Running back Jamaal Williams received 39% of all votes, which was good enough to come in first. Linebacker Butch Pau'u was second with 22% of the vote. Wide receiver Dylan Collie received 12% and Josh Weeks had 7%. The remaining 20% of voters said some other member of the class of 2012 will contribute the most this fall.
I will join the 12% and vote for Collie.
Collie has a lot of factors favoring him this year. Of all the 2012 signees, he will have the shortest learning curve. It cannot be overstated how much it helps Collie to have two older brothers who recently played in the program as well as a father who runs Receiver Tech. Collie will hit the ground running and insert himself into the offense.
Notwithstanding the presence of Cody Hoffman and Ross Apo, I think there is a spot immediately available for Collie. I envision Collie fitting nicely in the slot position with JD Falslev. The two will share reps, and I expect Collie will finish the year with 15-20 receptions.
Williams was the popular choice, and Bronco Mendenhall is making it sound like Williams will get fair consideration at the running back position. Mendenhall said that with the loss of J.J. DiLuigi the team needs another back to step up. The problem Williams faces is he is one of four backs in the system. Michael Alisa and Joshua Quezada return, and Adam Hine is coming off a redshirt.
The biggest challenge for all new running backs at BYU is learning the blocking scheme and routes for the passing game. Williams is no exception. With three other backs more experienced than he is, he will have to be one special player to get much playing time, or those ahead of him will have to be very ineffective. I don't think the run game will struggle in 2012 to the point that BYU needs to resort to a true freshman running back. The impact of Riley Nelson's mobility at quarterback will allow the other backs to be effective enough to keep their jobs.
Another challenge Williams faces is his age. Mendenhall repeatedly pointed out that Williams is just 16 years old. It was just two years ago that a 19-year old Jake Heaps struggled to win over the team and coaches, in part, becuase of his age. The fact that Mendenhall is talking about Williams' age the way he has makes me think it is an issue that will hinder Williams, and he will be required to do a little more to earn playing time this year.
Butch Pau'u joins a linebacking corps that is well stocked. He has an uphill battle to break into the two-deep and contribute this year.
My apologies to those who voted for Weeks. After posting the poll I learned he will leave on a mission before playing, which guarantees he will not contribute in 2012. However, I am really excited to see what he can do when he returns. He may just be the head of this class.
Thank you to everyone who voted. Don't forget to vote in this week's poll: "Who is BYU's best assistant coach?"
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
I will join the 12% and vote for Collie.
Collie has a lot of factors favoring him this year. Of all the 2012 signees, he will have the shortest learning curve. It cannot be overstated how much it helps Collie to have two older brothers who recently played in the program as well as a father who runs Receiver Tech. Collie will hit the ground running and insert himself into the offense.
Notwithstanding the presence of Cody Hoffman and Ross Apo, I think there is a spot immediately available for Collie. I envision Collie fitting nicely in the slot position with JD Falslev. The two will share reps, and I expect Collie will finish the year with 15-20 receptions.
Williams was the popular choice, and Bronco Mendenhall is making it sound like Williams will get fair consideration at the running back position. Mendenhall said that with the loss of J.J. DiLuigi the team needs another back to step up. The problem Williams faces is he is one of four backs in the system. Michael Alisa and Joshua Quezada return, and Adam Hine is coming off a redshirt.
The biggest challenge for all new running backs at BYU is learning the blocking scheme and routes for the passing game. Williams is no exception. With three other backs more experienced than he is, he will have to be one special player to get much playing time, or those ahead of him will have to be very ineffective. I don't think the run game will struggle in 2012 to the point that BYU needs to resort to a true freshman running back. The impact of Riley Nelson's mobility at quarterback will allow the other backs to be effective enough to keep their jobs.
Another challenge Williams faces is his age. Mendenhall repeatedly pointed out that Williams is just 16 years old. It was just two years ago that a 19-year old Jake Heaps struggled to win over the team and coaches, in part, becuase of his age. The fact that Mendenhall is talking about Williams' age the way he has makes me think it is an issue that will hinder Williams, and he will be required to do a little more to earn playing time this year.
Butch Pau'u joins a linebacking corps that is well stocked. He has an uphill battle to break into the two-deep and contribute this year.
My apologies to those who voted for Weeks. After posting the poll I learned he will leave on a mission before playing, which guarantees he will not contribute in 2012. However, I am really excited to see what he can do when he returns. He may just be the head of this class.
Thank you to everyone who voted. Don't forget to vote in this week's poll: "Who is BYU's best assistant coach?"
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
Marques Johnson. No contest. The defensive line lost 4 out of 6 on its 2 deep. The other contenders at the position are either undersized and/or will be fresh off of missions.
ReplyDeleteIan Dulan never played at more than 260 lbs and he only started half the time his Jr year. Russel Tialavea weighed in at 266 before leaving on his mission and I doubt he's gained much weight in Chili. Bronson Kaufusi missed most of his SR year to injury, is fresh off his mission, and was listed at 220 before leaving. Jordan Richardson returns, but he was a 3rd string DE last year.
Personally I think that Marques will either start or see significant playingtime right off the bat.
I agree about Williams. He is only 16 and BYU already 3 ball carriers (Quezada, Aliza,Pritchard) firmly entrenched ahead of him.
Collie could very well see playing time, but he will probably have to first beat our Dallin Cutler or Rhen Brown just to get the back up spot.
Also, the slot position is only used sometimes, and with the emergence or a fullback who can run with and catch the ball as well as block, the slot isn't likely to see any increase in usage.
Summary: Marques Johnson is essentially a lock for to make the 2 deep and I think is a likely starter.
Collie could be the biggest offensive contributer, but his contributions will be minor compared to what the JC DT will provide for the Cougars.
On this week's poll I would like to vote fot the BYU defensuve coordinator as the best assistant coach.
ReplyDelete