2015 Draft
UDFA 15. Paul Lasike RB BYU

He's a Rugby dude who seems to best fill a FB role (a declining position in the pros - he's a bit short to be your prototypical H-Back). It just may he'll have to be one of those guys who breaks the mold, makes his breaks and and becomes valuable to the team on his own terms.

5110.....248

Pro Day Forty: 4.83....BP: 26...VJ: 31.0...BJ: 110"...20S: 4.33...3C: 7.23.

From Vanquish the Foe:
"After originally being set to attend minicamps with the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, BYU fullback Paul Lasike has signed a free agent deal with the Arizona Cardinals, per reports from the Provo Daily Herald and Lasike's agent.

Lasike made a successful transition to the BYU Football team from the Cougars' rugby team, rushing for 843 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground in three seasons in Provo. Lasike contributed through the air (322 receiving yards & 2 receiving TDs), in the return game (301 return yards), and on special teams (7 tackles) as well. Lasike also won several National Championships with the BYU Rugby team.

The 5-11, 248-pound Lasike is a powerful back with great yards after contact ability. Lasike has decent speed for his size. He can be a very difficult back to bring down and could very good in short yardage and goal-line situations. He is also very good catching the ball out of the backfield. Lasike will need to improve his blocking in passing situations if he wants to stick in the NFL.

Off-the-field, Lasike is a high character player who would be a positive in any locker room. Like many players at BYU, Lasike took two years off during his college years to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lasike served his mission in Alabama.

Overall, Lasike is a developmental prospect at the fullback position. He'll have some work to do to make a 53-man roster, but if he can learn quickly, make the most of his tryout, and improve his blocking he'll have a shot."

From Cougar Blue:
I've been saying the whole time that this is all I wanted," running back Paul Lasike said in a phone interview Saturday evening. "It's a chance to go turn heads."

Nine former Cougars — six offensive players and three defensive players — ended up getting chances to go to mini-camps.

Things sometimes change from one day to the next. On Saturday, the word was that Lasike ended up getting a tryout with the Atlanta Falcons. He said he's been sick, and so he didn't dwell much on the draft.

"I got a call earlier this afternoon that the Falcons are giving me an opportunity," Lasike said "I'm flying out next Thursday for mini-camp and I'm stoked. My wife and I are really happy I got an opportunity."

Sunday morning, however, Lasike said via text message that his chances had improved. He said he got a call from his agent and that he's headed to Arizona instead -- and he's on the 90-man roster for the Cardinals.

Lasike concluded the message by saying he's "over the moon" with excitement to be that much closer to his NFL dreams.

No matter where he goes, he says he's confident in his own abilities.

"I’ve got work cut out for me, but I’m happy," he said. "I know I can make it with my physicality."

Lasike's journey from New Zealand and rugby to American football and success has been well-documented, but he said it's something else to look back on how it's come together.

"It’s crazy, man," he said. "In a few days I'll be battling at the top level. I never thought in million years I'd get on opportunity like this or get this far."

Here's what four draft guides have to say:

Pro Football Now (Arkush): Not Listed

Lindy's: Not Listed

Beckett's Draft Guide - Not Lsted.

Pro Football Draft Guide - Not Listed.

Bottom Line: Arians has said he's no fan of traditional FB's (where appropriate, preferring to line up in a TE set with an H-Back). Yet you read the write-up on Lasike and you can't help but be impressed.