Cougars Open Spring Practice

by Kyle Chilton and Jeff Reynolds, BYU Athletic Communications

PROVO, Utah (March 19, 2006) -- Armed with 23 players who have starting experience, including eight regular starters on offense, the Cougars are determined to build on last season's success.

Bronco Mendenhall returns for his second season after guiding the Cougars to a second-place finish in the Mountain West Conference and a trip to the Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl--the Cougars' first bowl appearance since 2001. BYU finished the regular season with a 6-5 record, including a 5-3 mark in league play. It was BYU's first non-losing season since the 2001 campaign.

"We expect to be an improved football team, competing at a higher level," Mendenhall said. "I expect our football team to perform well in critical situations. I like this football team. I like how they are working to achieve the standard of excellence in all they do. I like how they're working. I like their competitive spirit. I like how they're competing every day. I like the atmosphere. This is the best team chemistry I have felt since I began coaching at BYU.

Mendenhall said the team focus and determination during the off-season has created confidence heading into Spring Camp.

"The team has been very workman-like during the off-season, just going about their business with a quiet confidence. I like their confidence."

Under Mendenhall, and first-year offensive coordinator Robert Anae, the Cougars averaged 33.0 points per contest. BYU racked up over 462 yards per game, including 152.3 yards rushing and 310.1 yards passing per game.

"It was significant for our football program to reach the post-season in 2005," he added. Looking to the 2006 season, a lesson can be learned from our experience in 2005.

"We finished second in the Mountain West and lost a hard-fought, tightly contested bowl game. I have a better idea of what the standard is for this program. Our players have a better idea. We're not just satisfied with going to a bowl game. It was a nice step for our program, but we're not satisfied to finish second. That wasn't our goal. There's a different standard. We've seen it, we've felt it, we've touched it and we've seen how close it is."

OFFENSIVE PREVIEW The Cougars return 13 players with starting experience, including eight regular starters. The list of returning starters includes three first-team All-MWC performers in quarterback John Beck, running back Curtis Brown and tight end Jonny Harline. Describing his expectations for the offense in 2006, Mendenhall said he expects good things to happen.

"The offense is experienced, talented, deep, confident, stable and productive," Mendenhall said. "As a result of these things, we expect positive things to happen offensively.

"I was pleased with our offense last year as we adapted and used personnel throughout the season to move the football and score points. We did an exceptional job in terms of ball security and "Blue Zone" scoring. We played good enough on offense, through the majority of the year, to give us a chance to win football games. With the experience, leadership and depth we have returning, we expect our offense to be explosive, in terms of yardage and points."

Quarterback: With senior John Beck returning, the Cougars will have a two-time, all-MWC signal caller running an experience offense. Beck has started 26 games in his career and only Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer started more games before entering his senior season. Like Detmer, Beck is sure to be listed on several preseason "watch lists", including the Davey O'Brien Award, the Sammy Baugh Trophy and the Johnny Unitas Award, not to mention a candidate for preseason MWC Offensive Player of the Year and All-America honors.

Beck's play in 2005 made the Cougar offense one of the most dangerous in the nation. He finished the season with 3,709 yards and 27 touchdowns passes while completing 64.5 percent of his attempts. His average of 309.1 passing yards per game ranked him tops in the Mountain West Conference and fifth overall in the nation.

"John returns after a 3,000-yard season," Mendenhall said. "He has three years of starting experience and led our team to a second-place finish and a post-season appearance last year. We expect John will continue his development. With the maturity and strong leadership qualities he posseses, we expect he will help our football team reach our goals in 2006."

Jason Beck also returns for his senior season at quarterback. Jason Beck did not see action in 2005 but played the majority of the Stanford game in 2004. Joining the Becks in camp will be Brock Hansen, who was on the roster in 2005, along with Taylor Barrett and Kurt McEuen. Barrett is a 6-foot-2 freshman from Timpview HS in Provo, while McEuen enters camp as a 6-foot-2 freshman from Wasatch High School in Heber City, Utah. The Cougars will also receive additional depth and talent during Fall Camp as they welcome back Jacob Bower and Sam Doman from missionary service. Pine View High School standout James Lark will also be in camp this fall, along with Arizona State transfer Max Hall.

