Former Brigham Young Cougars running back J.J. Di Luigi came to BYU with a lot of hype and high expectations. (Allegedly, FoxSports radio personality Petro Papadakis called Di Luigi the next LaDainian Tomlinson.) Di Luigi’s Cougar career fell short of the hype, but it wasn’t as bad as some characterize it.
Had Di Luigi rushed for over 1,000 yards in a season, perhaps he would have been perceived differently. He was almost there in 2010 with 917 yards. With his 5.15 YPC average, all Di Luigi needed was 17 more carries to go over 1,000 yards. That equates to 1.3 more carries per game.
Di Luigi had 1,501 rushing yards over the last two seasons, which is nearly 200 yards more than Kalin Hall had in his two seasons as a Cougar (1,309). Over his entire career, Di Luigi ran for 1,797 yards with a 5.11 YPC average. His yardage total ranks 11th all-time in BYU history.
Sounds like all Di Luigi needed was for the coaching staff to give him a few more opportunities. He was a little fumble prone, which may have caused the coaches to limit his opportunities.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
Did you know that J.J. Di Luigi averaged more yards per carry each of the last two years than Harvey Unga did in both 2007 and 2008?In 2010, Di Luigi averaged 5.15 yards on 178 carries, and 5.034 yards on 116 carries in 2011. Unga’s averages were 5.028 yards on 244 carries in 2007, and 4.72 yards on 240 carries in 2008.
Had Di Luigi rushed for over 1,000 yards in a season, perhaps he would have been perceived differently. He was almost there in 2010 with 917 yards. With his 5.15 YPC average, all Di Luigi needed was 17 more carries to go over 1,000 yards. That equates to 1.3 more carries per game.
Di Luigi had 1,501 rushing yards over the last two seasons, which is nearly 200 yards more than Kalin Hall had in his two seasons as a Cougar (1,309). Over his entire career, Di Luigi ran for 1,797 yards with a 5.11 YPC average. His yardage total ranks 11th all-time in BYU history.
Sounds like all Di Luigi needed was for the coaching staff to give him a few more opportunities. He was a little fumble prone, which may have caused the coaches to limit his opportunities.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
And he did all of this never being the best RB BYU had at the time. That's where my frustration and most fans frustrations of him came in. Other players should have gotten his touches.
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