PROVO, Utah – BYU football wide receiver Neil Pau’u is pursuing a professional football career.
Pau’u just finished his senior season with BYU last fall, but has had the opportunity to return next year. The NCAA has given all student athletes a free year of eligibility in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pau’u, who has been part of the BYU program since 2017, decides to move on. The 6-foot-4,215-pound recipient recently received an invitation to the Hula Bowl All-Star Game.
“I am excited to see what lies ahead,” Pau’u wrote in his announcement post. “And with this in mind, I am delighted to be able to register for the 2022 NFL draft. Thank you & god bless! # 2from ”
During his four years on the field at BYU, Pau’u had 123 receptions for 1,484 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Pau’u’s last season was abandoned after suffering an end-of-season injury on Senior Day when he scored a touchdown against FCS enemy Idaho State on November 6.
In 10 game appearances, Pau’u had 46 receptions, 526 yards, and six career-level touchdown grabs.
“I would like to thank my coaches, the team staff, the training staff and above all my former and current team-mates for making me improve. You changed my life in ways that I couldn’t put into words. You stayed loyal to me in difficult times and supported me in my decision.
“I would like to thank Coach Kalani for allowing me to be and taking a risk. You are the man who runs BYU.
“On my position as trainer Fesi Sitake. I want to thank you for never giving up on me. We’ve certainly had our ups and downs, but you challenged me to get better in every aspect of life and for that I say – thank you. You were always open and honest with me and without you I wouldn’t be the player I am today. “
Pau’u is the second “COVID Junior” to announce that he is moving from BYU to the NFL. The other was center James Empey, who, like Pau’u in his senior year at BYU, suffered an end-of-season injury.
BYU running back Lopini Katoa is the only player to date to have announced that he will be returning to the Cougars for another year.
One of the big announcements BYU is waiting for is Tyler Allgeier’s running back. Allgeier, a second grader in his fourth year, set a single rushing yard record at BYU in 2021 with 1,601 yards on the ground.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Track Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday, 12pm – 3pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
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