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Patriots Turn 335-Pound DT Khyiris Tonga Into Three-Phase Weapon

Coaches cite his quick get-off at fullback as a deliberate tweak to bolster short-yardage blocking.

Overview

  • Head coach Mike Vrabel said Tonga contributes on defense, offense as a fullback, and on field-goal protection.
  • In Week 10 against the Buccaneers, he played eight offensive snaps as a lead blocker, all on designed runs that gained 75 yards, according to Next Gen Stats.
  • His edge-sealing block sprung TreVeyon Henderson for a 69-yard touchdown that helped secure a 28-23 victory.
  • Vrabel praised Tonga’s burst out of his stance and said the move to use him at fullback was a group decision to add size and push the pile.
  • A 335-pound BYU product with a reported 5.1-second 40, the former seventh-round pick has found a versatile role after stops with multiple teams.