Hawaii's @WayneTaulapapa Ends Spring Practice as UVa's Starting Running Back #StraightFromTh
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UVa coach Bronco Mendenhall says sophomore running back Wayne Taulapapa will go into August fall camp as the team's starting running back.
The sophomore from Honolulu had a productive spring and capped it off with two touchdowns Saturday in Virginia's spring game.
The 5-foot-9 200 pounder enter spring camp as one of five running backs trying to fill the hole left by senior Jordan Ellis, who was the team's workhorse back last season.
UVa running back, PK Kier, one of the favorites to replace Ellis, suffered a concussion early in spring camp.
Taulapapa didn't play in the spring game last year because he was finishing a two-year mission to Nicaragua.
He played in seven games last year for Virginia on special teams as a true freshman.
In high school he ran for over 3,000 yards. He was asked what kind of back he is.
"Usually running a lot of zone, but if I have to put my head down and tote, I will do it," says Tualapapa. "I like to run angry with a purpose. Hopefully this season we can do the same thing. Today's game was a little tough on us running wise but we know we're going to shine this season and will be a lot better. Working hard with the offensive line to see where the holes are going to be and how we're going to read it. A lot of important things we need to work on especially as running backs. Protection, making sure we're running the ball, gaining those positive yards when we need to and also catching."
Hawaii's Wayne Taulapapa Ends Spring Practice as UVa's Starting Running Back