The College Basketball signing period started back on April 11th and goes to May 16th.  Not much has been said about who Rose and staff are going after.  But with six Seniors gone it is obvious that a player or two is expected to sign.  Here are some of the prospects that I found some information on.

Brad Garrett, SG (College of Southern Idaho)

No not this Brad Garrett....

This Brad Garrett....

Garrett is the recruit most Cougar fans know about.  The sharp shooting guard originally from St. George, is receiving some serious attention from big-time college basketball programs.  Oklahoma State, Oregon, and BYU have all offerred for Garrett's services.  Another school that might offer Garrett is the Kansas Jayhawks. The only way that Kansas offers Garrett is if Brandon Rush leaves early for the NBA.  Garrett might visit Kansas in the near future.  Garrett was the NJCAA leader in points this past season with a total of 552 points averaging 15.8 per game.

Here is a bio from Junior College News after his visit to BYU.

If Rose can land Garrett, it would give him the luxury of being able to redshirt New York sharp-shooter Jimmer Fredette.  This would be a great signing in the Spring period.

Trevin Harris, SF (Humble HS) Kingwood, TX

Harris is 6-6, 210 and has even said that he wants to go to BYU.  Harris is also receiving attention from Florida State, Notre Dame, and Texas Tech.  Harris plays for the Houston Hoops AAU team that is the defending champions in the Las Vegas Spring Showcase that is one of the biggest AAU tournaments.  They will be looking to defend their title at the end of the month.

Kelvin Davis, G (College of Southern Idaho)

Davis is a JC prospect who originally played at UTEP in his Freshman season back in '04-'05, where he averaged only 1.8 ppg.  Redshirted his Sophomore season due to injury (broken foot) and then transferred to get a fresh start.  In this article, Davis says that he has received alot of attention from BYU.  He visited BYU back on April 13th.  He is teammates with Garrett.  Davis has received an offer from Arkansas, and has received attention from Miami (FL), NC State, and Illinois just to name a few.

Yahosh Bonner, G (Cochise College)

Bonner was originally supposed to be a walk-on for Steve Cleveland awhile back out of Mesa, AZ.  He never enrolled at BYU, and went on a LDS mission.  He averaged 8.4 ppg this past season for Cochise.  Bonner's options are BYU, Southern Utah, and some other small schools.

Players already signed from early signing period

• Chris Collinsworth, F, Provo HS
  
• Jimmer Fredette, G, Glen Falls HS (New York)
  
• Lamont Morgan, G, Saddleback JC
  
• Jean Carlos Otero, F, Miami-Dade JC
  
• Nick Martineau, G, Davis HS

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Here is the third installment leading up to Letter of Intent Day, evaluating BYU recruiting classes.

Spencer Abney TE Orem
Never enrolled

Eugene Childs WR Los Angeles
Didn't make it academically

Logan Deans RB Englewood, CO
Went on mission, came back in '01 and redshirted. Played in 12 games in 2002 gained 17 yards. After '02 season quit the team.  Deans was known as the team comedian during his one season.

Kevin Gilbride QB Jacksonville, FL
Redshirted in '98, quit the team during the '99 season.  He then transferred to Hawaii, and didn't do anything due to Timmy Chang being there and the QB who tore apart BYU, Nick Rolovich.  Gilbride's father who has the same name was a head coach for the San Diego Chargers for a few years.

Jernaro Gilford DB Hawthorne, CA
Gilford wasn't eligible at BYU for the '98 season, he signed again in '99.  Gilford saw very little time in his Freshman season in '99, but there was a lot of excitement about him being a future star at the DB spot.  During the summer of 2000, Gilford was suspended for the year for stealing sports equipment.  Came back in 2001, and had an outstanding year, recording six INT's including the one against Utah that sealed the game.  Gilford earned 1st Team All-MWC honors that year.  The following season, Gilford was hampered by knee problems that would bother him the rest of his career.  Only had three INT's in his Junior and Senior season, still one of the most talented Cornerbacks BYU has had.  Gilford was with the Seahawks but knee problems ended his chances of making the team.
This past year, Gilford was a coach at Pima Community College along with former Cougars Joshua Brandon, and Chris Stevens.
Here is a highlight package from the 2001 Utah game.

