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BYU wide receiver Neil Pau’u declares for NFL draft

Pau’u is the second Cougars player to declare this week after James Empey.

(Trevor Christensen | Special to The Tribune) Brigham Young University's Neil Pau'u celebrates a touchdown against Virginia during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Provo.

Another BYU football player has decided to try his luck at the next level.

Cougars wide receiver Neil Pau’u announced on Twitter that he will declare for the 2022 NFL draft.

“Thank for accepting me for the good and bad,” Pau’u’s message to fans read. “However, I wouldn’t change a thing that happened to me and the teams I’ve been a part of while here. We have had ups and downs but most importantly had fun while doing it.”

The junior played 10 games in 2021 and tallied 526 receiving yards on 46 catches while bringing in six touchdowns. He didn’t play after Nov. 6 due to a lower leg injury.

Pau’u was one of the players who impressed teammates and coaches during fall camp before the 2021 season. His best game happened to be the opener against Arizona, where he had 126 receiving yards and two TDs.

Earlier this week, junior offensive lineman James Empey declared for the draft after five seasons with the team.

“I want to express my gratitude to all coaches past and present, football staff, and especially my teammates for believing in me and pushing me to be my best self in all aspects of life,” Empey said on Twitter. “You have influenced my life in more ways than just football.”

Running back Tyler Allgeier, arguably the most impactful player BYU is waiting on to make his decision, has not yet announced whether he will return to the Cougars or head to the draft. He has been mum on the subject whenever asked, including after the team lost the Independence Bowl.

Wide receiver Gunner Romney has also yet to make his decision.