Names to know

My sister was a freshman last year and gave me her tickets for the Wyoming game which happened to be about 10 rows back in the student section. I figured I could endure a couple hours with freshmen in order to have good seats. After a play by Fui Vakapuna the kid behind me starts to talk about how he met him one time at a party and he was cool and therefore, Fui was the best player.

If you want to sound more knowledgeable than the 17-year-old in basketball shorts in November (which wouldn't be a high goal), here are some names you might not know but probably should for 2007. I have already talked about potential true freshman potential impact players, so here are the rest you should know to impress the fans around you (in no particular order):

1. Tom Sorensen (6'5, 315, So.) - Sorensen has played 8 games already, just never as a Cougar. He started 8 games at center for Vanderbilt and was named to the All-SEC freshman team. He transferred after his mission and was looking to beat out Aulai to be the starting center but injured his knee before the 2006 season. Sorensen is likely too good to keep off the field and could be starting by the end of the year.

2. Bryce Mahuika (5'9, 185, Jr.) - Mahuika isn't completely unknown, but looks to make a bigger impact this year as both as a wide receiver and return specialist. He had 5 receptions in 9 games last year (3 of those against Utah.) Mahuika, as Cruiser pointed out, is one of the fastest players on the team. Whenever he catches the ball I cringe and think, "He is going to die." He seems to land funny and always looks like he is going to get injured. If he can stay healthy and catch the balls thrown his way, he may figure to be a key part of the offense. His biggest impact may come as a returner where he has some experience, being one of the returners on the 2004 squad.

3. Brandon Bradley (6'0, 195, Fr.) - BYU doesn't often get big cornerbacks so many BYU faithful are anxiously awaiting the day that Bradley sets foot on the field. He committed to Louisville prior to this mission but transferred before ever attending. He was forced to redshirt last season due to a knee injury but is ready to contend for the field corner position. He is almost 5 inches taller than Justin Robinson and if he is as good as advertised would be a major force in the secondary.

4. Corby Hodgkiss (5'11, 206, Sr.) - If Dustin Gabriel decides to hang up his cleats to prevent further injury, Hodgkiss may get the nod to start at the KAT position (BYU named for a strong safety.) Hodgkiss has played in 30 football games in his BYU career and will be a an excellent replacement if needed. Other players who would get a shot at the KAT position: David Tafuna and Kellen Fowler.

5. Mosese Foketi (6'0, 270, Jr.) - Foketi redshirted last year after transferring from a junior college. He is the back-up to Russell Tialavea at the NT position on the defensive line. BYU rotates the line quite often and he will likely be seeing quite a bit of playing time. He has the size to play DE if better back-ups come along at NT like Mark Fitu.

6. Andrew George (6'5, 240, So.) - The least heralded of BYU's three great TE's, George is more like Harline in that he is more of a big wide receiver than a tight end, but may be a better blocker than Harline was. George played last season mostly in 3 TE sets with no receptions on the season. Look for George to play split out wide as a slot receiver more than tight as a true TE. He is reported to have good speed and really good hands.

My 3 Cents: I'll continue this section on Monday, let me know if there is anyone/position in particular you'd like to hear about!

Note: Cruiser pointed out some errors I made. George's father competed in the Javelin, not a running event. Also, Mahuika has been moved to the outside and will be competing with Allen, Reed, Collie for playing time.