BYU Recruiting Roundup: Welcome—Now Get to Work

Now that the dust is all settled and BYU has learned who they will be welcoming into the program, let’s look at who could be a possible impact player come August.

As a side note, I would like to address the absence of a few names on national letters of intent. To those out there thinking we didn’t get the players we needed—basically the “big three.” To those three players, I wish you all the best of luck; they made a tough decision with a lot of people breathing down their necks. Recruiting is a tough process, but having a good feeling about your decision after you’ve made up your mind is crucial.

Fans and players alike need to look towards the future and understand that one player doesn’t define a team or program—or faith, for that matter. BYU will thrive and continue to have success with the players that have a strong desire to play for a program that has been nationally ranked the past three years—only one of three or so schools to collect that accolade.

BYU’s program is among the top five in wins over the past four years since Bronco Mendenhall has taken over as head coach, and most importantly, our BYU Cougars haven’t lost at home in three years—that is truly amazing.

While some agonize about players lost, I prefer to applaud the way the current players have handled their business. To those players who made the decision to play for the Y, great choice and get in shape, because you get to play against some of the best programs in the nation next year, and the coaching staff isn’t going to settle for playing well or putting up a good fight. They are hard at work insuring that BYU will be ready to win. Dare I say a new quest has begun.

Here are the players that I think could have an immediate impact next August.

Richard Wilson

It will be tough for him to get playing time with both Dennis Pitta and Andrew George coming back, but this kid can play. He is smooth off the line and has soft hands and the ability to turn up the field after the catch and YAC it up. I would expect him to be a fixture on special teams and break into the rotation towards the middle of the season.

Kyle Van Noy

Like a few guys in this class, he has the body type that the BYU coaching staff loves. He has good height with the promise of gaining a few pounds and still maintaining his athleticism. I would expect him to gain some weight and break into the rotation at linebacker.

Remington Peck

Also has that great body type, which can add weight and help out in different ways. I think he’ll also end up on the defensive side. At 6′4” his body could develop in a way that would make him a defensive end or an outside linebacker.

One thing he needs to work on is playing lower. He doesn’t have a lot of bend in his knees, which limits his explosiveness. With proper coaching this can be corrected, and he’ll develop into a solid player with playmaking abilities.

Craig Bills

This kid can flat-out play! He’s explosive, loves contact, and has a nose for the ball. I would expect him to be a serious contender for a starting position—granted he can come in and understand the game mentally. He will definitely push Jordan Pendleton and Andrew Rich for a starting position.

One of his best qualities is his ability to break on a thrown ball and arrive in time to blow a receiver up. Seeing that type of “feel” from a high school player is promising. Craig also has great size to play the strong safety position. I have high, high hopes for the youngest Bills.

Peni Maka’afi

I think he could become a great inside linebacker. Honestly, we are set for a few years at the fullback position, and I think with Peni’s size and burst, he would make a great backer. I could also be a little biased in wanting all these players to be defensive guys.

Jray Galea’i

He is another Kuhuku product with great potential. He has a great burst and isn’t afraid of contact. He’ll add good depth to our secondary and be able to fill in when he’s needed. He’ll be a great special teams performer and will give the resident boundary corners some competition.

Cody Hoffman

Coming out of Sac-town, he has great speed and vision. He catches the ball with his hands—away from his body—and hits holes hard and fast. It will be interesting to see if he can break into the rotation and set himself apart from other “similar” players. Can he develop into another El Dorado Hills product, like the Collies?

BYU signed two corners out of the JC ranks who both have promise. Make no mistake, they were recruited to fill a need. Lee Aguirre and Brian Logan will get their shot. I am a little hesitant to say they’ll become starters—simply because I’m very skeptical of JC players who are All-World JC players, then show up at BYU and get lost in the mix. I’ve seen my fair share come and go.

Both players have some impressive highlights, and both have been highly productive on the defensive side of the ball. It will be an interesting battle between the Brandons and these two. I’m sure spring ball this year is going to be much more intense.

I’m sure there are other players that will come in and leave a lasting impression. Anyone else have any ideas of how will be the next BMOC?