BYU Football November Recruiting Update

Aside from coaching, there isn't a bigger factor in college football success than recruiting—almost everything stems from how successful coaching staffs are in drawing high school players.

And considering the Honor Code that BYU has to work with, the Cougar coaches have eclipsed most reasonable expectations.

But yesterday's triumphs can't win today's battles; BYU has another star-studded group to pull in. The Cougs have offered over 40 players in the 2014 class, 10 of which are 4-star recruits, and they have gained commitments from 17, per ESPN.

But the work is far from over. With less than three months until national signing day, head coach Bronco Mendenhall and his staff still have a lot left to do before their final class will be assembled. There are a lot of gaps that they will want to fill with new players, and with this season's ending approaching, here's an update on BYU's recruiting efforts.

Key Needs: LB, TE/WR, DB

The biggest blow to BYU's team, on either side of the ball, will be at the linebacker position. Only one linebacker in BYU's starting rotation will be back next season (Alani Fua), and although there are plenty of young players that have the experience to step in to a first-string role, it should be an emphasis in recruiting.

The receiving corps will also be taking big blows when Cody Hoffman, JD Falslev, Skyler Ridley, Richard Wilson and Kaneakua Friel leave. Like the linebacker position, there are players including Devin Mahina, Eric Thornton and Mitch Mathews ready to step in, but a crop of young recruits would be good for the offense.

BYU's secondary has faced more problems this season than any other unit, and although a lot has stemmed from injuries, a strong recruiting class to strengthen the secondary could be a huge asset. BYU will lose key players including Daniel Sorensen, Mike Hague and Skye PoVey, so young players will play a big role next season.

Most Important Commits

Name	Rating	Position	Height	Weight
Isaiah Nacua	****	DE	6'3"	240 lbs
Fred Warner	****	OLB	6'3"	205 lbs
Zac Dawe	***	DT	6'4"	265 lbs
Sione Takitaki	***	ILB	6'2"	235 lbs
Matt Bushman	***	TE	6'5"	215 lbs
Cedric Dale	***	RB	5'8"	168 lbs
Trey Dye	***	WR	5'8"	164 lbs
Teancum Fuga	***	DT	6'1"	310 lbs
Chandon Herring	***	OT	6'6"	265 lbs
Tyler Cook-Nolan	***	OLB	6'3"	212 lbs
Michael Shelton	***	CB	5'8"	170 lbs
Neil Pau'u	***	QB-DT	6'4"	206 lbs
Austin Chambers	***	OT	6'5"	297 lbs
Kavika Fonua	***	S	6'0"	203 lbs
Earl Mariner	**	OG	6'3"	300 lbs
Tejan Koroma	NR	OC	6'0"	255
Nick Kurtz	NR	WR	6'6"	205 lbs

Of all the players BYU has gained commitments from, Fred Warner could be one of the most important to secure. With Kyle Van Noy and Spencer Hadley, the Cougars' top two outside linebackers, Warner could make a quick impact in Provo. He may not be the fastest OLB in the country, running a 4.8 40-yard dash, but he definitely has potential to be a solid player.

The most familiar commit to BYU fans may be junior college receiver Nick Kurtz. He hasn't received the most hype from recruiting outlets, but he got scholarship offers from teams from the PAC 12, SEC and the Big Ten, among others. At 6'6" and a playmaking machine, he could help fill the void filled by Cody Hoffman.

Lastly, a big duo of recruits to keep an eye on is that of Isaiah Nacua and Zac Dawe. The two in-state defensive linemen could add to a solid, run-smashing D, something that Coach Mendenhall loves to assemble. With the pair complementing Bronson Kaufusi on the line, BYU could have a great threesome next season.

Most Important Targets

Name	Rating	Position	Height	Weight
Solomon Thomas	****	DE	6'3"	256 lbs
Damien Mama	****	OG	6'4"	370 lbs
Tyler Luatua	****	TE	6'3"	243 lbs
Dalton Schultz	****	TE	6'6"	235 lbs
Andrew Mike	***	OT	6'6"	278 lbs
David Moa	***	DE	6'3"	236 lbs
Isaiah Kaufusi	***	OLB	6'2"	180 lbs
Uriah-Dillon Leiataua	***	DE	6'3"	232 lbs
Courtland Sutton	***	S	6'3"	195 lbs
Quinn Bailey	***	OT	6'5"	265 lbs

With the struggles at the tight end position for BYU in recent years, Tyler Luatua could be a huge player to pick up. Per 247Sports, BYU is a longshot to land the SoCal tight end, as Texas, Notre Dame and Alabama, among others, have offered Luatua. It would be quite the accomplishment if Mendenhall and his staff could land the nation's top tight end, per ESPN rankings.

Courtland Sutton would be another giant asset to BYU's defense, aiding a struggling secondary. Per 247Sports, The Brenham, Texas resident has Big 12 and Pac-12 teams on his tail, but with Daniel Sorensen losing eligibility after this season, BYU could be a great fit for Sutton.

All recruiting info is courtesy of 247Sports or ESPN unless otherwise noted.