BYU Football: 3 Sophomores Who Will Have the Biggest Impact in 2012

In the world of sports, isn't it better for athletes to be younger?

Maybe not in college football, but BYU has a few underclassmen who will certainly help to carry the team.

Whether they had a great season last year or showed skill in spring training, these three sophomores have what it takes to have an impact on BYU's season.

Iona Pritchard

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

He served an LDS mission in 2009, but suffered a season-ending injury in the spring of 2011. Pritchard redshirted 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. If he is as quick as he was four years ago, he could make a big difference in BYU's season.

Ross Apo

Ross Apo was the FBS Independent Freshman of the Year last season, and was 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.

Statistically, Apo was a much more efficient player the first half of the season than the second half. This may have been because of the quarterback change but, even if so, the Cougars need Apo to come back to his normal, impressive self.

Alani Fua

Although Alani Fua saw very limited playing time behind Jordan Pendleton and Brandon Ogletree, he made the most of it.

He finished the season with six tackles and two sacks.

Now that Pendleton and Jameson Frazier have gone, Fua will most likely see increased minutes and could be part of one of the greatest linebacker groups in Cougar history.

Joining Ogletree, Kyle Van Noy and Uona Kaveinga on defense, he may not be the star, but will no doubt have a sufficient impact.