Gray was quietly one of BYU's best

Brian Gray DB El Camino JC
Gray was a standout CB for BYU, going down as one of the best in BYU history. Gray had 33 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 INT's in '98. One of his interceptions was the eventual game winning TD against San Diego State (13-0). In '99 had 36 tackles and 3 INT's. Gray's stats could have been better but opposing offenses were afraid to throw around him.

Sione Havili RB Salt Lake
Went on a mission, came back early because he was involved in a arsonist crime. He wanted to transfer to Utah. McBride wanted him to join but the administration (Chris Hill in particular) wouldn't let him. Didn't enroll in either BYU or Utah, later transferred to Texas Tech, but did not play for the Red Raiders either.  Finally, ended up playing for Ron McBride but it was at Weber State.

Isaac Herring OL Mapleton, UT
A good lineman at the Y. Started in last 26 games as a Cougar. He had a 626 lb. squat.

Junior "Reno" Mahe RB Salt Lake
Came into BYU as a RB, and saw time immediately at the position. In his first college game against Alabama, had a TD run. In the '98 season had 98 carries for 510 yards. In '99 kicked out of school for HC violation. In '00 played at Dixie State. In '01 came back to the Y, and was switched to the WR position where he started on the best offense in the country. Started in all 14 games, 1st TM MWC selection. Had 91 rec for 1,211 yards and 180 rushing yards. In '02 his stats weren't as great due to the lack of offense and no consistency at QB but still solid, 59 rec for 771 yards and 86 rushing yards. Married to former BYU volleyball player Sonny Tonga.  Mahe had a great career at BYU.

Brandon McFerren OL Union City, CA
Never saw much time in his 4 years, quit the team after '01 season.

James Morgan OL Dunnellon, FL
Never made it into school.

Moa Peaua LB Reno, NV
Came back from mission in '00 and redshirted. In 2001-2003 had season ending injuries giving him not much playing time at LB and DE. In 2004, saw limited time as a blocking FB.  In 2005, transferred to Weber State for his final season.

Poppinga was awesome on and off the field

Brady Poppinga LB Evanston, WY
Poppinga was a great player at BYU, he was always a vocal leader and he was a very talented player. Saw action in 12 games his Freshman season recording 10 tackles and a Fumble recovery against Hawaii. In '02 switched to DE and was a 1st TM MWC selection, leading the MWC with 8 sacks, also had 49 tackles, 14 for loss, and started in all 12 games. In '03 was a 1st TM MWC Selection again, had 55 tackles, 6 sacks, and 2 INT's. In '04 switched back to his old position at LB, due to the lack of depth and he had 79 tackles and 6 sacks and for the 3rd straight year was 1st TM MWC selection. First BYU player to do that in the MWC era. Poppinga was an outstanding player.  Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 4th Round of the 2005 NFL Draft, and has become a very good LB for Green Bay alongside A.J. Hawk.

Jonathan Pittman WR Long Beach City College
Redshirted in '98 due to academics. In '99 saw significant time playing in all 12 games gaining 478 yards on 29 receptions, also had 4 TD's. In '00 was 2nd on the team in receiving (behind Hooks) gaining 691 on 38 receptions and hauling in 5 TD's. Pittman's shining moment at BYU was of course the game against Utah, 4th and 23 and Doman goes deep to Pittman and he hauls it in for the huge first down.  Then the following play, Doman is calling one thing but Pittman disagreed giving him a hand signal to go deep.  Doman went with Pittman's call and again down the sideline to haul in another catch, because of those catches BYU beat the Utes in one of the most memorable finishes in the rivalry.  After Pittman's glorious moments in the spotlight, one week later he breaks the Honor Code getting kicked out of school and he didn't graduate.

Dustin Rykert OL Roseville, CA
Rykert was a massive O-lineman, lining up at 6-7.  Played in all but 4 games in his career at the Y. He was a Conference Honorable Mention in 2001-2002.  Rykert even scored a Touchdown in his career during the 2001 Liberty Bowl against Louisville.  It was BYU's only Touchdown that entire game.  Rykert had a short tenure in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders.

