2011 BYU Football Preview: Linebackers

By: Mitch Harper

Outside of the Quarterback position, the position that many Cougar fans can’t wait to see perform in 2011 is the Linebackers.

Bronco Mendenhall has made a strong emphasis to get talented players at this position as they are the key to a successful 3-4 defense.

BYU has always had a strong history with its Linebackers, this 2011 Linebacking group could possibly be the best ever.

Let’s take a look at this talented unit, as Cougar Center continues its weekly positional previews of the 2011 BYU Football squad.

******

LINEBACKERS PREVIEW

Starters Lost: 1 (Shane Hunter; Graduation)

LB Coaches: Paul Tidwell (Inside LBs, 11th Season), Kelly Poppinga (Outside LBs, 1st Season)

******

PROJECTED STARTERS

Sam Linebacker: Jordan Pendelton, Senior* (* = Returning Starter)

In 2010, Pendleton suffered a knee injury in a loss at Utah State forcing him to miss the last seven games and the New Mexico Bowl. Pendleton, the former Safety from Bingham High, is one of the more athletic Linebackers that has came through the program. The quintessential Pendleton performance that resinates in the minds of most Cougar faithful is the game in 2009 versus Oklahoma. Pendleton was flying all over the field, punishing the opposing Sooner offense, covering from sideline to sideline, and breaking up passes. An overall playmaker. Injuries have kept Pendleton sidelined from what he truly can be. If healthy this season, should have a bounceback year and will garner some attention from NFL execs.

Buck Linebacker: Brandon Ogletree, Junior*

Ogletree started in eight games last season from the BLB spot. An overall fierce competitor who is very passionate out on the field. You could also interpret his passion as a bit crazy, but that’s what makes a great Linebacker. A proto-typical middle linebacker at 5-11 225-pounds, “Tree” is a leader on the defense along with his other middle linebacker running mate on the D. (Below)

Mike Linebacker: Uona Kaveinga, Junior (Transfer)

This fall Cougar fans will finally see Uona Kaveinga suit up in Cougar blue. If you remember Kaveinga committed to BYU in 2008, but on Signing Day of that year decided to change his mind on Fox Sports Net Prime Ticket (Los Angeles area Fox) and signed with USC.  Despite his parents in the background wearing BYU attire behind him. Uona’s decision to go to USC always felt like the wrong move, and Kaveinga himself even said it was an “immature” move. Now Kaveinga is where he belongs, at BYU. It wasn’t easy transferring to BYU. Kaveinga practically had to beg Coach Mendenhall during the 2009 Las Vegas Bowl practices to join the program. Mendenhall promised Kaveinga nothing, and said he would be a walk-on. Kaveinga agreed and the rest is history.

Heading into 2011, Kaveinga is already a leader of the BYU Defense and has earned the praise of Coach Mendenhall since the first days Kaveinga was eligible to practice. A student of the game, Kaveinga will become an even bigger household name than he already is.  It won’t take long for that to happen either.  That first game against Ole Miss in Oxford, Kaveinga will be making plays.

Weakside Linebacker: Jameson Frazier, Senior*

A former walk-on, Frazier has become a terrific contributor at BYU. Can play both edges at the LB spots. Going into 2011, is on the watch list for the Lott IMPACT Trophy which is given to the best defensive player in College Football. Frazier in 2010 played in 10 games.

******

KEY RESERVES

Kyle Van Noy, Sophomore* (WLB/SLB)

Van Noy’s BYU career thus far hasn’t been an easy one.  But the Sparks, Nevada native is finally hitting his groove and looks primmed for a big 2011 season as a key contributor of a talented Linebacking unit. Signed with BYU in 2009, and was forced to sit out the entire year due to a DUI charge. Worked his way back in the good graces of Coach Mendenhall and joined the program in Winter of 2010. Early last season, Van Noy wasn’t seeing much playing time and it frustrated him, causing a stir on social media websites about possibly leaving. Injuries, and the departure of former Defensive Coordinator Jamie Hill saw Van Noy’s reps go up and Van Noy’s talent was on display instantly out on the playing field. An extremely athletic player who can play both LB spots on the edge. Last season Van Noy wore #45, this year he switches to the number that he became a high-school stud in, #3.