"Depth and talent will also be a strength for us this season," Mendenhall said. "While we have John Beck returning as the starter, we will have several quarterbacks competing for the next step in the process. With the current recruiting class and returning missionaries that we'll have in our program, we expect to return to the tradition of producing quarterbacks, one right after the other."

Running Back: Much like the quarterback position, the Cougars have an experienced player in senior Curtis Brown returning to carry the load at running back. Last season, Brown ran for 1,123 yards, fifth most for a BYU back in a single season, and scored 16 touchdowns (14 rushing, two receiving), tied for second most in a single season. Brown was also a threat receiving, finishing the year with 53 receptions, second on the team, for 454 yards.

Joining Brown will be a crop of talented running backs who will be looking to make an impact in 2006. Wayne Latu, Joe Semanoff and Manase Tonga all saw action in 2005, combining for 132 yards on 23 carries. Ray Hudson returns after redshirting the 2005 season. Hudson lettered as a true freshman in 2004.

With Fahu Tahi lost to graduation, the Cougars will look to returned missionary Fui Vakapuna to replace Tahi's quickness and tough, punishing style of play. Vakapuna lettered as a true freshman in 2003, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. He was the team's second leading rusher with 157 yards on 30 carries.

All five backs will compete in Spring Camp to show they deserve time on the field. Others who will play during the spring include Isaac Taylor and Daniel Tervort.

"The running back position will be one of our key strengths on offense," Mendenhall said. "We'll have depth, experience and talent at running back."

Wide Receiver: Despite the loss of deep threat Todd Watkins, the Cougars have several experienced players who are well suited to be effective in the spread offense. The leading returning receiver is Nate Meikle, a 2005 second-team Academic All-American, who caught 36 passes for 292 yards. He is joined by fellow returnees Matt Allen (21 receptions, 272 yards, two touchdowns), Michael Reed (18 receptions, 272 yards, one touchdown) and Zac Collie (11 receptions, 158 yards, one touchdown).

All four players showcased their talents at different times during the 2005 season. Meikle was BYU's leading receiver in the Las Vegas Bowl as he caught 12 passes for 93 yards. Allen scored the game-winning touchdown against New Mexico and Collie scored twice against TCU. Reed had his best day as a Cougar against Air Force when he hauled in five passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. One of his catches went for 50 yards.

Joining the returnees will be McKay Jacobson, a highly touted recruit from Southlake, Texas out of Southlake Carroll High School. Jacobson graduated from high school in December and enrolled at BYU for winter semester. He has been working out with the team since arriving in January.

Other receivers who will look to make an impact include Brett Cooper, Saia Hafoka, Travis Henderson, Bryce Mahuika, Sean Mosman, Ryan Neeley, Troy Sheide and Matt Smith. Mahuika was the team's primary kick and punt returner in 2004, but played sparingly last season due to injury.

Tight End: The tight end position may be one of the deepest on the Cougar roster. The top returning player is senior Jonny Harline, who led the team in receptions (63) and receiving yards (853) and was named first-team All-MWC in 2005. Harline also caught five touchdown passes and had three 100-yard performances last season, including 123 yards against both San Diego State and New Mexico. Harline returns for his senior season as the nation's top returning tight end.

Senior Daniel Coats is also back after a successful 2005 season in which he caught 21 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns. Other tight ends who will be in the mix for playing time include Vic So'oto, Andrew George and Philip Niu.

So'oto showed promise as a pass-catching end in camp last season and played on special teams throughout the year. Niu has been sidelined with injuries the last two seasons but has the skills to be a contributor to the offensive attack. In 2003, he caught eight passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns.

"The tight end position will be another of our offensive strengths," Mendenhall said. We have five quality players at that position, including Jonny Harline, who returns as the nation's top returning tight end. Daniel Coats also returns after an excellent season in 2005."

Offensive Line: The Cougars will return three of last year's five starters on the line, including second-team All-MWC performer Jake Kuresa, Eddie Keele and freshman All-American Dallas Reynolds. BYU will have to replace second-team All-MWC center Lance Reynolds, Jr. and Brian Sanders. Terence Brown, a regular contributor last season, will not participate in Spring Camp due to injury. He has also announced his intentions to serve a mission at the conclusion of the academic year.