Heshimu Robertson DB Long Beach, CA
Robertson was a mid-year enrollee, played Spring Football in '98.  Robertson and Brian Gray made a outstanding Cornerback tandem, but there wasn't much depth behind them.  With that said, Robertson was suspended for the Liberty Bowl against Tulane where Rob Warcup was the back-up, and Shaun King never even looked at Brian Gray's side the entire day.  Robertson did come back in '99 and did a nice job, for his size he did a good job.  Robertson recorded 78 tackles in his career.

TJ Sitake RB Salt Lake
Sitake's career just recently ended in the 2005 season.  Sitake was listed as a RB during the '99 and '00 seasons, then went on a mission.  Sitake never returned until the 2004 season, I don't know the exact reasons what took so long but I was surprised to see him back.  Was switched to D-line for the 2005 season, and had 17 tackles.  His brother, Kalani is a assistant coach at Utah.

Chris Stevens LB Hemet, CA
Never saw playing time quit team after '03 season.  This past season, a coach at Pima Community College.

Hanale Vincent OL Kailua, HI
Good career at BYU, he played at all positions on the OL. Started in 7 games in '02 for the injured Scott Jackson. Saw playing time go down in '03-'04 seasons.

Wente should have took notes from this guy

Nathan Wente TE Canby, OR
Didn't see much playing time in his 3 years at BYU, quit team after '02 season.  He was too thin to be a TE at the D-1 level.

Michael Westbrook WR Lakewood, WA
In '98 Saw action in all 12 games as Freshman had 1 reception for 14 yards. In '99 played in 4 games receiving 9 catches for 65 yards, after the USU game quit the team.  Westbrook had a brother that played for the Washington Redskins.

Ranking the Class

1. Brady Poppinga
   
2. Brian Gray
   
3. Reno Mahe
   
4. Jernaro Gilford
   
5. Dustin Rykert

Archive:
1997, 1996

--Mitch

Entry Link :: Comment

Dave Rose received a commitment for the Spring signing period from Davis High Point Guard Nick Martineau.

Point Guard Situation in 2007
- Ben Murdock, currently the second string PG behind Austin Ainge
- Lamont Morgan (Saddleback JC)
- Nick Martineau

--Mitch

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Continuing with evaluating recruiting classes since 1996, here is the second installment with the '97 class.

Aissac Aiono  TE  Compton, CA
Saw limited action in three seasons.  Before 2004 season, quit the team.

Jason Anderson  QB  Sandy
Redshirted in 97.  In '98 switched to Safety didn't see much playing time then transferred to Utah and did nothing there as well.

Jon Burbidge  WR  Olympia, WA
Came back from mission in 2001 and was switched to Safety.  Came from no-where to be a solid contributor to the team and was a starter during the 2003 and 2004 seasons.  Earned All-MWC HM in 2004.

David Castleton  WR  Irvine, CA
Never played.  Decided to play on the BYU baseball team instead and never played with them either.

David Christensen  WR  Clovis, CA
A reserve receiver during his three seasons, also was a specialist.  Totaled over 700+ all-purpose yards in his career.

Toby Christensen  WR  Alpine, UT
Son of Cougar legend Todd Christensen (FB).  Was the starter at receiver during the 2002 and 2003 seasons, also Punt returner.  Had a solid career recording over 1,000 yards receiving.  Now does some sideline reporting on the very popular "mtn." channel.

Andrew Clark  OL  Belmont, MA
Never enrolled

Jaron Dabney  CB  Sealy, TX
Dabney was the reserve RB behind Brian McKenzie in '97, but his impact was made in the return game where it seemed as if BYU wouldn't lose a beat after departed Senior James Dye graduated.  Dabney recorded BYU's last TD in the return game prior to McKay Jacobson's one this season against Wyoming during the `97 season against Hawaii.  Dabney was the WAC Freshman of the Year that season.  In '98 Dabney broke the Honor Code forcing him to redshirt.  In '99 Dabney was a 2nd Team All-MWC performer and was a solid contributor once again to the return game.  In 2000 Dabney broke the HC again forcing him to be kicked out of school.  Dabney was a great talent, it would've been nice to see him for four years in Provo.

