UDRFA FB Manase Tonga of BYU Signs With The Oakland Raiders

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via Twitter:

"A source told me that #BYU FB Manase Tonga signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent."

Tonga is a local boy from San Mateo who attended Aragon High.

Here is a great story that I found on him:

At 6-foot and 248 pounds, Tonga is a devastating blocker with powerful drive in his lower body. As a lead blocker in Robert Anae's offense, he was fearless in tracking down and putting a bead on linemen, linebackers, safeties and corners for Harvey Unga. His pass protection is something Anae and position coach Lance Reynolds use as an example, a how-to tape.

Tonga is currently working out daily in Orem with a private trainer, Dave Stroshine, in preparation for the NFL Combine at the end of the month. His draft stock is high, some projecting him as the first fullback taken, according to Stroshine, who also trains former Cougars Fahu Tahi (Minnesota Vikings) and Fui Vakapuna (Cincinnati Bengals).

I think that it is safe to say that anyone who wants to beat him out had better bring his lunch pail to work. IF Tonga can stay out of trouble and really embrace this opportunity he can start right away.

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Comments

Nice work!! This makes up for either round 6 or 7

by Sons-of-Blanda on Apr 24, 2010 5:05 PM PDT reply actions

Great great great signing

I expect him to start right away, him or O’neal. I see Reese and Russell and hybrid backs that will play time at RB and FB in passing situations

I don't want another player or pick in return, all I want is.... a SHRUBBERY!

Haters are like todays republican party, they whine and complain without offering and idea or solution. It's once in a blue moon one comes a long and is worth listening to

by dubzfan on Apr 24, 2010 5:10 PM PDT reply actions

http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2546

by patriotguy2 on Apr 24, 2010 5:12 PM PDT reply actions

brilliant signing

expect him to make the team and make an impact, a great compliment with Marcel Reece

"I'll be the guy on top of the Quarterback" - Richard Seymour

Here they come baby, Just win baby, Feel the storm of the cold autum wind baby
Its the Oakland Raiders, Get your mouthpiece
You in the black hole, With the black beast! - Ice Cube 'Raider Nation'

by Ozraider on Apr 24, 2010 5:12 PM PDT reply actions

Love this pick up

He’s a monster that will open up wholes for our two headed monster, plus i don’t mind him being our last line of deffense for our new quarter back Mr. Campbell! =)

by Dstrada on Apr 24, 2010 6:04 PM PDT reply actions

I'm loving this

Tonga is a tough sons of blanda, I think he will be a great asset on 3rd and short and in a goal-line situation. This running game will go wild now with the advent of a passing threat.

Refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death

by spec on Apr 24, 2010 6:41 PM PDT reply actions

He's the one I wanted.

He loves to block for the run and the pass.

by xville on Apr 24, 2010 6:58 PM PDT reply actions

WOW- A few of you called this one a couple of months ago when I was petitioning for Conner.

He’s a better RB than FB but he’s still pretty good. If we still have a vacancy at 3rd RB and if one of Lawton or O’Neil get cut then he will definitely make the team.

Cable Bumaye! Raiders Bumaye!

by SBcitizen on Apr 24, 2010 7:14 PM PDT reply actions

What I've Read:

Raider UDFA as of 4/24:

Trent Guy, WR, Louisville
Manase Tonga, FB, BYU
Brashton Satele, LB, Hawaii
Alex Daniels, DE, Cinci
Alex Parsons, RG, USC
Andre Anderson, RB, Tulane

by Matt Henry on Apr 24, 2010 7:33 PM PDT reply actions

That's about a wrap, wouldn't you say? Anything left? ... aside from a NT

by Sons-of-Blanda on Apr 24, 2010 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Yea I was really thinking we'd bring in one DT from the UDFAs

Cable Bumaye! Raiders Bumaye!

by SBcitizen on Apr 25, 2010 1:06 AM PDT up reply actions

Would a 355lb DT with attitude fill the bill? We got him!

by Sons-of-Blanda on Apr 25, 2010 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions

really good

signing i went to high school with this guy and played with his lil brother. BEAST. wish the niners couldve picked him up their fullback norris doesnt impress me

by itsAteamGAME on Apr 24, 2010 11:57 PM PDT reply actions

The Raiders actually picked someone I wanted in this draft

Sure they filled all the positions I wanted but not with the people I wanted to fill them with.
All along I was saying that John Conner might not be there and that Manase Tonga was a stud blocker and has sweet hands out of the backfield.
So awesome signing

When I want Mel Kipers opinion, I'll fucking give it to him !
Me

by rambis64 on Apr 25, 2010 9:56 AM PDT reply actions