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PROVO -- The running backs at BYU have been less than stellar so far this season. It comes as a surprise because of the success the position saw with three backs rushing for over 500 yards last season.
Cougar fans are still unsure about what to expect from the BYU backfield for the remainder of the season. But the running backs are poised to make a statement in coming games.
"The biggest thing that they need to do, and they understand this, is they need to play every single play the best that they can play," said running backs coach Joe Dupaix. "Right now those guys are determined and fired up to get back on the field and prove they're better football players than what they showed Saturday night."
JJ DiLuigi- With 917 rushing yards on 178 touches last season for senior running back JJ Di Luigi most anticipated an even bigger year and even more influence on the field, but through the first three game that hasn't quite happened. There's a lot of speculation on how the offense is going to adjust mid-season to incorporate a better running attack, but for now, DiLuigi has gained 126 yards on just 33 carries. He has been pretty effective catching passes out of the backfield gaining 65 yards on 10 receptions.
Di Luigi acknowledges that despite the lack of production from the running backs so far, they are determined to bounce back for the offense.
"I think we've had some adversity that we have to overcome," said DiLuigi. "I think we have a positive outlook on what has happened in the last two weeks, and I think we're ready to come out and start playing football."
Bryan Kariya- Last season senior running back Bryan Kariya was somewhat of a first down machine averaging just under four yards a carry on 137 attempts. So far this season we've seen Kariya carry the ball just 12 times for a mere 39 yards. Last season, in the month of September, Kariya rushed for 81 yards on 26 carries, which puts him right at his same average so far for this season. If Kariya can get past yet another slow start, Cougar fans will quickly remember how effective he can be in short yardage situations.
Kariya is fully aware of the offense's lack of producing touchdowns and looks to focus in on that point in games to come.
"Our offense has scored three touchdowns in the games we played. That's not going to get it done," said Kariya. "We have to go out there with a mindset that every single time we're on the field we're going to put points on the board. From a personal standpoint I'm going to do everything I can to get our team in the end zone."
Josh Quezada- Josh "Juice" Quezada showed great potential at the end of last season especially with his 101-yard rushing game against UTEP in the New Mexico bowl. So far he hasn't been in the rotation as much suffering from headaches in the Ole Miss game, and still focusing on finding his pace once again.
So far this season he has gained 28 yards on 14 attempts and in order to be back in full effect, Quezada knows what he needs to focus on most.
"As a running back group we've been working hard. It's just a matter of time until it shows. We're preparing for that. We're just taking one day at a time to progress," said Quezada. "Our linebackers are great players. They give us the best look. That's why I love doing protection and running routes against them, because they're getting us better and we're getting them better."
Last season we saw some good production from junior David Foote, and sophomore Ryan Folsom. Folsom gained 92 yards on only eight carries, and Foote complimented that with eight carries and 53 yards. So far this season we have seen production out of sophomore Michael Alisa, who has been particularly effective receiving out the backfield with 33 yards on four receptions.
If the Cougars learn how to utilize the many weapons they have out of the backfield, we may potentially see a very potent running back group to come this season.
"There are more yards out there for these guys to capture while running the football. There's better execution waiting for them, and they understand that," said Dupaix. "When they do their job good things will happen. Sometimes that's patience. They're team players and they'll do everything they need to do. I believe that they're going to have a great night Friday."
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