Mon May 12 19:10:46 2008

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BYU RB Tonga ruled academically ineligible

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Provo, UT (Sports Network) - BYU senior running back Manase Tonga has been ruled academically ineligible to compete during the 2008 season.

The announcement was made Monday by head football coach Bronco Mendenhall.

Tonga will redshirt the 2008 season. He was suspended from the school and may re-apply for admission in October for the winter semester in 2009.

The 6-foot, 238-pound Tonga played in 12 of the Cougars' 13 games last season and had 88 carries for 305 yards and eight touchdowns.

"Not having Manase with us this coming season is disappointing and hurts our program; however, our program is designed so that the next player in line will step in and contribute at a high level," Mendenhall said. "I'm confident Manase will take the necessary steps to restore his eligibility and be able to return to the team next season."