James Eastman  OT  Renton, WA
Went on a mission immediately and then never showed up.

J.R. Ewing  DL  Phoenix, AZ
Never Enrolled

Jeremy Gibbs  DB  Memphis, TN
Was there for Spring Practices in '97 but after that was never seen again.

Matt Griffith  OT  Renton, WA
Never Enrolled.

Ryan Gunderson  DL  Gresham, OR
A solid performer from the DT position for three seasons.  After the 2001 season, Gunderson and teammate Teague Whiting were in a bar fight with some random guy and knocked him out giving them both suspensions for the '02 season.  Gunderson in that same season suffered back injuries towards the end of the year that ended his Cougar career.

Jared Harper  FB  Orem
Lettered one season in 2002

Scott Jackson  DL  Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Saw limited time from 2000-2001.  Took over the starting Center spot in 2002 and 2003 and was an All-MWC performer in those seasons.  A very good Center.

Brett Keisel  TE  Greybull, WY
Switched to DE in 1998.  Redshirted in 1999.  In 2000 and 2001 Keisel was the starter and a very good pass rushing DE for the Cougars.  Keisel was drafted by the Steelers in the 7th Round of the 2002 Draft and has been a major contributor for the Steelers, being one of their top players in the franchise.  Recently inducted into the state of Wyoming Athletic Hall of Fame.

Isaac Kelley  QB  American Fork
Kelley was switched to Linebacker and he was a starter for the Cougars.  Kelley had 186 tackles in his career with the Cougars.  

Jason Kukahiko  WR  Orem
Kukahiko was a possession receiver at best.  Improved his receiving stats every season with the Cougars.  Ended his career with 508 receiving yards.

Zach Magalei  LB  Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Never Enrolled

Drew Miller  QB  Lakewood, WA
Highly recruited.  Miller was given the starting QB nod for the UTEP game (L, 3-14 in the Sun Bowl) and did very well.  But the rest of the season for Miller he did not see much time.  In 1998 was the reserve behind Feterik and didn't see time, so he transferred mainly due to his dad being so involved.  He ended up at Montana and led the Grizzlies to the D-1AA National Championship in 1999.  Could have been a good QB at BYU but his dad got in the way of things and he grew an attitude.

Stanley Moleni   LB  Laie, HI
Only played one season in '98, and saw limited time.

Todd Mortensen  QB  Tempe, AZ
Did basically nothing in his 3 seasons with the Cougars.  Had an opportunity to shine in the Boise State game in 2003 and did nothing.  After that 2003 season transferred to the D-1AA San Diego Toreros and tore it up under Head Coach (and now Stanford coach) Jim Harbaugh. With his great performance in San Diego for one season it earned him a Free Agent contract with the Detroit Lions, didn't make the squad but it was quite an accomplishment for him, considering he couldn't even throw a pass in 2003 against Boise State.

Kevon Morton  DB  Baytown, TX
Only played two seasons and recorded 4 tackles, then left the program after 1998.

Wes Patterson  RB  Bountiful
Did nothing.  Only there for one season in '98 and didn't see any playing time

Matt Payne  K  North Ogden
Payne was a great kicking specialist for four seasons.  Did both Kicking and Punting from 2002-2004.  Was a great hitter for being a kicker, just ask Chris Carr from Boise State.  Payne's efficiency went down towards the end of the 2004 season, but overall in his career he was 150 of 157 on PAT's and 54-73 on FG's.  It was surprising that Payne never landed a gig with an NFL team, but he had a stellar career with BYU.  Surprisingly, Payne was never given an opportunity by an NFL franchise.
*Don't watch after the first two highlights on this clip.  That game still irks the Cougar nation.  But the hits were awesome.

Ifo Pili  DL  Orem
Pili started seeing time as a True Freshman in '98 recording 17 tackles.  Went on a mission, then came back in 2001 and seemed to be out of shape from his mission arriving mid-way through Fall camp that season.  Had a very productive Junior season recording 12 sacks and 48 tackles and earning Honorable mention.  Pili's production went down his Senior year, but still had a positive impact.
Had a short stint with the New England Patriots but felt football had became a job once he arrived in the Pros, and now works in the Eagle Mountain area and wants to get into politics.

