Senior Impact Players

BYU last year relied on the Seniors to carry the burden of the team. This year, however, only a handful of starters will be seniors. Which players will make the biggest difference on each side of the ball?


Offense

3. Joe Semanoff (FB): Why Semanoff? Believe it or not, only 3 starters (or 2 deep) are seniors. Semanoff is a reliable FB, though never sparkled like Tonga. He blocks well and is able to pick up the small chunks of yards often asked of fullbacks. He catches the ball relatively well out of the backfield and will see a lot of playing time with Manasa being asked to play a role of a rushing back in addition to fullback and in short yard situations.

2. Sete Aulai (C): Sete was questionable to start this last year, many thought Sorensen would take his position. Due to injury however, Aulai was thrown in the fire and quickly emerged as a leader on the offensive line. The center at BYU is asked to direct the blocking schemes, calling them out at the line. Early in the season he was snapping the ball low to John Beck, who later said it was his own fault for not letting the center know of the issue. Look for Aulai to lead the offensive line in protecting the new QBs. This should be one of the very best lines BYU football has ever seen.

1. Matt Allen (WR): Pop quiz: Who had more receptions last year, Michael Reed or Matt Allen? Allen. Who had more TD's? Tied. I honestly though Michael Reed would be the top returning WR from last year, but Allen actually had more receptions for more yards. Allen might not burn down the field or pancake guys at the line, but he is a reliable possesion receiver and should see a slight increase this year in receptions and TDs. Hopefully he and Hall can establish some good chemistry over the summer and get down the timing that he and John Beck had.

Defense on the way...