PROVO -- After signing with BYU out of high school in 2001, then serving a Church mission to Pocatello, Idaho, Bryce Mahuika is back playing football for the first time in three years. The 5-10, 185-pound freshman running back says he's excited to be playing again, and looking forward to the upcoming season.
Mahuika recently sat down to answer a few questions about his personal life, his football career and other insights the avid BYU fan might want to know.
Q: Tell us a little about your family, your background, where you were raised, etc.
BM:"My dad is a native Maori from New Zealand and my mom is from Washington. I have four sisters and one brother, making me the last of the Mohicans (Mahuika's--get it?). I've lived in Vancouver, Washington my whole life. My dad played rugby here at BYU and at BYU Hawaii. My brother just finished playing at Palomar Junior College in San Diego. In high school, I played football, basketball, track, and soccer for one year."
Q: What's something about you most people don't know -- until now?
BM: "I had a long curly mullet in first grade and I cried when my mom made me cut it."
Q: When you're not concentrating on football or your studies, what do
you like to do to relax? How do you spend your leisure time?
BM: "Other then obviously sleeping, I love listening to reggae music. I've also been known to run the table in some ping pong. Basically, eating anything off the BBQ is what my life revolves around."
Q: You've recently returned from a Church mission. Since returning home, how has the adjustment been?
BM: "The adjustment wasn't that hard, when you have four older sisters and they all kiss you as you get off the plane, you realize all the rules and stuff are over. I think the key is to keep busy. If you're always doing something you don't have time to think about missing your mission."
Q: Since signing with BYU and going on your mission, how long have you been away from football? How have you approached overcoming the physical and mental aspects of playing football again after a long absence?
BM:"I graduated from high school in 2001, which was my last year playing football. It's been three years since I last played. Everyone told me to ease back into it, but that went right out the window as soon as Coach Omer got a hold of me. I've just tried to work really hard in the weight room to get back in shape. I didn't gain or loose any weight on my mission, but lost a lot of strength. Mentally, I've wanted to play college football my whole life so the motivation is there. As for learning the plays, that's a work in progress. Coach Reynolds is doing a great job helping me out."
Q: Why did you choose to sign with BYU out of high school?
BM: "I've always wanted to play at BYU, especially because I knew I could go on a mission and still have a scholarship when I got back. Some of the Pac-10 schools I was looking at said they would have a scholarship for me when I got back, but I didn't feel good about it."
Q: What role do you expect to play in the offense this season?
BM: "I have a different running style than the backs on the team right now. Hopefully I can give the offense somewhat of a new dimension. I also love catching the ball, whether it is out of the backfield or in the slot. I feel my role is to try and complement the great players we already have."
Q: Coach Crowton has indicated you have great speed and leg strength.
Is that the key to your game?
BM: "Some guys are fast, and some are quick, I've been blessed to have both so those are definitely my strengths."
Q: When thinking about the upcoming season, what gets you most excited?
BM: "Being my first college football season has me excited enough, but playing USC for our season opener--I just can't explain it."
Q: What is your favorite play to run? Why?
BM: "I would have to say any of our screen passes. It has a running play feel because the linemen are in front of you blocking, but you're also in the open field and you have to catch the ball. If you catch the defense at the right time, screens can be huge plays."
Q: Initially, you were recruited as a receiver. Tell about the process you went through, including conversations with coaches, etc., in switching from running back to receiver.
BM: "I played both running back and receiver in high school, so the coaches knew I could play both positions. When some unexpected things happened during the off-season, we needed help at running back. Coach Bradford asked me if I would play running back. Not being one to put up a stink about stuff like that, I said, 'sure'. I think it's a plus because now I can play both."
Q: How do you personally prepare for a game?
BM: "I like to get mentally prepared more then anything--visualizing the game plan for the week, and my responsibilities. I don't have any superstitions or special things I do. If you don't have your "special socks" or whatever, I would hate to have that give me a negative feeling before the game has even started. A little hip-hop to get you hyped is always good too."
Q: What is your favorite Crowtonism?
BM: "Maybe it's not what he says, but when he takes his hat off during practice, that's usually not a good thing."
Q: From your vantage point, what is your take on this year's team? What will be the strength of the team?
BM: "Being my first year I don't have much to compare this year's team to, but I think we have a lot of potential. One of our strengths is we have some good experienced players at key positions."
Q: Since the beginning of spring ball, what area of your game have you made the greatest improvement?
BM: "My biggest improvement has been simply learning the plays. I still have a long way to go, but it's all coming together."