Doctor`s orders Positions Positions

d2ut8 31 05des#1 -Composite Proof 8/31/05 0:00 0:00
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DESERET MORNING NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUG. 31, 2005
2005 BYU FOOTBALL TEAM
Cougar check-up
Doctor's orders
Positions
DEFENSIVE LINE
Manaia Brown: 6-4, 310, senior
Justin Maddux: 6-3, 253, junior
Vince Feula: 6-1, 300, senior
Hala Paongo: 6-2, 285, junior
Daniel Marquardt: 6-2, 315, senior
T.J. Sitake: 6-4, 275, sophomore
Judd Anderton: 6-5, 260, sophomore
Positions
PROGNOSIS
The Cougars enjoy depth and experience at this
position, which features returning starter Manaia
Brown, who recorded 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks last
season from his left end position and was named to
the preseason all-Mountain West first-team. Brown
will team with Justin Maddux to form a strong duo there. At nose
guard, Vince Feula, Daniel Marquardt and Hala Paongo are proven
veterans who saw significant playing time in 2004. On the right side,
T.J. Sitake and Judd Anderton will vie for the starting job.
QUARTERBACKS
John Beck: 6-2, 210, junior
Matt Berry: 6-5, 227, senior
Jason Beck: 6-2, 205, junior
PROGNOSIS
If you count experience, John Beck
the Cougars have the most quarterback depth in
the league with two starters in John Beck and Matt
Berry. Beck is, statistically, the top returning
quarterback in the conference. A strong-armed
junior, he is one guy who can get the deep ball to Todd Watkins.
Berry is a senior who has proven he can move the team. The skills of
both have been enhanced under Robert Anae's offense and the
tutelage of quarterback coach Brandon Doman, whose biggest impact may be
supervisory leadership to inspire both to take charge on the field in tough
times.
POSSIBLE HEALTH HAZARDS
It's imperative that the D-line put pressure on
opposing offenses this season, given BYU's
inexperience in the secondary. If the Cougars
can't consistently get to the quarterback, the
entire defense will suffer. The injury-prone
Brown, who played at Nebraska as a freshman,
turned in a solid season in 2004 and needs to stay healthy. While
the left end and noseguard positions boast plenty of
depth and experience, the right end features two
players, Sitake and Anderton, who are veterans, but
haven't played much in the Cougars' 3-3-5 scheme.
Sitake and Anderton mostly played on special teams last
season.
POSSIBLE HEALTH HAZARDS
Beck and Berry are as different as night and day in their athletic
abilities. But both are experienced and if one goes down, the other
is capable. The Cougars are set up for a tag-team act at this
position if called upon.
RUNNING BACK/H-BACK RECEIVER
Curtis Brown: 6-0, 205, junior
Fahu Tahi: 6-0, 230, senior
Nate Meikle: 5-9, 195, junior
LINEBACKERS
Bryce Mahuika: 5-10, 185,
sophomore
Saia Hafoka: 5-9, 165, freshman
Breyon Jones: 5-11, 190, senior
Cameron Jensen: 6-2, 235, junior
Aaron Wagner: 6-3, 245, junior
Richard Nehring: 6-1, 215, freshman
Gary Lovely: 6-3, 210, junior
Bryan Kehl: 6-3, 235, sophomore
Dan Bates: 6-0, 240, junior
Justin Luettgerodt: 6-3, 240, senior
Markell Staffieri: 6-3, 230, sophomore
Paul Walkenhorst: 6-5, 252, senior
PROGNOSIS
Curtis Brown
The Cougars will ride the legs of two veteran
runners in 2005. Curtis Brown is poised for a 1,000-yard rushing
season, and Fahu Tahi, if he can keep a handle on the ball, may be
the strongest running back in the MWC. The back will be the focal
point of the new offense. Both Brown and Tahi can run, block and
catch. Players in the offseason were impressed with the work ethic
and moves of sophomore Nate Meikle. Meikle and Bryce Mahuika will challenge
one another for a pass-catching role out of the backfield made famous by Matt
Bellini during the Ty Detmer era. The H-back will force linebackers into coverages
and open wideout and tight end routes.
