By Aaron Tuioti-Mariner

Bning Bang B-o-o-m - the BYU Cougar running style of Sophomore running backs Fui Vakapuna and Manase Tonga who literally bounce off and run over defenders as they find their way to the endzone.

Vakapuna and Tonga have quickly established themselves as a two-man wrecking crew in the multi-plex offense, which showcases notable stars such as QB John Beck, soon to be record-breaking RB Curtis Brown, future NFL Tight Ends Daniel Coats and Johnny Harline. Think BYU offense, first thing that comes to mind is Pass, Pass and Pass some more. Polynesian Offensive Coordinator Robert Anae (Laie, Hawaii) has found ways to get the ball into the hands of his Polynesian playmakers: Fui Vakapuna and Masase Tonga.

The two-man wrecking crew fits the pair because of their running styles and tenacious attitude when given the ball. When their numbers are called, they answer with pure intensity. "It's in our blood as Polynesians, we play with so much intensity, we are physical and we just like to go out and show the people what we can do,"” says Vakapuna. There's not much to say when you have someone with that size running at you with a 4.4 speed. It's a runaway freight train.

Against a nationally ranked defensive team (#15) in Colorado State, Vakapuna put up one of the most spectacular short-yard TD runs of the week, which was a college highlight on ESPN Sports Center. On a short and goal, BYU unleashed their short-yard specialist Vakapuna as he leaped over defenders landing on top of another, rolling off of him, gathering his feet getting back up and running through another defender for an amazing 5-yard score.

Vakapuna is relentless and has shown consistency with his physical play and intensity. ...“It's not challenging to have that intensity week after week. "We run hungry and with something to prove," says Vakapuna. Earlier in the year, Vakapuna returned home from a two-year LDS mission and quickly made his presence felt running the ball during spring games, showing teammates and fans what to expect in the future.

The 6ft1, 235 pound Vakapuna along the side of a 6ft0, 235 pound Manase Tonga adds an element to the BYU Cougar Offense that has been vacant for years. Pure Mayhem. ...“We compliment each other, we feed off each other. We enjoy being out there. That's what motivates us to do good and excel, when we get the chance to make a plays we like to take advantage of it,...” says Sophomore Running Back Manase Tonga.

Sophomore Running Back Manase Tonga adds a rare element to the Cougar offense with his ability to block, catch out of the backfield and also R-U-N. Tonga is just as impressive as Vakapuna when he gets his hands on the ball. Defenders see a running back with his size and stature and automatically see him as a fixture and more of a blocking back. What defenders don'’t realize is Tonga's ability to get deep into the secondary with deceiving speed and good hands to catch balls down the field, which he has done against AP ranked Boston College and other Mountain West opponents.

"I worked hard in the off-season and wanted to show what I can do for the team. Its trust that they (Coaches) have in me to do so much in this offense," says Tonga.

Tonga plays multiple roles as a Full Back/Running Back pulling in 18 catches in the season for 170 yards with 1 TD while also carrying the rock 29 times for 143 yards with 3 TD.

Vakapuna seems to have had some highlights in the season with his dramatic crushing runs going the distance with defenders hanging on his leg for a joy ride. Vakapuna would trounce opponents racking up 418 yards off 78 carries which gives him a 5.3 yards per carry with a team high 8 TD in the year. Not bad when you take account how he accounted for the 8 TD runs: Let's just say he earned every yard.

With a short week ahead against Wyoming who come into Provo Thursday night and with cross-town-rival Utah waiting for their shot to take on the Cougars, the pair (Vakapuna and Tonga) seem to not want to think too far ahead of themselves other than their current opponent in Wyoming. "Our preparation for Wyoming is important. We want to play like we have been with a chip on our shoulder and with something to prove," says Vakapuna.

Fui Vakapuna's running style has been compared with former Utah Ute and NFL running back Chris Fuamatu-Maafala.

Vakapuna and Tonga run with style and power unmatched. As so it seems so far with the winning stretch that the BYU has had the last couple games. With three worthy opponents left on the schedule, Vakapuna and Tonga have their work cut out for the remainder of the season and beyond if things work out for the Cougars come Bowl Season. The Cougars have become Bowl eligible, but look forward to clinching what they have lacked the past couple years, which is another Conference Title.

Vakapuna and Tonga seem up to the challenge against Wyoming, New Mexico and then cross-town rival Utah. It will come down to the stretch to see if the two-man wrecking crew can keep up their intensity and ferocious play.

Fui Vakapuna had a high ankle sprain a few weeks ago against San Diego State. It didn't seem like a big factor against Colorado State last week as he plowed in two rushing touchdowns with 11 carries for 38 yards. Manase opened the game with a 3-yard TD run.

Season:CarriesYardsTD CatchesYardsTD
Vakapuna, Fui7241888693
Tonga, Manase291481181701