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.

Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.

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.

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.

Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.