BYU Football: Three newcomers who can make a difference

Fans’ reactions to Kalani Sitake’s 2019 recruiting class have been mixed, but here are three BYU Football newcomers that could make a difference for the Cougars in 2019

BYU Football signed four-star quarterback Jacob Conover and all-state receiver Chase Roberts in 2019, but the Cougars will have to wait until both complete their missionary service to reap those benefits. We talked about three under the radar players and here are three newcomers that we think will provide an immediate impact in 2019.

Dimitri Gallow- Mt. San Jacinto College

After rumors began circulating that BYU had shut down junior college transfers, it was a relief to Cougar Nation to see Ed Lamb secure Gallow’s services in Provo. In his sophomore season at Mt. San Jacinto College, Gallow was an all-conference performer, and chose the Cougars over Purdue and UNLV. At six-feet and 190 pounds, he fits perfectly Ed Lamb’s and Jernaro Gilford’s mold for developing under-the-radar defensive backs with the right measurables into high-level performers.

Although there is plenty of competition in the defensive backfield, the departures of Michael Shelton and Tanner Jacobsen, as well as Tre Greene’s continued rehab after knee surgery, create an opportunity for Gallow to contribute immediately for the Cougars in 2019.

Javelle Brown-Mira Mesa H.S. (San Diego, CA)

Javelle Brown’s recruitment and commitment were under-the-radar, but when the dust settles on 2019, he may have the greatest impact of any 2019 signee due to his rumored ability to play running back.

AJ Steward has been unsuccessful in signing a transfer running back to fill the holes left by Squally Canada, Matt Hadley, and Riley Burt. In addition, the Cougars returning backfield includes oft-injured Lopini Katoa, unproven Tyler Allgeier and a handful of unknowns. Despite being listed as a DB by most recruiting services, Brown averaged 8.4 ypc and reeled in 33 catches his senior year of highs school.  The lack of depth in the offensive backfield could provide Brown with a perfect opportunity to prove his worth in 2019.

Eric Mateos– Texas State

Mateos was hired as the offensive line coach by Jeff Grimes to replace Ryan Pugh, who left to become offensive coordinator at Troy. Nothing about Mateos resume is particularly impressive-he played at a small school and was a GA or position coach for average to below-average offenses at both Arkansas and LSU.  Nothing about his time at Texas State jumps off the page.

But we’re going to have to trust Grimes (an offensive line guru) on this particular hire, while crossing our fingers that he doesn’t pull a Pugh-esque “one and done” for the Cougs.

Mateos inherits a young offensive line with plenty of experience. Other than the Wisconsin game, the offensive line’s play was meddling in 2018, even if they showed marginal improvement over 2017. The opportunity to make a huge impact on the o-line’s performance is ready and waiting for Mateos as the Cougar offense will be dependent on solid o-line play in 2019 to protect Zach Wilson coming off of shoulder surgery and to open holes for whichever running back gets the nod next season.