Estimated read time: 4-5 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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
SALT LAKE CITY — BYU used to be the undisputed football factory in the state of Utah.
Certainly, the tables have turned on a school that has produced greats like Steve Young and Jim McMahon.
In 2013, the Cougars have only 14 players on NFL rosters, compared to 28 players from the University of Utah.
#BestCougar
No, BYU hasn’t produced nearly the number of professional players the last few years as it once did, but there are still several players who deserve attention in the 2013 season, regardless of whether they’ll be playing or not.
Dennis Pitta
Yes, for those readers who were about to fall over in their chairs, this writer is aware that Dennis Pitta is most likely out for the season with a dislocated hip, after having another solid year of production for the Baltimore Ravens in 2012. So, Pitta fans will not be able to watch him lace it up on Sunday in 2013, where he has excelled in John Harbaugh’s scheme.
Instead, Pitta fans will be delighted to see how much Baltimore misses the tight end, who caught 14 balls and three touchdowns during the Ravens’ Super Bowl run. What Pitta created was an underneath dependability for Joe Flacco; a place where Flacco always knew he could get a completion and a solid run after the catch. If anything, this is the year where Pitta’s job security, once he's healthy, is confirmed.
The Ravens, who lost a few high-wire playmakers (notably, Anquan Boldin), were hoping Pitta could make up the difference. Now, it is up for fans to watch and see how much difference Pitta’s absence will make.
Austin Collie
This former Cougar was one of the darlings of the NFL not too long ago; a place where BYU fans could consistently point when asked if Provo produces quality skill players. Then, figure in some injuries, a whole lot of concussions and the Colts falling apart on him, and Collie now finds himself looking for a job.
However, Collie is not a has-been quite yet. Collie has always had high football intelligence, and that will serve him well as he attempts to overcome several physical issues.
The competition for roster spots saw Collie get cut. A smart bet is if he still wants to play, someone will take a chance on him.
Brett Keisel
Besides watching players come back from injury, serious football fans enjoy the opportunity to see how guys respond in contract years. Former BYU defensive end Brett Keisel is in that very situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now, one of three things will happen: Keisel will play great and earn a new contract; he will play subpar and get a contract that is greatly reduced; or he will decide to hang it up and retire if teams don’t make an offer he can’t refuse.
Keisel has long anchored a Pittsburgh defensive line that is among the best in the business, and his impact was still felt last season as he played in all 16 games while registering 4.5 sacks. However, the Steelers, like Keisel, are getting old, and realize their window is closing.
The palpable urgency in the Steel City could be a galvanizing feature for the Steelers. The questions is, will it do the same for Keisel?
Ziggy Ansah
Ansah was mentioned on the five newcomers to watch list, but his ability to succeed in Detroit's scheme will be watched closely this season.
His impact will be measurable early, as the Lions added yet another impact defensive lineman to go along with their already-sizable talent in Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley.
Ansah is one of BYU's only guaranteed stars this season, and will be in the running for the Rookie of the Year award, along with Utah's Star Lotulelei.
Bryan Kehl
Kehl has been through the struggles of trying to find an NFL roster where he can safely stay, but it appears he might be turning the corner in Washington.
The former Cougar played in six games for the Redskins last year and is currently listed second on the inside linebackers’ depth chart. This means he should be successful in staying on the roster, but the question remains as to what capacity he will be in.
Again, it's another issue of a guy with intelligence, talent and a high likability factor fighting for a stable, long-term NFL career. Cougar fans everywhere are hoping he finally fits.
