Manase Tonga

[EZRaider]

Sounds like a Hawaiian or Samoan. One thing I know, these Hawaiians/Samoans are some strong ass people! Hope he's a good FB. Anyone have the goods on him?

[RaiderRobert]

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

"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)."

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d816d2576/2010-combine-workout-Manase-Tonga

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/384129-oakland-raiders-sign-undrafted-free-agent-fb-manase-tonga

[EZRaider]

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

"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)."

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d816d2576/2010-combine-workout-Manase-Tonga

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/384129-oakland-raiders-sign-undrafted-free-agent-fb-manase-tonga

Cool, Thanks! I was hoping they would draft a FB and picking this guy up undrafted sounds like a real coup.

[TheMadStork]

Sounds good! We need a Jon Ritchie-type FB badly. He loved contact and rarely, if ever, blew a block.

[R8RSFAN]

I've watched every BYU game for years. Tonga has a legit chance of making the team. He's smart, plays physical and doesn't lose his cool. Won't get stupid penalties and will put his hat on people. He's not going to come in a blow anybody away, but will be a solid citizen and do whatever he's asked. I really don't see him as a starter at FB right away, more of a special teams player who could grow into the starter's spot.

[S and B Executioner]

I really hope he is a Jon Ritchie type, I miss the bloody face that fucker had every week!

[Sleet]

The Raiders drafted two UFA FBs:

308 7 Manase Tonga FB Brigham Young 5-11 245 7-FA 4.84 19 32 2.70 1.62 08'09" 4.69 7.44
--- 29 Chane Moline FB UCLA 6-1 237 4.68

Tonga was more highly rated (7th v. 29th), shorter, bigger, slower, better blocker in the line Oren O'Neal.

Moline is more athletic/pass catcher in the line of Luke Lawton.

[EZRaider]

The Raiders drafted two UFA FBs:

308 7 Manase Tonga FB Brigham Young 5-11 245 7-FA 4.84 19 32 2.70 1.62 08'09" 4.69 7.44
--- 29 Chane Moline FB UCLA 6-1 237 4.68

Tonga was more highly rated (7th v. 29th), shorter, bigger, slower, better blocker in the line Oren O'Neal.

Moline is more athletic/pass catcher in the line of Luke Lawton.

Good. I hope they can help us.

[jatfly]

How is Oren O'Neal??? Has anyone heard anything on him??

[Raidermania12]

How is Oren O'Neal??? Has anyone heard anything on him??
Well he's not good lately, here's a recent pic.
http://la.milesplit.us/uploads/user_files/16739/tyrone_biggums.jpg

[EZRaider]

How is Oren O'Neal??? Has anyone heard anything on him??

In case you haven't heard yet, he got released yesterday or today.

They said he never recovered from his knee injury.

[jatfly]

In case you haven't heard yet, he got released yesterday or today.

They said he never recovered from his knee injury.

saw that yest,,,,that blows. I am not a fan of Lawton and isn't he suspended anyway?

[Byron2112]

I think Tonga's just what we're looking for.

Guy's alittle beefy, bowling ball, and he caught 80-90 passes in college, so he's useful as more than pure battering ram.

[hawaiianboy]

Tonga's already 26 years old :eek:

Man that's about the same age that Nips graduated from high school...

[Crow]

Nips graduated??? :eek:

[Swords]

Sounds like a Hawaiian or Samoan. One thing I know, these Hawaiians/Samoans are some strong ass people! Hope he's a good FB. Anyone have the goods on him?

Pretty safe to assume that he's Tongan.

[Raider Nation]

Sounds like Tonga didn't make much of an impression and the search for a fullback is ongoing according to Cable yesterday.

[Madturk]

Maybe time to put some feelers out. Last I heard Tony Richardson was still available, not sure how much he has left in the tank. Justin Griffith is another option.