BYU football update — the status of Tonga, Howard and Hafoka

BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall participated in a spring MWC coaches teleconference this morning. Among other things, he said that running back Manase Tonga “appears to be on track” to return for the 2009 season, though academic verification is still required. That won’t be determined until next week, Mendenhall said, but he sounded optimistic that Tonga would be back with the team soon after sitting out last season due to academic issues.

Mendenhall said he doesn’t expect cornerback Brandon Howard to play next fall. Howard, who missed spring drills, has dealt with “personal issues” and Mendenhall doesn’t expect resolution to those issues by the time the season rolls around.

The coach added that wide receiver Spencer Hafoka is not expected to play next fall due to his challenges with an illness. He suffered influenza during the winter and was quarantined for a long period. Mendenhall said Hafoka still is not healthy.