The line helped the BYU offense put up big numbers in 2005, including 33.0 points and 462.4 total yards per game. Despite the losses, there are several players who are capable of picking up the slack. Ray Feinga saw action in 2005 and will be expected to battle for a starting position at guard along with Travis Bright, who was expected to contribute last season but, suffered an season-ending injury during fall camp. Jeff Rhea is one of three players who will be battling for the starting position at center. Erik Freeman and Sete Aulai will also compete at center. Both players are also expected to see reps at guard during Spring Camp.

Other players who will be competing for time on the line during spring include Nick Longshore, David Oswald, Marco Thorson and Viliami Tilini.

"While we return three starters, we've lost some experience," Mendenhall said. "However, I feel very good about our top-eight guys.

"We'll enter spring lacking depth at offensive line. As a result, our spring practice format will be unique. Through recruiting, however, we've been able to address the depth issue along the offensive line."

When Fall Camp begins, the Cougars will welcome Tom Sorensen, a transfer from Vanderbilt University, as well as Rick Wolfley, a first-team all-state selection from Star Valley, Wyoming. Kamehameha High School standout Walter Kahaialii will also journey to Provo this fall. Two other incoming linemen include 2005 Sports Illustrated Preseaon High School All-American Braden Hansen and all-state lineman Ryan Freeman.

DEFENSIVE PREVIEW Following an off-season review of the program, Mendenhall and the defensive coaching staff have implemented a handful of changes heading into Spring Camp.

Jaime Hill joins the staff after three years as an assistant coach in the Canadian Football League, including the past two seasons as the co-defensive coordinator for the Ottawa Renegades. Hill brings over 20 years of coaching experience to the BYU coaching staff. He will be responsible for coaching the defensive secondary, including corners and safeties. Long-time coach, Barry Lamb, will coach the outside linebackers and Paul Tidwell will be responsible for the inside linebackers. Steve Kaufusi will continue coaching the defensive line and Mendenhall will continue his responsibilities as the defensive coordinator.

"We believe the coaching assignment changes are in direct alignment with the strengths of our returning defensive personnel," Mendenhall said.

While the defense will have a new look this season, switching to a 3-4 scheme, Mendenhall said the coverage principles will be different, but the philosophy will be the same.

"The philosophy is very similar to what we've already done," he said. "We will continue to emphasize pursuit and gang tackling. The coverage principles for our secondary will be different. Basically, we're putting an extra linebacker on the field instead of an extra safety. As a result, due to depth and talent, the linebacker position will become the feature position.

"The decision was based on our performance evaluation of the 2005 season, and looking at our personnel for 2006. There are players on this team who we can design scheme elements around to make sure we get our best 11 players on the field."

With only four defensive starters returning, Mendenhall said his goal this spring is to find players who are ready to contribute based on effort, execution and discipline.

"Defensively, we have a lot of potential," he said. "I like our personnel. I really like this group of players and how hard they've worked."

Defensive Line: The coaching staff will be faced with the task of replacing the entire starting front line in 2006. Manaia Brown, Vince Feula, Justin Maddux and Daniel Marquardt, who all started at least six games in 2005, have departed due to graduation.

"We lost five of our top-six defensive lineman from last season," Mendenhall said. "Like the offensive line, that need has been addressed through recruiting. We're bringing in five defensive linemen. Spring will be very important in terms of establishing quality depth and experience for our front.

The Cougars return just three letterwinners on the line, including Hala Paongo, who started the Las Vegas Bowl, Kyle Luekenga and Judd Anderton. Paongo played in all 12 games last year and recorded nine tackles, including one for a loss. Luekenga played in seven games as a freshman and had four tackles while Anderton appeared in four and had one tackle. All three, along with redshirt freshman Jan Jorgensen, will see plenty of action during Spring Camp as they will be competing with several newcomers.

Dan Alletto, Tyler Berry, Brett Denney, Rex Doman, Mark Mathews, Temena Paongo, Mike Ratelle, Sean Sullivan and Russell Tialavea will all seek to impress the coaching staff during the spring in an effort to earn playing time in the fall.

"The entire front is unproven," Mendenhall added. "Jan Jorgensen is coming off a redshirt year, Kyle Luekenga played a little last season, Brett Denney is back from a mission and Russell Tialavea is coming off a redshirt season. There's potential for us to be very good up front, but there are a lot of unknowns. Frankly, I see that as a positive."

