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***UPDATE***
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.
@VanquishTheFoe Lasike himself told me this morning that Arizona is his new destination and he is on the 90-man roster.
— Jared Lloyd (@JaredrLloyd) May 3, 2015
@VanquishTheFoe @JaredrLloyd Yep!!!
— Evan Brennan (@brennansports) May 3, 2015
* * * * *
Former BYU FB Paul Lasike has received an invite to the Atlanta Falcons minicamp for a tryout.
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.
Lasike had a decent showing at his Pro Day (via nfldraftscout.com):
- 40-yard dash - 4.83
- Vertical jump - 31 inches
- Broad jump - 110 inches
- 20-yard shuttle - 4.33
- 3-cone drill - 7.23
And just in case you wanted to see a rugby highlight.