BYU Football: Award Watch Lists, Kyle Van Noy Moving Up?

Sep 7, 2013; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars coach Bronco Mendenall before the game against the Texas Longhorns at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Another week of College Football has passed and we’re another week closer to the LRA’s. For BYU fans, Week 2 was significantly better than Week 1. A few questions were answered, a few more questions were presented and a few players really, really stood out. Here is a look at the Week 2 rankings:

Offensive Player of the Year

Jamaal Williams- 148 yards against Virginia, 182 against Texas. In two games, Williams has rushed for nearly half of his end of year total last season.

Taysom Hill- Passing game still has A LOT of work to do, but that performance was historic.

Sep 7, 2013; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back Jamaal Williams (21) reaches for extra yards during the second quarter at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Cody Hoffman- Just two completions (there were only nine total) but on both he showed his dynamic ability.

Terrence Alletto- The rock of the offensive line that blocked for 550 rushing yards.

Paul Lasike- Why hasn’t BYU been recruiting rugby players for years?

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Alani Fua- Van Noy says Fua is better than he is and the way he’s been playing shows that might be more than just a nice teammate.
2. Kyle Van Noy- Finally got his first sack. He’s been close to four or five more.
3. Eathyn Manumaleuna- Manumaleuna has looked like a grown man playing with a bunch of recent high school graduates. Oh, wait….
4. Bronson Kaufusi- Has played well enough to be higher on this list, but who above him can you move down?
5. Daniel Sorenson- Could have put Uani Unga here, but Sorenson has been huge in a depleted secondary.

Special Teams Player of the Year

1. Justin Sorenson- Honestly, who saw this kind of turnaround from him?
2. Adam Hine- Had another 40+ yard return called back due to penalty. He will return one for a TD this year.
3. Scott Arellano- Some punts are better than others and he takes a really long time to get the ball out of his hands
4. JD Falslev- Still no fumbles.

Newcomer of the Year

1. Robert Anae- Huge turnaround this week for Dr. Anae. The offense was impressive.
2. Robertson Daniel- Gave up one TD against Texas, but coming out of Fall Camp, we thought the corners would give up 100 TDs against Texas.
3. Dallin Leavitt- Hope his injuries won’t keep him out long term.
4. Marques Johnson- He seems to have lost the starting NT position to Manumaleuna, but still provides some depth.
5. De’Ondre Wesley- Why on earth is he not in the starting lineup?

MVP

Jamaal Williams- He’s setting himself up for a historic year out of the BYU backfield.

Kyle Van Noy- Long term, he has more impact than anyone on this team.

Sep 7, 2013; Provo, UT, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback David Ash (14) tries to get away from Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Kyle Van Noy (3) during the first quarter at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Alani Fua- Fua and Van Noy is a scary pass rush for any team.

Taysom Hill- So far, his right arm hasn’t done anything to get him on this list, but those legs….

Cody Hoffman- He would be higher on this list if he had a QB that could get the ball to him.

MDP (Most Disappointing Player- nobody wants to win this)

1. Ross Apo- He had a catch against Texas, but also had a drop.
2. Guy Holliday- He made everyone a believer in Fall Camp, but so far, his WRs can’t catch.
3. Taysom Hill- 22-66. His ground game has been terrific, but who isn’t disappointed with the passing game?
4. Ryker Matthews- He hasn’t played awful, and might be playing a little hurt, but he was supposed to be the stud of the offensive line.
5. Mitch Matthews- It wasn’t that long ago that every media outlet in the state was raving about him.