Former OL Pau'u excited for start at MLB in BYU's 2016 opener


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PROVO — Butch Pau’u is less than two years removed from a two-year LDS Church mission to Honduras, and in his first season playing football in three years, he had just eight tackles in 2015 as a freshman.

But when BYU football opens the season against Arizona at University of Phoenix Stadium, he’ll be in a place he’s never been before: starting at middle linebacker.

Not bad for a former lineman.

“That was my Little League career,” said Pau’u, who played linebacker and right guard as a child. “They taught me how to hit and take a hit. I was a little heavy when I was a kid, so I had to play up with the 8- and 9-year-olds.”

The 6-foot, 220-pound linebacker has come a long way since then.

Pau’u’s ability to deliver a hit is what impressed BYU’s new staff in fall camp. Called “dynamite” by defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki, the first-time coordinator knew he had to get Pau’u on the field, preferably with the top unit.

That meant one of two things: Moving Pau’u to a different position or switching former linebacker Harvey Langi. So the latter was put on the defensive line, and the transition has been seamless.

Photo: Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo
Photo: Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo

“He’s a really savvy football player,” Tuiaki said of Pau’u. “You like 'backers to be long-levered because those are guys who don’t miss many tackles. But Butch has a knack for making open-field tackles, he’s very physical, and he’s smart.”

Pau’u played in eight games in 2015, all as a backup and notching a season-high three tackles in the Cougars’ 52-10 romp of Fresno State. He featured on the scout team in 2012 before a mission but never thought his development would come so soon after spending three years without live football.

A chat with his parents reminded him what he can be, though. One of five siblings from Anaheim, California, the alum of California power Servite High still talks to his parents frequently.

“They continue to remind me to stick to the fundamentals that I’ve been taught,” said Pau’u, who started playing football when he was 6. “My dad taught me the ins and outs of the defense, and I’ve learned even more with Coach Tuiaki and Coach Sitake. I feel comfortable now; I just have to stay level-headed, and don’t get too out of control.”

Pau’u’s job in the middle of the field will be more important against the uptempo offense of Arizona, whether it is run by junior Anu Solomon or the speedy redshirt sophomore Brandon Dawkins.

Both quarterbacks were among the top dual-threats their high school recruiting classes, and both will test the open flats of Pau’u’s box.

But the Cougars are confident in Pau’u, and he’s even more confident in his veteran teammates.

“For someone who is starting my first year, it’s fun to have Fred Warner next to me, Kai Nacua behind me, and Logan Taele and Tomasi Laulile that trust in guys like me even though it’s my first (start),” Pau’u said. “It’s comforting to know that those guys think I can do my job.”

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