The Cougars are happy to have Cameron Jensen
returning. Jensen started all 11 games last season at
middle linebacker, where he led the team in tackles with
103 as well as two interceptions, including one for a
touchdown. Jensen, who will be backed up by Dan Bates
and Matt Ah You, is surrounded by talented players. On the left side is Aaron
Wagner, a Washington State transfer, Gary Lovely and Bryan Kehl, who saw action
as a freshman in 2002 before departing for a mission. On the right side, redshirt
freshman Richard Nehring earned the starting role coming out of spring ball. He'll
be challenged by Markell Staffieri and Paul Walkenhorst, who has missed the past
two seasons due to injury.
At running back, Brown and Tahi are a good tandem, but
there's not much experience behind them. The Cougars got a
scare this summer when just before Pioneer Day, Mahuika
separated his shoulder when Dustin Gabriel came up with a
big push and hit while both were doing 7-on-7 volunteer practice.
That injury set Mahuika back at least three weeks and opened the
door for Meikle to step up and take the reins of the H-back spot.
POSSIBLE HEALTH HAZARDS
The Cougars must fill a sizeable void with the departure of all-MWC
performer Brady Poppinga, who moved on to the National Football
League. The past three seasons, he was the heart and soul of
BYU's defense. Fortunately for the Cougars, Jensen is back to
assume that role. He will be counted on to continue playing
like he did last season. This is one of the deepest positions on
WIDE RECEIVERS
Luke Ashworth: 6-2, 185,
freshman
Joe Griffin: 6-3, 210, junior
Michael Morris: 6-1, 190,
senior
PROGNOSIS
Cameron Jensen
PROGNOSIS
POSSIBLE HEALTH HAZARDS
Todd Watkins: 6-3, 185, senior
Matt Allen: 6-0, 185, sophomore
Michael Reed: 6-2, 190, freshman
Zac Collie: 6-0, 185, junior
Vince Feula
BYU's roster.
Todd Watkins
CORNERBACKS
Todd Watkins is healthy following offseason foot surgery, and that is a
boost to Anae's spread offense that will mix in the short passing game
with the bomb. Watkins has proven to be the league's most dangerous deep
threat, drawing double coverage that should open up the other side of the field
for Zac Collie and incoming freshman Luke Ashworth. Freshman Michael Reed
will back up Watkins and redshirt transfer Joe Griffin will get time on the other side
of the field. Coaches are cautious over the return of Matt Allen (concussion) from a spring injury, but his
return could bolster the corps, which should be as good as a year ago.
Nate Soelberg: 6-0, 172, senior
Kayle Buchanan: 6-0, 190, sophomore
O'Neil Howell: 5-11, 175, senior
Nate Hutchinson: 6-3, 190, freshman
Chris Hale: 5-9, 175, senior
Stephen Covey: 5-11, 180,
freshman
Brandon Howard: 5-10, 165,
freshman
Justin Robinson: 5-10, 165,
Nate Soelberg
junior
PROGNOSIS
POSSIBLE HEALTH HAZARDS
Nate Soelberg returns to man the left side, having started 10 of 11 games last
season. Kayle Buchanan, who stepped in and saw significant playing time in 2004,
was the starter at right corner coming out of spring ball. O'Neil Howell and Chris
Hale, who moved from receiver in the spring, and Nate Hutchinson will be part of the
mix as well. The Cougars directed much of the recruiting priorities last February on
the defensive secondary, and a few newcomers, like Brandon Howard and Stephen
Covey, will have opportunities to see action.
With Watkins on the field, defenses have to respect his speed and big-play ability. His plays
against Notre Dame, Boise State and Air Force last year gave the Cougars a new look. That
new look is now coupled with old-fashioned emphasis on execution in the short game.
With Watkins, the Cougars have a myriad of choices to throw at opponents. Without
him, they become more routine.
POSSIBLE HEALTH HAZARDS
TIGHT ENDS
Almost every year, the cornerback position is a question mark. That's no exception this
year. Can Soelberg and Buchanan keep opposing receivers in check? Will one or more of
the newcomers come in and make an immediate impact? If the secondary gives up big
plays on a regular basis, it could be a long season.
Daniel Coats: 6-3, 250, junior
Jonny Harline: 6-4, 235, sophomore
PROGNOSIS
Daniel Coats has improved his consistency,
Daniel Coats
and will see time at tight end with
sophomore newcomer Jonny Harline. Coats made significant progress in catching the ball
during two-a-days, and his blocking ability is the best the Cougars have at that position. He
may even be used as a blocking fullback. Harline is not the blocker Coats is, but he is very
athletic, has good speed and great hands. Harline may have been the most pleasant surprise
of all during spring drills. A big-play artist with a hungry attitude going for the ball, the former
Orem High and Ricks College star is in the mold of former Cougar tight end stars in Provo.