Mike Rigell  WR  Tacoma, WA
Redshirted the '97 season.  As a redshirt Freshman in '98 was the main kick returner, including a Kickoff returned for a Touchdown against Hawaii.  Rigell broke the Honor Code after that season and was gone for the '99 campaign.  Came back in 2000, and in 2001 had over 1,000 yards in the return game on the season earning him MWC Honorable Mention.  Rigell had a stint with Utah's NIFL team called the Utah Warriors who played at the E Center, that team only lasted two seasons, still plays in the NIFL for the Rapid City Flying Aces.

Steroids at BYU???  Forget congress I'd be more worried about BYU Police coming after ya.

Jason Scukanec  OL  Vancouver, WA
Didn't see hardly any time unil the 2000 season where he earned 2nd Team All-MWC honors from the Center position.  Then during BYU's high octane offensive season in 2001, Scukanec was the anchor of the O-line earning 1st Team All-MWC honor.
Had a stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL for a season or two.  Scukanec works on a Oregon sports radio station and in 2005 claimed he knew 13-15 BYU football players who were taking steroids, during their time in Provo.

Brandon Stephens  TE  Logan
Went on a mission to start his career, and was switched to Offensive Line when he came back in 2000.  Redshirted in '00 and saw limited time the rest of his career.  Stephens helped Okland Construction on building the Indoor Practice Facility during the summer of 2002.

Doug Shaw  FB  Marietta, GA
Never enrolled.

Ryan Slater  WR  American Fork
Came in to Provo with some press clippings but never lived up to anything.  Had only 67 yards receiving in his entire career.  One of the main reasons BYU fans aren't too keen on having WRs from Utah County.

Mike Tanner  LB  Orem
Tanner didn't see time in his Cougar career until 2002 when Paul Walkenhorst went down with injury.  Tanner was the ideal size for a Middle Linebacker (6'1 235).  In his two seasons seeing significant time he recorded 137 tackles, 7 TFL, and 2 INT.  Tanner also earned Honorable Mentions for both years.  A solid player.

Rod Wilkerson  S  Orem
A.K.A. "50/50"  Wilkerson was switched to WR in 2001 went he came back from a mission.  Wilkerson was extremely and had the makings to be a good receiver, but he had no hands giving him the infamous nickname of "50/50."  He did end up with over 1,000 receiving yards in his career.

Bill Wright  LB  Portland, OR
Wright saw limited time in his four years in Provo (2000-2003).  Was switched from OLB to DE going into the 2003 season and he was switched back before seasons end.

Ranking the Class

1. Brett Keisel
2. Matt Payne
3. Ifo Pili
4. Jason Scukanec
T-5.  Scott Jackson
T-5.  Mike Rigell

This class is a prime example of what Bronco Mendenhall has went away from, and that is players who never enroll, hurting the depth of the program.  This class 7 to 8 players who never played a down in Cougar blue.  Now the program looks for talent who wants to come to BYU and they sell their selves to the program instead of waiting til Signing Day for athletes who truly aren't "Fully Invested" in coming to BYU.

Was really excited for Jaron Dabney it looked like he would was going to have as good if not better career than James Dye in the return game.  This class only had one player (Keisel) who made a big splash in the pro ranks.  This was a average class as a whole, mainly due to the mentioned lack of players getting enrolled.

Archive:
1996

--Mitch

Entry Link :: Comment

Just read that Upland, California Tight End Devin Mahina committed to BYU after his official visit this weekend.  Very exciting, Mahina is a 3* recruit on Scout.com and is the 44th best TE in the country according to the site.  Mahina was also recruited by UCLA, Oregon, and Colorado.  BYU now has 26 commits for the class of 2007.  Mahina is planning on a mission.

TBS Article on Mahina *Subscription Required
Salt Lake Tribune article

--Mitch

Entry Link :: Comment

This is the first installment leading up to Letter of Intent Day evaluating BYU recruiting classes since 1996.

Ben Archibald OL Gearhart, Oregon
Archibald was a stellar OT for three seasons, received 2nd Team All-MWC honors in 2001. In the Fall Camp of 2002, Archibald suffered a severe knee injury that ended his season. Archibald applied for a medical redshirt year and didn't receive it.  Currently with the New Orleans Saints practice squad.

