BYU Football: 3 Freshmen That Will Make an Immediate Impact

Photo: Kristin Murphy/Deseret News

BYU has experience and maturity on its roster this season, but the veterans may not be the only ones doing work.

28 Cougars are freshmen this upcoming year, and some of them will most likely make a profound impact.

These three freshmen—whether because of skill or a lack of depth at the position they play—will probably make an immediate difference on the team.

Expect to hear these names time and time again throughout the season.

Adam Hine

Photo: Mark Philbrick/BYU Photo

Adam Hine is a 6'1", 193-pound running back who currently holds the Utah state high school vertical jumping record (seven feet and two inches). Along with running track, he was the three-time long jump and high jump state champion.

Impressed yet?

Although he may be small, he is extremely fast and his speed could do him wonders while playing for the Cougars.

Ryker Mathews

Photo: Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

After sustaining a foot injury and redshirting last season, Ryker Mathews is back on the football field.

And not a minute too soon.

After being one of the most highly-touted high school linemen recruited out of the state of Utah, his choice to become a Cougar left Utah, Kansas, Oregon, UCLA, Notre Dame and Arizona disappointed.

As a redshirt freshman, Mathews may not start, but will see the field often as part of a Matt Reynolds-less offensive line.

If he can use his 6'6", 313-pound frame in BYU's favor, defenses could have a tough time getting to quarterback Riley Nelson.

Colby Jorgensen

Another redshirt freshman, Colby Jorgensen is a 6'7" tight end that has the height and athleticism to add depth to a squad filled with Marcus Mathews and Austin Holt, along with other tight ends.

In his senior season at Timpview High School in Provo, Jorgensen had 18 receptions for 300 yards. But that was 2009 and this is 2012, so we will see if he still has the speed and agility he had three years ago.