Thought of the Day - April 6th

BYU football - What freshman could make an impact this year?

BYU recruiting is in a new gear, with verbals coming in nearly a year before they can put a pen to paper to sign their letter of intent in February. This last year's group has some standout players I think might make the biggest difference.

If you haven't noticed yet, I like lists.

4. David Angilau (6'2/255) DT: David is a great addition for BYU, but probably would not have made it very high on the list but for two things. (1) Two other defensive linemen from the class won't be making it to BYU fall camp. Magnum Mauga did not qualify and will join the team next January as a midyear transfer (probably for the best since he was injured) and Star Lotulelei is doubtful to qualify as well. (2) BYU is thin at DT. Tialavea is a good DT, but with Paongo graduated, Fuga going on a mission, someone needs to step up and he could contribute immediately.

3. Jordan Smith (6'4/200) WR: Since when does BYU get big WRs? This class alone they got Matthews (6'4.5), Smith, Pendelton (6'2, might be playing S) and DB Nate Hutchinson switched to WR (6'3). Scotty Ebert is 5'11 and Kessman (6'0), but overall taller than the Collie/Meikle size of 2006. I think Smith could be the darkhorse in this year's freshman class. He is decently quick (4.5 forty) and a big target. He might get some time in the rotation similar to Jacobson (probably less) and be a nice addition to a strong WR group.

2. JJ DiLuigi (5'9, 188) HB: Number 2? While I think JJ has the most talent/skill/ability of the group, I do not think he will make the biggest impact this year for the opposite reasons that favored David Angilau. BYU has quite the stable of able HB's. Manase Tonga and Fui Vakapuna will certainly get the nod before him, particulary in the Jack-of-all trades requirements to be a starting BYU RB. If you haven't seen it before, check JJ's dismantling of one of the best HS programs in the country in the State Championship. I am very excited about JJ. He is the elusive scat-back to compliment the Fui/Tonga combo. He has speed, amazing hands out of the backfield, and breaks tackles like he is 225. He is working on building up his weight to play at 200. The only reason JJ isn't #1 is that he will be behind 2 other starters. Don't be suprised to see JJ used through-out the year, but he won't be the biggest impact freshman.

1. Ryan Kessman (6'0, 190) WR: Kessman is great. He will be very hard to keep off the field this year. It is too bad the NCAA did not clear him to enroll early or he would have definetly had a chance at winning the starting role, he is that good. He really looks to me like the next Curtis Brown, but at the H-back spot: He is never brought down by the first tackler (if they even touch him), and runs like a powerback after the catch. He was used as a HB last year but his true position is that of a WR. He benefits of a thin position to work against (Mahuika is slated to start) and should definetly see some playing time this year. If I had to guess, Kessman has the best chance to win the Freshman POY of all the BYU players.