BYU Football: The Program's 7 Best NFL Prospects

BYU's first football game is less than six months away, giving Bronco Mendenhall's squad plenty of time to prepare. As a few ex-Cougars have finished participating in the NFL combine, let's take a look at BYU's next batch of potential NFL athletes.

Professional football is a huge step up from college, but these young men show great skill and knowledge of the game. Although it may be early, they seem to have what it takes to play amongst some of the greatest football players in the world.

7. Michael Alisa

Michael Alisa entered the 2011 season practically unknown and remained that way until he made a splash midway through the season, with 84 yards and a touchdown against Oregon State.

He finished the season as the team's second-leading rusher with 85 carries, 455 yards and three touchdowns.

Alisa was easily the most improved player on the team last year. With two more years of eligibility under his belt, Michael could become one of the greatest running backs BYU has seen in a while.

6. Romney Fuga

Any NFL team could use an extra defensive lineman. So why not pick a 6'2", 320-pound one?

Fuga is any football coach's dream lineman. He anchored BYU's 19th-ranked rushing defense, with 25 tackles and two tackles for loss on the season.

While these stats alone may seem impressive, it was all accomplished while recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for the end of the 2010 season and spring drills.

5. Ross Apo

Last season, Apo was named the FBS Independent Freshman of the Year and a member of the Phil Steele All-Independent Second Team.

Seeing action in all 13 games, he caught 34 passes for 453 yards and nine touchdowns.

Apo caught a touchdown in the first three games of the season, but then, saw his numbers drop. He didn't score for four straight games, but then found his groove—and the end zone—six times in the Cougar's final five games. 

4. Braden Hansen

As a member of the Outland Trophy watch list, Hansen has shown Cougar fans that BYU's line can be successful, even though they lost a great player in Matt Reynolds.

Hansen is a 6'6" offensive lineman who has played in every game since arriving in Provo. Weighing 313 pounds, it's tough for defensive players to get around him.

Last season, Hansen helped the Cougar line allow less than two sacks per game in 10 games, and none in five games.

3. Houston Reynolds

Houston Reynolds is a member of a big football family.

His father, Lance, played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and is currently the assistant head coach for BYU. His older brothers, Lance Jr. and Dallas, are currently playing in the NFL, and his other brother, Matt, just finished competing in the NFL combine.

So why not add Houston to that list?

He has the size, athleticism and experience to become a great lineman. Houston battled an injured shoulder for much of last season but still managed to keep his starting position for 10 games.

With the talent he has shown, it would be surprised to not see him wearing an NFL jersey someday.

2. Cody Hoffman

Cody Hoffman led BYU's receivers in all categories with 61 catches, 943 yards and 10 touchdowns, while returning 36 kickoffs for 879 yards. He also returned the first kickoff for a touchdown in BYU history since 1998.

Hoffman was a member of the Yahoo! Sports All-Independent Team, Phil Steele All-Independent First Team and FBS All-Independent Team last season.

What else is there to say?

Standing at 6'4", Cody Hoffman has all the skills necessary to be a reliable playmaker in the NFL—whether it be on offense or special teams.

1. Kyle Van Noy

Last year, Kyle Van Noy had 68 tackles, three interceptions, a blocked punt, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, 10 quarterback hurries, three pass breakups and a touchdown.

Did I mention he was only a sophomore?

Van Noy has already become a celebrity at BYU, earning nicknames like "Velcro" and "The Savage." It many not be long before we see the national spotlight shine on him.

Although his arrival in Provo was delayed by a few issues, Van Noy has shown Cougar fans that he was worth the wait. With two years of eligibility left, he could become one of the best linebackers in college.