BYU Football: Who Will Emerge as the Star of the Cougars' Backfield?

There is plenty of room in BYU's backfield for a youngster to come in and take over. As both Bryan Kariya and JJ Di Luigi have moved on, this is a great chance for an unknown and overlooked Cougar to step up and help guide the offense.

Last season, Michael Alisa was the hidden gem.

Although he and Josh Quezada are back on the roster, if there is a lack of production from the offense early on, anyone could step in and fill the gap. Here are five Cougars that could be that special player.

David Foote

David Foote did not see very much time playing offense, but he appeared in all 13 games on special teams. Foote finished the season with 13 carries for 146 yards.

David Foote is in the same position Michael Alisa was in last year: a steady special teams contributor, seeing rare minutes on offense. He will probably be the third rushing option behind Alisa and Quezada, and his playing time should see an increase.

Paul Lasike

A rugby player, Paul Lasike is currently a member of of the BYU football and rugby teams. Standing at 6'0" and 225 pounds, Lasike not only has size but speed as well.

I have never actually seen him play football, but rugby and football are similar, right?

Well, I guess not, but Lasike practiced with the football team during the season, and he still has plenty of time to make the transition.

I am sure that if he can get playing time, he will make an impact.

James Lark

Who said everyone on this list had to be a running back or fullback?

A quarterback is part of the backfield, right? Well, if so, Lark earns a spot on this list.

As the backup quarterback, he will have to step up if Riley Nelson gets hurt (knock on wood). With the aggressive style of that Nelson has played, an injury could be tough to stop.

James Lark has completed 4-of-9 passes for 58 yards in his four-year Cougar career.

Let's hope that Nelson doesn't get hurt.

Iona Pritchard

Iona Pritchard is a sophomore but hasn't played in a game since 2008.

He served a LDS mission in 2009 but suffered a season-ending injury in the spring of 2011. He red-shirted last year and looks to make a direct impact in the backfield this season.

Standing at 6'0" and weighing 240 pounds, Pritchard is no small guy. Given the chance, he could be an effective fullback in BYU's backfield.

Adam Hine

Adam Hine is a 6'1", 193 pound running back who currently holds the state high school vertical jumping record (something crazy like seven feet).  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.