Analyzing BYU’s Depth Chart Vs. Ole Miss: Offense
By Mitch Harper
BYU’s first game as a football Independent is this Saturday at Ole Miss. BYU released their depth chart heading into the showdown against the Rebels earlier this week. Let’s look at each position on the two-deep. Starting with the offense.
Starters in BLUE
WR CODY HOFFMAN
JD Falslev
Hoffman has been relatively quiet during fall camp and that must change against Ole Miss. The Rebs Secondary is a major question mark heading into the season-opener, Hoffman at 6’4 who was Heaps’ #1 target at the end of last season will be looked upon early and often.
WR MCKAY JACOBSEN
-OR-
TE AUSTIN HOLT
Richard Wilson
With Robert Anae gone, and Brandon Doman now in as Offensive Coordinator, BYU will incorporate more sets with a slot receiver. Insert, McKay Jacobsen who is coming into his Senior season looking to finish off his career on a high note. The last time BYU used a slot receiver on a regular basis in their offense was in 2006. 2006 is considered by many to be the best offense and team in the Mendenhall era.
Entering Fall Camp, Devin Mahina looked to be the front-runner at TE. That changed with the emergence of Austin Holt and Richard Wilson who was finally healthy after being held out from Spring practices.
Tight Ends were a disappointment in the BYU Offense last season. Not one touchdown reception from the TE position the entire season, that needs to change early in the 2011 schedule.
LT MATT REYNOLDS
Ryker Mathews
No surprise here. All-American Matt Reynolds is obviously a lock at Left Tackle. 4th straight season as the starter at LT. Mathews, a true freshmen, pushed hard for the starting guard spot. Mathews started throughout spring football at LT.
LG HOUSTON REYNOLDS
Marco “Moose” Thorson
Houston Reynolds is the fifth starter on an offensive line that returns four hogmallies from a year ago. Reynolds is a versatile lineman who can also play center.
C TERENCE BROWN
Blair Tushaus
There was rumblings that Brown would possibly switch to Left Guard and Houston Reynolds start at Center. Reynolds is shorter, and has a proto-typical center frame. Brown remains at Center going into the season-opener due to his experience and chemistry with Heaps.
RG BRADEN HANSEN
Walter Kahaiali’i
Hansen is a future NFL player. Been a starter on the O-line since 2009. Kahaillii is considered the “6th Offensive Linemen” can play any position on the line, except Center.
RT BRADEN BROWN
Famika Anae
Since converting over from Tight End, Braden Brown has been an anchor on the right side of the offensive line. Anae is a great story. Recovered from an ACL injury he suffered in 2010, with an impressive fall camp. A position where BYU has many talented players, speaks to the upside of Anae.
QB JAKE HEAPS
Riley Nelson
Heaps in the new pro-set offense is ready for big things in 2011. Did nothing but impress during fall camp. Nelson’s role as the backup looked to be in jeopardy with the quality play from third-string QB, James Lark. Nelson’s leadership and versatility keep him as the #2 QB. Coaches plan on having packages for him, along with playing on the special teams. How many QBs have you seen play on special teams?
RB BRYAN KARIYA
Zed Mendenhall
Kariya is a leader of this offense and Zed Mendenhall is BYU’s best blocker out of the backfield. Both are tough, physical backs that bring different elements to this offense.
RB JJ DILUIGI
Joshua Quezada
Much is expected from these two in 2011. DiLuigi looks confident as ever, while Quezada struggled with injuries during fall camp. Quezada is now 100% and looks to become the workhorse runner. DiLuigi’s versatility will be on display in this revamped offense. Remember Matt Bellini?
K JUSTIN SORENSEN
A return missionary. Sorensen was booming field goals during fall camp. Attempting field goals in the 60+-yard range.
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