BYU football: Manase Tonga coming back? More Hoop honors

After missing last season, will fullback Manase Tonga be back on BYU’s football team for his senior year?

That is a huge question, one BYU’s coaches cannot answer. Even Manase cannot answer this question unless he has in his hands, his final report card from Utah Valley University which will dictate whether he is academically re-admitted to BYU.

In the meantime, to cover all his bases, it looks like Manase Tonga will work out with BYU seniors at Pro Day on Wednesday on BYU’s campus. His name is listed on a roster of players being tested by NFL scouts.

This doesn’t mean he’s turning pro. It means he’s being tested.

In other news, it is just released that Jimmer Fredette and Lee Cummard were named to the all-district team Tuesday by the United States Basketball Writer’s Association. This is District VIII which includes schools from Whoming, Utah, Idaho, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada and Montana. There are nine regions from coast to coach and a player and coach of the year is selected in each. This is the second time Cummard has received this honor.

—

I had an interesting lunch today with Tom Sitake, the father of Utah defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake, and a few of his nephews and friends who are Tongan. The word from one of our lunch party, who had Manase in his home several times the past few weeks, is that he’s on target to get himself back on BYU’s roster and on school — that is what he wants to do.

In the meantime, Manase has been working out religiously with Fahu Tahi (Vikings) and Fui Vakapuna at a gym across from UVU. This same person told me Manase plans on being back at BYU next fall but he must complete the work.

This same person who spoke of Manase also told me about his son, an eighth grader in Orem. He is 6-0, 185 and plays linebacker for the Orem junior leagues. He could be the next Poly recruit both the Utes and Cougars sink their teeth into. Sitake said his son Kalani has already asked him to remind the family to send this kid to the Ute summer camp; BYU’s Steve Kaufusi has already asked that he be sure to show up at BYU’s summer camp.

The kid’s name is Anitelu Jared Cruser. His father told me he is projected to grow to be 6-5, according to doctors who gave him his physical. Apparently his palangi (white) grandfather is 6-foot-9.

Of note, Anitelu was named after Anitelu Unga, Harvey Unga’s grandfather, who died the night before Jared Cruser was born.

Just some lunch fodder to share.

If Manase is at Pro Day on Wednesday, our Jeff Call will have an interview and report.