Spencer Hadley, Sophomore (BLB; Return Missionary)

Hadley coming off a mission pushed Brandon Ogletree hard in Spring and was seeing a lot of reps with the 1s in Spring. In Hadley’s true Freshman season back in 2008 saw time in 11 games and recorded 13 tackles.

Jadon Wagner, Senior* (WLB)

Wagner originally was going to forego his Senior year at BYU to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Wagner was drafted in the 6th Round of the CFL Draft by the Hamilton Tigercats, but shortly after being drafted decided he wanted to play out his final season at BYU. Hamilton of the CFL will have Wagner’s rights in 2012. In 2010, Wagner was buried in the depth chart heading into the season-opener against Washington. With injuries and a D-coordinator change, Wagner eventually became the starter at Weakside Linebacker and was the starter for nine games last season. Had 38.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss on the year. Missing spring ball and the overall improved talent at the position puts Wagner as a reserve in 2011, but he is very capable as seen from last year.

Austen Jorgensen, Junior (MLB)

The quiet guy who likes to knit, Jorgensen doesn’t show that side on the football field. Last season, started in three games and finished fifth on the team in tackles with 46. Had a career-high seven tackles down in Doak Campbell Stadium against Florida State early in the season. Will be behind Kaveinga at Mike.

******

RETURN MISSIONARIES

Kevan Bills, Redshirt-Freshman

Served in Argentina and came back from the mish in November of 2010. Redshirted his one and only season thus far in Provo. Was a Top 100 recruit in the Northwest (#88) according to Scout.com in the Class of 2008 as a DE/LB recruit from Timpview High School.

Iona Pritchard, Sophomore

Pritchard recently came home from his mission in the Marshall Islands. Pritchard in 2008 saw reps as a true Freshman as a LB, and a Fullback. The former Bingham High standout is excited to re-join the program and play with his younger brother, Baker who signed with the program this past February and will enroll in August.

Cody Monsen, Freshman

Days after the 2008 Letter of Intent Day, another high school athlete signed a scholarship agreement to play for BYU.  Cody Monsen a LB from Temple, Texas. Monsen signed off signing a letter of intent when returning home from a mission (Spring 2011). Monsen led Temple HS to a state championship in the state of Texas, Monsen accounted for 93 tackles in his Senior season.

Neil Crook, Freshman

Crook is a walk-on who will join the program this Fall. A talented Linebacker from the state of Oregon who had offers from some lower-tier FBS team and FCS schools. Crook is 6-0, 207-pounds.  Returned from a mission this past Spring.

******

NEWCOMERS IN 2011

Austin Heder, Freshman (Pleasant Grove H.S., Utah)

Life-long BYU fan, Heder was one of the first commits in the 2011 class. Committed to BYU back in 2009.  Will be looking to see reps at either Mike or the Sam Linebacker spots. Will be serving a mission after the 2011 season.

Lene Lesatele, Freshman (Garr H.S., Cerritos, California)

Lesatele was one of the top Linebacker recruits in all of Southern California. Former BYU Quarterback and Washington Head Coach, Steve Sarkisian were one of the top suitors for Lesatele who committed to BYU instantly after receiving an offer from the staff during a Junior Day trip.  Mission plans are unknown.

Manoa Pikula, Freshman (Bingham H.S., Utah)

Pikula was offered by BYU coaches as a Sophomore in high school. Not many recruits get offered that soon in the process. And usually the ones that do in fact get those early offers turn out to be special talents at BYU. Jake Heaps, Austin Holt, and Ross Apo are just to name a few who received offers as Sophomores in high school. Pikula is one of four Bingham Miners to sign with BYU in the 2011 recruiting class.  Will serve a mission after his first year.

******

CURRENT MISSIONARIES AT THE POSITION

Joey Owens (Returns in 2013)

One of the first commitments from the 2010 recruiting class, Owens committed to BYU back in 2009. Owens stay committed to BYU despite an offer Stanford. Greyshirted last year due to shoulder injuries. Left for a mission back in January and will be back in January of 2013.

