By: Mitch Harper
Former BYU Wide Receiver Coach, Patrick Higgins was let go and landed at Purdue. In comes former BYU Wide Receiver and CFL legend, Ben Cahoon who is bringing a lot of energy and excitement to a Wide Receiver position that by many disappointed in 2010.
Going back to the basics Cahoon is teaching these Wide Receivers the fundamentals and route running skills that have made BYU receivers a nightmare for opposing defenses over the years.
This is the next installment of Cougar Center’s weekly feature taking an in-depth look at each position for the 2011 BYU Football team. We will discuss more on the Wide Receivers this week on the Cougar Center Podcast.
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WIDE RECEIVERS PREVIEW
Starters Lost: 1 (Luke Ashworth)
WRs Coach: Ben Cahoon (1st Season)
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PROJECTED STARTERS
X-Receiver: Cody Hoffman, Sophomore* (* = Returning Starter)
In 2009, Hoffman was an unheralded recruit from California. Along with his offer from BYU, Hoffman only had an offer from FCS program, Sacramento State. BYU coaches loved Hoffman’s potential at Wide Receiver as he had measurables to work with at 6-4, 205-pounds. Hoffman redshirted in 2009 but impressed many during Fall Camp and practices with the scout squad, setting himself up for big things in 2010.
Big things did in fact happen for Hoffman who was BYU’s leading Wide Receiver in 2010 with 527 yards on 42 receptions to go with seven touchdown grabs. Not bad for a redshirt-Freshman who came to BYU with little fanfare.
2011 looks to be a great season for Hoffman who is confident in his role in the new offense and has a great repoir with Jake Heaps, as Heaps looked to Hoffman early and often in games last season. Heaps and Hoffman will be a terrific tandem for years to come.
Z-Receiver: Ross Apo, Redshirt-Freshman
There isn’t a BYU Football fan out there that hasn’t thought of Ross Apo catching passes from Jake Heaps on Saturday’s in the Fall. We’ve had to wait for quite some time now, but it will be worth the wait.
For the lack of recruiting efforts on Cody Hoffman, Ross Apo is the complete opposite. The entire country knew about this Texas native that has all the skills to be an elite Wide Receiver in College Football and one day have a career in the NFL. Originally committed to his hometown Texas Longhorns but switched his commitment to BYU so he could play with good friends Jake Heaps and Linebacker Kyle Van Noy.
Apo is considering the highest-rated Wide Receiver recruit the program has ever had. With hands that catch everything his way and playmaking speed, Apo will make an impact right away this season.
H-Receiver: McKay Jacobson, Senior*
Last season was a bit of a dropoff in production for Jacobson who didn’t have a touchdown grab last year until the regular-season finale against Utah. And that ended up being his only TD grab of the year. This season, the talented Texan looks to finish his Cougar career off with a bang as BYU’s offense will incorporate the slot receiver a.k.a. the “H Receiver” more this season. Which fits Jacobson perfectly.
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KEY RESERVES
Spencer Hafoka, Senior (X Receiver)
It’s now or never for Hafoka who has seen limited time in his career. Hafoka came to BYU from Kahuku High School in Hawaii, and was one of the best recruits over in the islands at the time of his recruitment in 2006. Hasn’t played anywhere near what many thought he could be, but in 2011 has a chance to finish on a positive note. Currently a 2nd stringer heading into Fall Camp.
Marcus Mathews, Sophomore (Z)
Mathews sees time at both Tight End and Wide Receiver. Expect him to see more reps at Wide Receiver by the time Fall rolls around. Fifth on the team last season in receiving yards. Out of High School, was a 4-star Wide Receiver recruit in the state of Oregon.
JD Falslev, Sophomore (H)
The scrappy Falslev, who reminds many of former BYU Wide Receiver and KSL Sideline Reporter, Nathan Meikle. Falsley has become a dynamic option for the Cougars. A return specialist and a player who made plays during spring ball from the slot.
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RETURN MISSIONARIES
Jordan Smith, Redshirt-Freshman
Smith greyshirted last season and re-joined the team in January, so he’s been home from the mission for awhile. Smith is another big target for Jake Heaps to throw to at 6’4, 205-pounds. Don’t be surprised if Smith makes an impact. He was a very talented player at Spanish Fork High School.
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NEWCOMERS IN 2011
Terren Houk, Freshman (Walk-On)
Houk signed as a preferred walk-on days after this past Signing Day. Houk will be a walk-on in 2011 and then receive a scholarship in January of 2012. Houk, from Enumclaw, Washington didn’t hold any offers from D-1 programs. BYU came into the picture when Houk’s friend, Alex Kuresa (BYU signee) told the coaching staff about the 6’4, 190-pound Wide Receiver. Houk accepted the walk-on offer. Already in Provo, and performing in 7-on-7’s with the team.
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CURRENT MISSIONARIES AT THE POSITION
Mitch Mathews (Returns in 2012)
Serving in Orlando, Florida. Mathews is the younger brother to Marcus Mathews who we mentioned earlier in the article. Like his older brother, Mathews was a heralded recruit out of Beaverton, Oregon and is a tall target at 6’5. Mathews doesn’t have a redshirt as he used it in 2009.
Brett Thompson (Returns in 2012)
Serving in Louisville, Kentucky. Thompson played in 2009 and did a nice job on a offense that was looking to replace Austin Collie who left early for the NFL. Thompson hails from the same hometown as Austin Collie, El Dorado Hills, California. And like Collie was one of the highest-rated WR recruits from that area in the past decade. Thompson will make an impact right away next season. Thompson does have a redshirt if needed.
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REST OF THE UNIT
Dalin Tollestrup, Junior (X Receiver)
A transfer from the University of Calgary in Canada, Tollestrup was a Quarterback for Calgary when he decided to transfer to BYU as a walk-on. Last season played with the Defensive Backs. This past Winter switched over to Wide Receiver and did a nice job in spring ball.
Matt Marshall, Senior (H)
Former state-champion QB from Skyline High School, Marshall is a good athlete who will see time on the field with his versatility. He is the holder and can also come in on offensive sets that call for the option. Did a little bit of that last season against San Diego State.
Rhen Brown, Junior (Z)
Younger brother to Cougar O-Lineman Terence Brown. Rhen has seen limited reps in his first two seasons with BYU. Had a terrific Spring game performance, hauling in a TD grab and recorded 81 yards receiving to help the white team get the Overtime win.
Cody Raymond, Freshman (H)
Walk-on from Jordan High School who set numerous Utah High School state records as a WR for the Beetdiggers. Raymond is only 5’9, but has an incredible set of hands and never drops anything thrown his way. Maybe doesn’t see time this season but you will hear this kids name at some point in his career.
Dallin Cutler, Sophomore
Like Matt Marshall was a state-champion QB in high school. Cutler however led the Alta Hawks to high school glory. Speedy kid who needs to improve on his route-running if he has hopes to get on the field.
Jimmy Ralph, Freshman
Inspired by his childhood idol, Ben Cahoon, Ralph a productive WR from Canada is going to walk-on at BYU. He’s excited to work with Cahoon who told Ralph that he will be used the same way Cahoon was used with the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL.
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Previous Cougar Center 2011 BYU Positional Previews
CORNERBACKS DEFENSIVE LINE TIGHT ENDS OFFENSIVE LINE SAFETIES
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So what are your thoughts on the BYU Wide Receivers 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 Wide Receiver unit more in-depth on the show.
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