SAFETIES
Spencer White: 6-1, 190, senior
Dustin Gabriel: 6-1, 202, sophomore
Quinn Gooch: 6-1, 190, sophomore
K.C. Bills: 6-1, 220, sophomore
David Tafuna: 6-2, 205, sophomore
Adam Nelson: 6-2, 180, freshman
POSSIBLE HEALTH HAZARDS
PROGNOSIS
A season-ending injury to Philip Niu will open up competition between Jeremy
Gillespie, Andrew George and Vic So'oto. Niu was coming off ACL surgery and
figured to play a prominent role, but he'll miss his second straight season
due to injury. The Cougars have talent, but beyond Coats, it's untested
in game situations.
Headlining the safeties is returning starter Spencer White, who had
50 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions a year ago at katback.
Dustin Gabriel is saddled with the task of replacing four-year starter
Aaron Francisco as the Cougarback. K.C. Bills, who missed all of last
season due to an injury, is a converted linebacker and will battle Quinn
Gooch for playing time at the other katback position. David Tafuna and
Adam Nelson should also see action.
POSSIBLE HEALTH HAZARDS
OFFENSIVE LINE
Eddie Keele: 6-5,, 305, junior
Brian Sanders: 6-3, 316, senior
Lance Reynolds: 6-3, 293, senior
Jake Kuresa: 6-5, 330, junior
Ray Feinga: 6-5, 285, freshman
Nate Hall: 6-4, 305, senior
Jeff Rhea: 6-4, 285, sophomore
Terence Brown: 6-4, 315, freshman
David Oswald: 6-8, 290, sophomore
Spencer White
As a group, the Cougars lack experience in the secondary. If they
have a defensive weakness, it could be in the backfield, where
BYU must deal with the losses of safeties Francisco and Jon
Burbidge. The Cougars will rely heavily on White. Can Gabriel
step into Francisco's shoes at the all-important Cougarback
position?
Jake Kuresa
PROGNOSIS
This will be the deepest, most experienced
offensive line since 2001. While the numbers
aren't where coach Jeff Grimes wants them —
in the 18 range — there are a dozen players
who can rotate, create competition and
provide much-needed depth. Outland
candidate Jake Kuresa, Eddie Keele and Rimmington watch
list center Lance Reynolds are now veterans, while freshmen
Ray Feinga and Terence Brown come off redshirt years. A more
aggressive, feisty attitude, combined with extended
conditioning should give Anae's offensive
strategies a
better mix in the
trenches than the Cougars have
enjoyed in three seasons.
SPECIAL TEAMS
POSSIBLE HEALTH HAZARDS
For three losing seasons, BYU's offensive line has
been in transition. Injuries, lack of depth, misfiring
freshmen and converted defensive linemen have
all been part of the story. In 2005, the
offensive line must take charge and set the
tone in Anae's schemes. As a former offensive
lineman, Anae's background is similar to Norm Chow, and he
knows the importance of trench warfare. Kuresa is coming off
shoulder surgery and while health shouldn't be an issue, the
Cougars need Brown to step up this season. The Cougars can't
afford to lose Reynolds because of his experience and leadership.
placekicker, was Payne's backup last season and
had one kickoff. Bryce Mahuika is expected to
return punts along with Nathan Meikle. Mahuika,
Meikle, Brett Cooper and Saia Hafoka are among
those who will likely return kickoffs. Riley Weber
PROGNOSIS
For four seasons, BYU depended returns as the holder and Justin Luettgerodt will
heavily on Matt Payne for kicking be the deep snapper.
and punting chores. Payne's gone
POSSIBLE HEALTH HAZARDS
and the Cougars are starting over.
Inexperience could be a factor on
Derek McLaughlin is slated to be
special teams. The Cougars, who are
the punter. He was Washington's starting punter for
now being guided by a new special
two seasons before leaving for an LDS mission and
teams coordinator, can't afford
transferring to Provo. Jared McLaughlin (no
to make many mistakes here.
relation), who will likely take over as the
Jared McLaughlin: 6-5, 195, junior (K/P)
Derek McLaughlin: 6-2, 195, junior (P)
Derek McLaughlin