season was cut short.
Tolutau is a special talent, with a similar skill set as one Harvey Unga. He’s dropped about ten pounds from last season, and his quickness should be more like it was in high school. There’s no doubt, if he keeps his nose clean, and his body right, he’s force to be reckoned with.
The Legacy
Kalin Hall was a legend for BYU football, and part of a one-two combo in the backfield with Jamal Willis that gave WAC defenses fits in the early 1990’s. His son, K.J. (5’9, 190, Jr), has already made a name for himself as an elusive option on the ground or through the air, particularly in the screen game.
Hall has been injury prone and is presently rehabbing to get back to playing shape. We’ve also heard that he’s put on a little weight to prevent future ailments. If he’s healthy, and can keep his speed up, he is yet another possibility to be a major contributor.