Brant Diediker LB Newbury Park, California
Redshirted in the '96 season then after the season left the team.

Brock Diediker FB Newbury Park, California
Twin brother to Brant. Same situation as Brant left the team after the '96 season.

Chris Ellison DB, El Camino JC
Ellison was a tough physical Safety who had an immediate impact right away in his career. Had 93 tackles and one Interception his Junior season in '96. In '97 expected to have a big Senior year but suffered a season ending ACL the first defensive series of the year against Washington and he redshirted that season. In '98 had another great year with 86 tackles.

Not Staley, Doman, or Mahe but Justin Ena was the cover boy heading into the 2001 season.

Justin Ena LB Shelton, Washington
Ena played four straight years for the Cougars at the Middle Linebacker position. Ena had three seasons ('99-'01) as a All-MWC selection. Recorded 279 tackles in his career with BYU. In 2002, drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 7th round of the NFL Draft. Ena played in 2002-2003 with the Eagles, then joined the Titans in 2004. In 2005, Ena signed a 2-year contract with the Eagles again. Also a significant contributor to the Eagles special teams unit. Solid Career.

Brett Engemann QB Provo
Highly recruited coming out of Timpview High. Engemann never lived up to the hype though. Redshirted the '96 season. Engemann came back from his mission in '99, and right off lost some respect from his Cougar teammates. Engemann refused to participate in the annual tradition of the Freshman shaving their hair off, earning him the title of "Pretty Boy" long before Brady Quinn.  Engemann finally had his chance in 2000 to take over for the departed Kevin Feterik. At Virginia, Engemann led the Cougars to a 2nd half comeback to get the win over the Cavaliers in OT (38-35), but things didn't go as smooth after that with a season-ending injury during the Syracuse game. In 2001, sat out due to the success of Brandon Doman. In 2002, was given the nod once again to be the starter. Had a solid game against Syracuse but his continus inconsistent play forced Crowton to share time with Lance Pendleton and Matt Berry. Engemann after the 2002 season decided the NFL Draft and on the Pro Day got in an altercation with DE C.J. Ah You, with Ah You punching him in the face.
Engemann's career was a major bust.

Markis Ervin DB Waco, Texas
Just another Defensive Back that never enrolled.

Ben Horton WR Lake Elsinore, CA
A.K.A. "Hollywood" Horton was a nice possession receiver in his four years. Recorded 1,218 yards receiving in his career.

Margin Hooks WR Waco, TX
Other than his fellow Waco, TX counterpart (Ervin), Hooks went on to have an impressive career at BYU. Hooks finished 2nd in BYU's all-time career receiving yards list with 2,841 only behind Eric Drage. Hooks signed a Free Agent contract with the Miami Dolphins but didn't make the roster and wasn't seen in the NFL since. Hooks was one of BYU's best WRs to ever play in Provo.

Kevin Feterik QB Los Alamitos, CA
Was the reserve behind Sarkisian in '96, had a TD pass against Utah State, the first True Freshman to throw for a TD pass since Ty Detmer. Part of a QB battle in '97 with Paul Shoemaker, after that Fall Camp that year was placed as the reserve, that didn't last long though. Shoemaker's lack of performance in the opener against Washington gave Feterik the nod mid-way through that game and he took over the spot for the next three seasons. Feterik was a very good route-reading QB, but his major downfall was the lack of arm strength. Feterik did lead BYU to two bowl games in 98 (Liberty: Tulane), 99 (Motor City: Marshall). Received First Team All-MWC honors in the first seson of the league. Had 8,065 passing yards and a 22-14 record as the starter. After BYU, had a career in the CFL with the Ottawa Renegades.  The best moment with Feterik was the '99 Washington game, the first with the infamous "Bib" uniforms.

