BYU Football Recruiting: 4 Former Blue Chippers Who Will Finally Shine in 2014
The jump from high school to college football is huge, and it is harder to adjust for some players than others. Whether they get buried in depth charts or just aren't ready, some blue-chip recruits don't make huge impacts until months or years after their arrivals in college.
The same can be said about several BYU Cougars, but this fall could be their time to shine. After seasons of waiting, we could finally see several highly-touted players reach their expectations.
Here are four former big-time recruits that could be enormous in 2014.
Ross Apo
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Ross Apo originally committed to BYU with highly-rated quarterback Jake Heaps, but after neither lived up to expectations in their first two seasons, Heaps bolted for Kansas. Apo decided to stay in Provo, and although his choice can logically be doubted, it could pay off this fall.
Shoulder problems have been an issue for Apo, but if he is healthy this fall, I have no doubt that he could be BYU's top receiver. He has improved in playing through contact (which was an issue in the past) and has great hands.
With a loaded group of receivers for the Cougars, it could be a great season.
Zac Stout
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Zac Stout also committed to BYU with Heaps and Apo but was never a huge player for the defense. He was kicked off of the team after a fight in 2012, but he was given a fresh start and opportunity to rejoin the program.
It is likely that Stout will start at middle linebacker this fall, and although he doesn't have as much experience as other players, he has the chance to change his legacy as a Cougar.
Trent Trammell
3 of 4Trent Trammell has been a Cougar since last fall but injured his ACL and redshirted the 2013 season. He was viewed as a top-20 JUCO cornerback and may have been a starter last season.
We will see how talented Trammell truly is in a few short months, and although this year's secondary is exceptionally deep, he could be one of the best. He has elite speed, and at full health, he might be a huge playmaker.
Bronson Kaufusi
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Although Bronson Kaufusi has been a consistent starter on BYU's defensive line for the last few seasons, he has not yet been a star. He has been overshadowed by linemen, including Ezekiel Ansah, Eathyn Manumaleuna and Romney Fuga, and the switch to linebacker could be huge for his future.
Playing at outside 'backer will give Kaufusi the opportunity to shine, as Bronco Mendenhall's 3-4 defense is centered around strong linebackers. As a former 4-star recruit, Kaufusi may finally be the playmaking machine that we have hoped for.
