Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PROVO -- As much as there is to be excited about with BYU football this upcoming season - explosive offense, independence, play-making linebackers - there are still several questions needing to be answered before the Cougars line up against Ole Miss on September 3rd.
- Tight Ends - After the 2010 season Coach Lance Reynolds was reassigned from running backs coach to tight end coach. Reynolds brings a lot of tradition back to the fold by being the coach with the most tenure of the whole staff. Not one tight end could be found in the end zone last year. That's something that Reynolds definitely looks to change. "We hope that we're doing things better, more efficient, doing the right kind of things that get us open, and make us more of a threat, making more plays," said Reynolds. "We think we've got some pretty good talent there. Now it's a matter of getting them to do the things that make them successful."
Cougar Tracks:
- Defensive Backs - The secondary only returns one starter from last season in Travis Uale. Uale looks to solidify his spot at the free safety while the other three spots will be up in the air. Some names to look out for that could make big impacts during fall camp include: Preston Hadley, Joe Sampson, Robbie Buckner, Corby Eason, and Mike Hague. Coach Nick Howell has made it clear that the positions are up for grabs and that there is really no one clear starter.
- Ross Apo - Everybody is quite certain that Cody Hoffman is going to make an immediate impact coming into this next season at the wide receiver position. Most people would like to assume the same about Ross Apo. With his unexpected injury red-shirt last season, we're all still wondering exactly where his potential is currently. "I've been learning all the plays trying to catch up with everything. I think I'm up to pace right now. Now I've just got to play the game," said Apo. "I'm way happy to be out here running around with these guys; it's been a long time."
- Position changes - Every team, every season will have players trying to find their niche at different positions. This year, the two most interesting players to watch in that situation are Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah and Mike Hague. Ansah is switching from the defensive line to linebacker, and Hague is switching from the running back position to defensive back. Along with his position change, Hague has dropped from 230 lbs. last year to 190 lbs. by the time spring ball started.
- Defensive Line - The nose guard position was plagued with injuries last season with three different players switching in and out. Starting defensive end last season, Matt Putnam still hasn't been officially cleared to play this year due to academic reasons. This year Romney Fuga appears to be healthier and Jordan Richardson is coming along as well from his injury last season. "[Fuga] is still working, he hasn't been out here since knee surgery, we're slowly bringing him along," said defensive line coach Steve Kaufusi. "He's missing a lot of physical stuff right now. I'm glad we have people there to fill in." ---- Email: onlinesports@ksl.com
×
