Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
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SALT LAKE CITY — This week the the local experts broke down each individual school looking at what they will have to replace from last season.
Kerwynn Williams, Star Lotulelei and Ziggy Ansah are all gone and they will need some replacement, now in one quick stop here is the player or players to get to know abridged from those articles to help you ease the offseason blues.
These answers will be taken straight from the different articles as well as a little bit of consolidation, read the full articles for better insight on each player or position.
BYU: Defensive line via Greg Wrubell
Who is the man responsible for replacing Ziggy Ansah? Bronson Kaufusi"As the highest BYU draft pick since Jim McMahon went fifth overall in 1982, Ansah is the player hardest to replace, and while he shouldn't be expected to duplicate Ziggy's 2012 numbers, sophomore Bronson Kaufusi combines speed and size in a way that most closely approximates Ansah's style of play.
"Appearing in all 13 games of his true freshman campaign last season, the 6'7", 275-pound defensive end-slash-basketball big man made an impressive impact in limited time on the gridiron, with 11 solo tackles among his 23 stops. Kaufusi recorded 5.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, while also turning in a QB hurry, pass break-up and fumble recovery."
The only returning player with any starts under his belt on the line is Eathyn Manumaleuna, who will likely return to play nose tackle in the three-man front. The Cougars have five returning players on the defensive line. The other man who seems to be the favorite to start is Remington Peck.
The Cougars will have ten new names competing on the line. The most recognizable name is probably Austin Holt, who played tight end and is now converting to defense. A name that Wrubell said is the most highly-touted is JonRyhemm Peoples. He is a 6-6, 340 lb. freshman who could battle for time at nose tackle.
#poll
[Utah: Defensive line via Robert Jackson and Mike Grant](<http://www.ksl.com/?sid=25559289&nid=840&title=utah-football-biggest-needs-to-replace >)Who will replace Star Lotulelei the middle? A little bit of everyone
"The inside of the defensive line is a big question mark for the Utes. Tenny Palepoi, LT Tuipolotu, and Sese Ianu are all listed as starters at defensive tackle. Seni Fauonuku and Stevie Tuikolovatu had great spring camps and I can see "Stevie T" pushing for a starting position.
"That is five players playing two positions not to mention the guys coming in this fall who were recruited but have not yet joined the team. Basically, five guys who have experience playing, just not starting experience."
The Utes play a four-down front, but there shouldn't be three starting tackles. Kyle Whittingham has never had a problem fixing his defense in the past and now shouldn't be any different. Star was a unique talent who had the ability to be a game-changer on both downs. The Utes might now have that guy yet, but it seems they have a group of guys who can step in now and maybe one who will become a star in the future &mdah; pun intended.
[Utah State: Running Back via Matt Glade](<http://www.ksl.com/?sid=25570822&nid=858&title=utah-state-biggest-needs-to-replace >)
Who will replace Kerywynn Williams in the backfield next to Chuckie: Joe Hill
"And if you're one of the people that believes the offense might take a step back with Williams leaving, I'm here to tell you, you are also horribly, horribly wrong; because of one man... Joe Hill.
"Hill announced his presence with authority the very first game of the 2012 season with a 3 touchdown, 116 yard performance against SUU. He continued to make plays here and there throughout the season, but playing behind someone like Williams, gives you about as much chance of getting on the field as you have hitting a small, thermal exhaust port with a proton torpedo. He finished with 269 yards on 43 attempts and 7 touchdowns, including 10 catches for 183 yards and 2 scores."
Hill will have the chance to hold the torch for a new proud position at Utah State. The Aggies have put three backs into the NFL over the past two years. Hill is only a junior, so he might not make it three years in a row for a draftee, but with a great season there is no reason to think a team wouldn't take a flier if he chose to come out.
The Aggies also appear to have depth and youth Joe DeMartino played last year, Rashad Hall is a talented transfer and Robert Marshall could be a short-yardage back.
#poll2
There it is. Those are the players or groups of players looking to replace the stars that left. As the season rolls everyone can remember them.
Who has the biggest shoes to fill?
Ziggy was the top player drafted, but his college stats weren't amazing. Star has a legacy of disruption. Williams gained a meager 2,209 total yards and scored 20 touchdowns.
If there was a single player looking to replace Star he would probably get the nod. Star had two absolutely dominant years where he was what offenses had to game plan around. Sometimes he didn't jump off the screen, but that was when he had two or more players defending him. Even then he did some damage.
Bronson Kafusi will have a tall order replacing Ziggy, but the defensive end in a 3-4 isn't a star driven position. It is very important, but it is more important to be solid there than spectacular. Even last season Ziggy didn't really start playing a lot of different spots, or showing off the full range of his talent, until a little later in the year. Kafusi should be able to hold down that spot.
The man with the biggest shoes to fill will be Joe Hill. The kid is good, but Williams put up some very impressive numbers. Hill has added pressure because of the expectations placed on Chuckie Keeton. He needs to be great to keep defenses guessing so Keeton can do what he does. If Hill struggles the offense could take a step back and maybe even cost Keeton some Heisman hype.
Monday there will be another question asked: Who will be next year's Ziggy? Check back on Monday and flip through the different articles if you want a deeper story on each of these schools.