Sae Tautu (Returns in 2013)

Tautu redshirted in 2010 as a True Freshman, and then participated this past Spring before leaving for a mission. The Lone Peak High native was a Top-70 Linebacker recruit on Scout.com.

Toloa’i Ho-Ching (Returns in 2013)

The former Alta High School star, chose BYU over Wisconsin. Ho-Ching was one of the top recruits in the state of Utah for the Class of 2010. Greyshirted his first year in 2010 prior to going on a mission in January. Will return in time for Spring ball in 2013.

Aulelio Olomua (Returns in 2013)

Member of the 2011 Signing Day class. Olomua was one of the late commits in the class. Committing to BYU just a week prior to Signing Day from a small high school in Arizona. Olomua is the younger brother to former BYU/Texas Tech Tight End, Bristol Olomua who played for BYU in the late 90s prior to transferring to Texas Tech. Olomua is also the nephew to former BYU Offensive Coordinator, Robert Anae.

Adam Pulsipher (Returns in 2013)

Member of the 2011 Signing Day Class. Talented Linebacker who is a typical big, tall BYU type of Linebacker. Pulsipher is an honors student from Temecula Valley High School in California. Because of his accomplishments in the classroom schools like Yale and Harvard were recruiting him.

******

REST OF THE UNIT

Alani Fua, Redshirt-Freshman (SLB)

An extremely gifted athlete out of Oaks Christian High School in California. Many BYU fans remember his performance in high school against Jake Heaps’ Skyline squad on national television. Fua had three sacks in that game. Would not be surprised if Fua sees time in the two-deep this Fall.

Aveni Leung-Wai, Senior (BLB)

Was the starter in the season-opener against Washington and versus Florida State last season. Production faltered throughout season and he fell out of two-deep. Bounced back this past Spring with a productive spring practice. Can produce if called upon.

Tyler Beck, Redshirt-Freshman (MLB)

Coming off a mission in Spring of 2010, Beck suffered a severe ACL injury keeping him out during the entire 2010 season.

Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, Sophomore (WLB)

Ansah, a walk-on who converted over to Linebacker from Defensive End this past Spring is seeing more success to showcase his exceptional athleticsm. It is still a stretch to expect Ansah, the former track athlete to make an impact this year as he continues to learn the football lingo and the English language in general. But one can’t help but think what this guy could do if he catches on to the sport. He is 6-5, 250-pounds and he has the highest vertical leap on the 2011 team at 42″.

Connell Hess, Junior (SLB)

Walk-on LB from the Gem State (Idaho), Hess was a talented multi-sport athlete in high school. Has seen limited time at LB. His career primarily has been on Special Teams thus far. Had a few sacks during scrimmages this past spring.

Zac Stout, Sophomore (Redshirting)

Stout is redshirting this year due to an off-season surgery he had shortly after spring ball. The injuries were making Stout ineffective. Stout will not be serving a mission so he will be playing the next three years starting in 2012. A talented Linebacker prospect from Oaks Christian High in California, Stout saw time in 10 games in his true Freshman season, recording 19 tackles.

Devin Unga, Junior (Transfer)

Uani Unga, who prefers to go by “Devin” transferred to BYU this past January just in time to participate in Spring practices.  Unga is a cousin to former BYU all-time leading Running Back, Harvey Unga.  Unga will redshirt this season in 2011 as a walk-on and will be eligibile in 2012.  He will have three years to play three.

******

Previous Cougar Center 2011 BYU Positional Previews

CORNERBACKS
DEFENSIVE LINE
TIGHT ENDS
OFFENSIVE LINE
SAFETIES
WIDE RECEIVERS

******

So what are your thoughts on the BYU Linebackers for 2011?   Let us know what you think.  Post your comments here on the site or Tweet us @Cougar_Center and your comment could be read on this week’s Cougar Center Podcast when we discuss this Linebacker unit more in-depth on the show.

Subscribe to the Cougar Center Podcast via the iTunes Store.  Search “Cougar Center” at the iTunes Store and it will send you directly to the Podcast.  Leave a rating or a comment while you’re there.