BYU Football Signing Day 2014 Predictions
By Mitch Harper
Nov 9, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; A Brigham Young Cougars football helmet during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
By: Jeff Hansen
LawlessRepublic.com
(Follow Jeff on Twitter, @rakoto10)
Not everyone enjoys following recruiting, but I sure do. February 5 is National Signing Day and the next batch of (hopeful) stars to commit to playing for BYU will become official. Coaches often say that recruiting is the lifeblood of any football program, and they’re right. Vince Lombardi himself could be the coach in Provo, but if he doesn’t have at least some amount of talent to work with, BYU could not win.
There are always surprises when it comes to recruiting; under the radar kids that nobody knew had an offer all of sudden send in a Letter of Intent, kids who seemed like locks for months end up going somewhere else. So, with National Signing Day just less than two weeks away, let’s take a look at what I think BYU’s class will end up looking like.
The Already Here’s
Nick Kurtz– At this point, everyone knows about Kurtz. The highly recruited JUCO WR transfer is already signed and in Provo. Whew.
Michael Shelton– Not as many people know about the DB prospect from North Carolina, but any DB that is good enough for an Auburn offer is good enough for BYU.
Predictions For The Rest
Fred Warner looks to become the next Kyle Van Noy. (Photo: ESPN.com)
Fred Warner: Warner has been long committed even though he’s seen big offers. The chance to be Kyle Van Noy is too great to pass up.
Tyler Cook: Cook has some big offers as well, but, his mom made a highlight film featuring BYU at the end. He’s a Cougar.
Sione Takitaki: There has been some talk that Takitaki might be waffling on his BYU commitment, but I think the coaches get him to sign.
Matt Bushman: BYU missed out on LDS TE Tyler Luatua, but personally, I think Bushman is a much better fit in Robert Anae’s offense.
Cedric Dale: Small, fast, athletic RB out of Texas. Haven’t seen anyone this excited to be a Cougar.
Austin Chambers: At 6’5”, 297 lbs as a senior in high school, Chambers might be the sign that the big offensive lineman are coming back to BYU.
Chandon Herring: BYU needs depth at offensive line. Herring could provide depth in the future.
Zac Dawe: One of my favorite prospects in the class. The standout wrestler has strength and the potential to be a very good defensive lineman.
Kavika Fonua: One of the underrated gems in this class. Fonua is a freak athlete that will make a great DB prospect. And, he’s from Syracuse, Utah. Anyone from Syracuse, Utah (me) deserves to be a 5-star recruit.
Trey Dye: Even though Twitter gave him a hard time, JD Falslev will be missed in the punt return game. But, if Trey Dye is anything like his dad, BYU gets an elite punt returner this year.
Teancum Fuga: 2013 really showed how important Romney Fuga was to Bronco’s defense in 2012. Teancum is the bigger, younger Fuga.
Earl Mariner: 300-pound defensive tackles are never are bad thing.
Tejan Koroma: He starred on the offensive line for a team that won a state championship in Texas. Koroma has serious potential.
Ashanti (Devon) Blackmon would bolster an already solid 2014 class for BYU.
Ashanti (Devon) Blackmon: Though not committed yet, I like BYU’s chances with Blackmon. The former Oregon WR would bring speed to this BYU WR corp that has lacked in recent years.
Kiante Walton: Also not commited, Walton is a CB prospect out of Georgia. He has flown under the radar through his recruitment, but seems to be a diamond in the rough.
Juterrius Gulley: Another underrated prospect to pick up a late offer from BYU. The Alabama product has potential to make an immediate impact on the defensive line.
Isaiah Kaufusi: Is there such a thing as too many Kaufusis on the team?
The Misses
Damien Mama, Ronald Monroe, Isaiah Nacua, Keyon Dilosa and Courtland Sutton are all prospects that had offers from BYU at some point, that I think will end up somewhere else. Mama and Monroe have the potential to be really special players, but unfortunately, I don’t think that will happen in Provo.
February 5th is National Signing Day. Just a few days before we can see how accurate (or inaccurate) these predictions were.