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 | Class:
Junior
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| Hometown:
Lakewood, Colo.
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| High School:
Green Mountain
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| Height / Weight:
6-0 / 240
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| Position:
FB
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| Experience:
2L
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2008 (Sophomore)
Played in all 13 games, with nine starts...Registered 19 catches for 114 yards (6.0 avg.) on the year...In season opener vs. Colorado (Aug. 31), caught a career-high five passes, for 22 yards...In first victory, vs. Sacramento State (Sept. 6), delivered an important block to spring Gartrell Johnson into the end-zone for a go-ahead TD...Turned a short pass into an early 17-yard gain vs. Houston (Sept. 20), then converted a third-down with a 4-yard catch to extend a pivotal, second-half touchdown drive that gave CSU a 28-17 lead with less than 10 minutes remaining...Converted a third down with a reception at Cal (Sept. 27)...In important win at San Diego State (Oct. 25), provided a block that gave Gartrell Johnson a key first down on a game-tying TD drive late in the third quarter, then converted a third-and-4 late in the game, allowing CSU to run out the clock and preserve its 38-34 victory...In tough 45-42 loss vs. No. 17 BYU (Nov. 1), threw a key first-half block to spring Gartrell Johnson on a 10-yard run; the Rams scored a go-ahead TD on the next play...At Air Force (Nov. 8), threw a nice block to help Johnson into the end zone on the game-opening drive...In New Mexico Bowl triumph vs. Fresno State (Dec. 20), had four receptions, two of which were for first downs on CSU's critical touchdown drive just before half, including a career-long 21-yard catch...Also, late in bowl contest, threw a block to help spring Gartrell Johnson on a game-icing 77-yard TD run.
2007 (Freshman)
Emerged as a quality fullback in fall camp and played in all 12 games, starting six...Had 11 receptions for 102 yards (9.3 avg.), including his first career catch, a 6-yard play on a second-quarter TD drive that would tie the contest vs. No. 10 Cal (Sept. 8)...Converted a third-and-5 with a reception at Houston (Sept. 22)...At TCU (Sept. 29), left after a first-quarter kickoff return with a concussion and did not return, but played the following week vs. San Diego State (Oct. 6) and caught a 12-yard pass...Made his first start, vs. Air Force (Oct. 13)...Made a nice block to spring Gartrell Johnson on a 4-yard TD run in CSU's emotional first win, at UNLV (Oct. 20)...Caught one pass for 7 yards vs. Utah (Oct. 27), and another for an early career long of 13 yards at BYU (Nov. 3), where he started as a slot receiver...Started as a tight end at New Mexico (Nov. 10)...In victory vs. Georgia Southern (Nov. 17), delivered a pivotal block on Gartrell Johnson's 27-yard touchdown turn; also caught one pass...Registered early career highs in catches (3), receiving yards (39) and longest reception (19) in season finale vs. Wyoming (Nov. 23)...Preserved a go-ahead TD drive with a fourth-down reception, for 13 yards, in second quarter; later, on a third-quarter FG drive, snagged a career-long 19-yard pass to convert a third-and-9.
2006
Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of eligibility....Moved to H-back and blocking back in the spring.
High School
A first-team all-state selection at 4A Green Mountain High School in Lakewood, Colo. ...Also was a two-time all-conference choice for the Rams...A four-time letterwinner and three-year starter, helped the team to a 6-4 record in 2005...Played defensive end and running back as a senior...Credited with a team-high 75 tackles in 2005...Also led GMHS with 15 tackles for loss and added a school-record 16 sacks (for 58 yards)...Rushed for 660 yards on 128 carries as a senior...Played football for head coach Kevin Rice...Also competed in wrestling and rugby, in which he helped his school to a league championship.
Personal
Given name Zachary Taala Pauga...Born Feb. 25, 1988, in Denver, Colo. ...Son of Tolouli and Kara Pauga...Has one brother and one sister...Majoring in liberal arts...Hometown: Lakewood, Colo. ...Traditional pronunciation of his last name includes an "n" sound (pah-OON-gah).
