Poll Results: Will Cody Hoffman have 1,000 yards receiving this season?

Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Cody Hoffman will have 1,000 yards receiving in 2012 according to 79% of voters. The remaining votes were split 15% “No” and 6% “Undecided.”

I am going to side with the majority and vote “Yes.”

Hoffman caught 61 passes for 943 yards in 2011, so it seems natural that Hoffman would easily crack the 1,000 yard barrier as a junior. Even with last season’s success, a 1,000 yard season won’t come easy.

It is no secret that Hoffman is the Cougars’ go-to receiver. Every defensive coordinator will have designed their pass coverage with the goal to stop Hoffman. Double teams and jams at the line of scrimmage are certain. However, as long as Hoffman is working hard and running great routes he should reach 1,000 yards.

Hoffman’s chances to build on the 2011 season and reach 1,000 yards in 2012 will greatly increase if Ross Apo or a tight end elevates his game to be a threat the defense has to respect. Five former BYU players have followed up breakout seasons with 1,000 yards receiving the next year.
  1. Andy Boyce (712 yards in 1989 and 1,241 yards in 1990).
  2. Chris Smith (1,060 yards in 1989 and 1,156 yards in 1990).
  3. Eric Drage (1,018 yards in 1991 and 1,093 yards in 1992).
  4. Austin Collie (946 yards in 2007 and 1,538 yards in 2008).
  5. Dennis Pitta (813 yards in 2007 and 1,083 yards in 2008).
Notice that Drage is the only player who did it by himself. Boyce and Smith drove defenses crazy as a dynamic duo, as did Collie and Pitta. Defenses couldn’t commit all their efforts into stopping one without getting burned by the other.

Even if Hoffman doesn’t get the help that Boyce and Smith or Collie and Pitta provided each other, he may still find his way to 1,000 yards. In the Armed Forces Bowl, Hoffman had 122 yards receiving on eight receptions against Tulsa. He was the only BYU player with more than two receptions. The Golden Hurricane had nearly four weeks to find a way to stop Hoffman, but they were unable to do it.

I like Hoffman’s chances for going over 1,000 yards receiving in 2012, if he is taking care of business behind the scenes this summer.

Thank you to everyone who voted. Don’t forget to vote in this week’s poll: “Should BYU be ranked in the pre-season AP or USA Today Top 25?”

The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com

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