Linebacker: Despite the loss of two starters, the linebacker position will be the key strength for BYU. According to Mendenhall, the linebacker position will be the featured position in 2006.

"The linebacking corps is the strength of our defense," Mendenhall said. "Because of the numbers and ability at that position, our core defensive package for the 2006 season will include more linebackers."

Cameron Jensen, a second-team All-MWC performer and a team captain, will play middle linebacker and will be joined by several talented players who saw action in 2005. Jensen led the team in tackles for the second-consecutive season with 84, including 44 solo takedowns.

Markell Staffieri, who played in every game last season and made two starts, will be a favorite to start alongside Jensen. Staffieri, who had a career-high 12 tackles against San Diego State, had 35 total tackles in 2005, including four for a combined loss of 10 yards.

Other linebackers who will return and compete for playing time and starting spots in 2006 include Dan Bates, Gary Lovely, Kelly Poppinga, Wes Anderson, Andrew Stacey, Brian Kehl and Aaron Wagner. Lovely played in 11 games last season and Wagner was a regular contributor before suffering a knee injury against Colorado State, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. Kehl was also a regular on defense and special teams, making 30 tackles and blocking one punt.

Poppinga came to BYU from Utah State following the 2004 season and sat out the 2005 season due to transfer rules. He is the brother of former Cougar Brady Poppinga, who was a rookie with the Green Bay Packers in 2005.

David Nixon, who saw significant action in 2003, is back from a two-year mission. During the 2003 season, he made 57 tackles, including 11 for a combined loss of 26 yards. He made two starts that season.

Mendenhall also said Chris Bolden and Terrance Hooks will be in the mix for significant playing time in 2006. Dustin Gabriel is also expected to compete for playing time at outside linebacker after playing safety in 2005.

Gabriel played in all 12 games, starting 10. He finished the 2005 season tied for third on the team with 55 tackles, including 35 solo takedowns. Gabriel also had two tackles for a loss of 12 yards, one sack for nine yards and one interception.

"There are a lot of unknowns here as well," Mendenhall said. "Kelly Poppinga, Chris Bolden and Terrance Hooks all return after redshirting last year. David Nixon is back from a mission as well. Those guys are all really good players, but they're unproven at this point."

Safety: Despite the loss of starter Spencer White to graduation, the Cougars return three players at safety with a year of experience. Corby Hodgkiss was a surprise contributor in 2005, recording 26 tackles and two sacks. David Tafuna saw action in all 12 games, racking up 19 tackles. Quinn Gooch played in nine games and was credited with 30 tackles. Cole Miyahira has made the switch from cornerback to safety and is expected to see plenty of action during Spring Camp.

"We return a secondary with a year of experience," Mendenhall said. "We've also addressed competition through recruiting with possible changes through the spring. We may have some corners who move to safety as that competition shapes out. It may be further involved as we access players like Brandon Bradley, Andre Saulsberry and Robbie Buckner."

Other players listed at safety on the spring roster include Aaron Gordon, Aaron Attig, Michael Carr, Ben Criddle and Landon Fowler.

Cornerback: Justin Robinson and Kayle Buchanan gained valuable game experience in 2005 and will be joined by several talented and athletic redshirts and newcomers who will fight for time on the corners.

"We return two players with starting experience at corner," Mendenhall said. "We expect to be improved in that position after a year of experience. We've also recruited competition and depth. We'll expect to see an immediate improvement in terms of productivity."

Robinson earned a starting spot by the second week and started 11 games. He finished the season tied for third on the team in tackles with 55, including 38 solos, and led the squad in bass breakups with 10. Buchanan recorded 26 tackles and four pass breakups in seven games, including five starts.

Special Teams: BYU returns its kicker and punter in Jared McLaughlin and Derek McLaughlin. Jared McLaughlin connected on 14-of-19 field goals, including 11-of-11 from inside the 40-yard line. His season long was a 47-yarder against TCU. He was also 46-of-48 on extra points and was tied for fourth in the conference in points per game.

Derek McLaughlin transferred from Washington following his mission and averaged 40.0 yards per punt in 2005. His longest punt was 60 yards and he had 20 punts downed inside the 20.

Mitch Payne will be the other kicker in spring camp.

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