Kalani Sitake Compares BYU Signee Pokaiaua Haunga to BYU Great Reno Mahe

Coach Sitake knows Reno Mahe well - he blocked for Mahe in 1998 as a fullback. Mahe started his BYU career as a running back in 1998. As a true freshman, Mahe ranked second on the BYU roster with 481 yards rushing behind Ronny Jenkins.

Comparing Haunga to Mahe is very high praise. Mahe was one of the most gifted players with the ball in his hands in BYU history. Later in his career, Mahe played more wide receiver and he was a dynamic punt returner. In 2001, he recorded a team-high 91 receptions for 1,211 yards. Mahe went on to return punts for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL.

In terms of size, Haunga and Mahe are very similar. Haunga is listed at 5'11 and 200 pounds. Reno Mahe was listed at 5'11 and 185 pounds during his time at BYU.

Haunga is also like Mahe in that he could play either wide receiver or running back at the college level. Given the departures of Aidan Robbins and Deion Smith at running back, however, there is an opportunity for Haunga to find a role sooner at running back. Running back is a position of need, and Haunga could fill that need if he can shake the mission rust. At a luncheon with the Cougar Club, BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said he wouldn't be surprised if Haunga played early on in his BYU career.

As a junior at Timpview, Haunga had over 1,100 yards receiving, 200 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns. Listed at 5-11 200 pounds, he lined up primarily at wide receiver in the Timpview offense. He was limited as a senior due to injury.

Sitake is very careful to make player comparisons and he has a track record of identifying talent. If Sitake's evaluation is any indication, BYU could have a very, very good player on their hands in Pokaiaua Haunga.

Haunga is already enrolled. He will have the opportunity to learn the offense in Spring camp before he competes for a spot on the depth chart during Fall camp.