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PROVO — This week's BYU Football preview feature has to do with the five breakout players for the 2013 Cougars. As soon as I saw this topic, I knew immediately which players fit the bill. My list consists of two offensive and three defensive players.
Taysom Hill
For me, Taysom's selection is a no-brainer. I realize the sample size for Hill is small, but I believe his skill-set projects well for this season. Quite frankly, BYU needs Taysom to be a break-out player this year; the entire offensive production begins with him.
His ability to run is well-documented; we all remember the 68-yard run against Hawaii. Where Taysom will add the most offensively will be his ability to throw the football. That doesn't mean he's going to pass 50 times a game (although that would be fun to see); Taysom will be put in situations to make plays with his arm. BYU's new up-tempo offense means that the quarterback has to make decisions quicker and get rid of the ball faster. With talented players like Hoffman, Apo, Friel, Falslev, Williams and Alisa surrounding him, Hill should be able to make quick reads and get the ball into the hands of the playmakers.
Taysom is an athlete first and foremost. The Cougars haven't had many players like him at the quarterback position. His size, strength and athleticism are all elements that BYU will use to jump-start an offense that has been stagnant for a few seasons. He is the offensive leader and has been waiting for this opportunity since stepping foot on campus. Like most Cougar fans, I expect Taysom to have a big year in 2013.
Mitch Mathews
I mentioned above that it was easy for me to come up with the five breakout players for BYU. Truth be told, Mitch Mathews was the first name I thought of. Not only can he win dunk contests, Mitch has positioned himself to play a huge role in the 2013 BYU offense.
I have heard at least three coaches and numerous players talk about how impressed they have been with Mitch over the off-season. At 6'6", Mathews is a large target that defenses will have to pay attention to. Heading into fall camp, Mitch is listed as the backup to Cody Hoffman. Mathews played in only six games last year after dealing with a shoulder injury prior to season.
2013 should be a breakout year for Mitch, who despite being a backup right now, should see plenty of playing time due to the new offensive scheme.
Bronson Kaufusi
What can't this guy do? No, really, I'm asking; what can't he do? As a true freshman, Bronson surprised everyone last year by climbing up the depth-chart in fall camp; despite only being home from his mission for a week. He played in all 13 games for the Cougars, collecting 23 tackles, 4.5 sacks (tied for 2nd on the team with Ziggy Ansah), one fumble recovery, one quarterback hurry and one pass breakup - all as a backup.
This year, Kaufusi enters the 2013 season as the Cougars' starting left end. While it won't be easy to replace Ziggy Ansah, Bronson is arguably better-equipped to handle being a starting defensive end than Ziggy was when he assumed that role. Kaufusi is such a physical player; and at 6'7", he is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks to try and throw over.
It has been obvious that due to his skill-level and play on the field, that Bronson has been fast-tracked through the program. He is an unbelievable football player and should be an anchor on a defensive line that lost some serious star power.
Oh, and he was good enough to get minutes on the BYU Basketball team after not playing since high school - the guy is a stud!
Craig Bills
Some may argue that 2012 was Craig's breakout season. He played in all 13 games (started the last five) as a sophomore; finished the season with 47 tackles, forced one fumble and had five pass breakups. The reason I believe 2013 will be Bills' year is because he'll be BYU's starting free safety from Day 1. As good as his production was last season, imagine how good he can be when he's getting the majority of the snaps at his position.
Bills, like Bronson Kaufusi, wowed coaches last season after returning home from his mission. It was obvious that he was going to get playing time and when he did, he made the most of it. Craig is a perfect complement to Daniel Sorensen at the safety position. He has great speed and quickness, plus he's an extremely aggressive player that loves to hit.
I expect Craig to be one of the leaders on a very good BYU defense. His play has gotten progressively better with each year, and I expect 2013 to be the season where Craig shines for the Cougars.
Alani Fua
Alani has been a player that Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall has praised for some time now. I mentioned in a previous article, that the only thing keeping him from being a starting linebacker for BYU this season is a couple of guys named Kyle Van Noy and Spencer Hadley. Due to Alani's play on the field, he has forced the coaches' hand into giving him more playing time.
Fua enters the 2013 season as a backup to Hadley, but don't be surprised to see him on the field at the same time as KVN and Spencer in certain defensive formations. Alani's play warrants more snaps and the coaches will find a way to get him on the field when they can.
Alani played in eight games as a freshman and 13 games last year as a sophomore. His evolution has been fun to watch and 2013 should be a season for him to take that next step.
