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Bryan Kehl can't help but feel a little jealous.
The former BYU linebacker who played an important role in back-to-back conference champions in 2006-07 would love to have the opportunity to compete as an independent.
There is always that element of a conference championship and it's great to play for that," he says. "But there is bigger fish to fry out there."
He is speaking of BCS Bowl games and the pursuit of a national championship, which he believes, can be done again at BYU.
"They're going to have exposure that we never had." He says. "They're going to get to play teams that we could never schedule. Just go win some games and everything will work out."
Bryan has never been afraid of making bold statements. That's why he loves that Bronco Mendenhall, Jake Heaps and others within the program aren't afraid to mention their pursuit of a national championship.
"I love it," he says. "I'm excited for the vision Bronco has and I hope these kids will buy into it and follow him and he will take them to great places."
He also appreciates the confidence of Jake Heaps.
"A man after my own heart. I love that he has that confidence and he should."
During the lockout, Kehl had the opportunity to spend more time around the program during the off-season and came away impressed by what he saw.
"There are guys walking around here that look unlike anyone we've ever had."
He uses sophomore wide receiver Cody Hoffman as an example.
"Tell me another guy that's been a receiver at BYU that looks like that? We've never had it," He says."
He is also impressed by the linebackers and believes the Cougars may have the fastest secondary they've ever had.
Now that the NFL lockout has come to an end Bryan is ready to return to St. Louis where he hopes to lock up a starting role for with the Rams.
"This is a big year for me, my fourth year," he says. "It's time to go get the starting spot from day one. That's my expectation and I'm excited to go get and take it and run with it."
*Email: jjensen@ksl.com*Twitter: @JJSportsBeat
