It wasn't until the final pick of the third round, but a collegiate player from the state of Utah was finally selected Saturday in the 1996 NFL draft.
BYU's Mike Ulufale, a 6-5, 290-pound defensive lineman, was the last of three third-round picks by the Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys. Several other Utah college players may be drafted today in rounds four through seven.
Ulufale, a native of Hawaii, played two up-and-down seasons for the Cougars after transferring from San Bernardino Valley College. He started every game as a junior in 1994 and had 21 tackles including six sacks. Last season Ulufale played in only seven games for the Cougars as he was forced to sit out four games due to a team-imposed suspension. He had 24 tackles in '95, but no sacks. His size and agility are what caught the attention of pro scouts.
Possible draftees in today's rounds from the state include tight end Henry Lusk and offensive lineman Chris Rae from Utah, running back Hema Heimuli, linebacker Stan Raass, defensive lineman John Raass and offensive linemen Elias Faupula and Morris Unutoa from BYU, receiver Pokey Eckford from Weber State and Utah State receiver Kevin Alexander.