Ronney Jenkins  RB  Port Hueneme, California
Big-Time Recruit.  Part of a outstanding one-two punch backfield in 1996 with Brian McKenzie.  Jenkins earned WAC Freshman of the Year honors and major contributor that went 14-1 and went to the Cotton Bowl.  In '97 Jenkins broke the Honor Code forcing him to redshirt that season.  Returned in '98 and set the single-game rushing yards record against San Jose State with 250 yards.  Jenkins for 1,307 yards that season, putting him over 2,000 in 2 seasons with the Cougars.  In 1999 Jenkins once again broke the HC and was forced out of school.  Jenkins then transferred to Northern Arizona for one season and then entered the NFL Draft.  Jenkins went to the San Diego Chargers and then to the Oakland Raiders.  Jenkins was a contributor in the Kick Return game.
Jenkins if he wouldn't have broke the HC would have shattered BYU's rushing records, but instead made some bad decisions and his Cougar career was cut off short.
Currently, Jenkins owes a man over $2,000, sad life for someone who had a stint in the NFL and could have been a BYU legend.

Jason Loerzel  WR  Park Ridge, Illinois
Never showed up due to a NCAA clearinghouse mistake.  Ended up at Purdue and was a reserve his entire career.

Jason Keo RB, Hauula, HI
Never played for the Cougars because he died in a car accident the summer leading up to the season.

Brian McKenzie RB, Arizona Western JC
McKenzie was an under the radar JUCO player who had an impressive two years at BYU. In his short two years, McKenzie ran for 1,954 yards and 23 Touchdowns. McKenzie's best performance was against Utah in '96. McKenzie were a great 1-2 tandem for that '96 season. McKenzie deserves to be in the discussion as one of the best RBs in BYU's history.

Michael Madsen  S  Littleton, Colorado
Saw limited time in his three seasons.  Recorded 38 tackles

John Moala  TE  Carrollton, Texas
Redshirted in 96.  After the football season, joined Tony Ingle's 1-25 Cougar basketball team along with other football player Tyrone Brown.  Switched to Offensive line in 97 and after the season quit the program.

Omarr Morgan CB, El Camino JC
A.K.A. "The Blanket" Morgan was the immediate shut down corner BYU wanted when they signed him. The Blanket's most epic interception was against Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl to seal the win and a 14 win season. The Blanket and Tim McTyer were one of the best Cornerback tandems BYU has ever seen. Morgan was a two-time First Team All-WAC performer. Morgan went on to be a great player for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL.

Andrew Ord  RB  Rancho Santa Fe, California
Never saw time at RB, switched to WR and played three seasons at the position.

Larry Moeaki  OL  Warrenville, Illinois
Stayed two seasons then quit the program due to lack of playing time.  His younger brother currently plays for Iowa (Larry) and was a highly touted player who was recruited by BYU.

Back in his days at BYU Olsen was causing havoc on opposing QBs, now during BYU games he is seen at Disney On Ice.

Hans Olsen  DL  Weiser, Idaho
Didn't see much playing time until the 1999 season.  During that season was a dominant force on the inside of the D-line.  Earned 2nd Team All-MWC honors in 2000.  Olsen and Chris Hoke were a dynamic duo on the inside of the Cougar D-line.
Olsen is currently playing with the AFL's Utah Blaze and is one of the top players of that franchise. Olsen also does talk radio for 1280 the Zone where it was revealed he went to a Disney on Ice concert instead of watch the BYU-Wyoming game this past season.

Danny Robinson  LB  Thornton, Colorado
Redshirted in '96.  During the 1997 season broke the Honor Code and never returned to the program.

Will Snowden RB, Louisville, CO
Snowden was very highly recruited by schools all over the nation but never lived up to his hype. Only rushed for 273 yards in his career.

Chris Watkins  DL  Gilbert, Arizona
Serviceable D-Lineman, suffered from back injuries and that ultimately ended his career.

Ranking the class

1. Brian McKenzie
   
2. Omarr Morgan
   
3. Ronney Jenkins* (Had Jenkins not broke the HC he would have been the best)
   
4. Justin Ena
   
5. Chris Ellison

--Mitch

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BYU gets another JC quarterback according to Dick Harmon.  Here is what was in the article.

The Quarterback position is now stacked.  This should be one of the best Quarterback races BYU has ever had.  BYU now has two Quarterbacks that are 6'5, Haskins and Munns.

--Mitch

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According to Dick Harmon, BYU receives their 24th commitment from Famika Anae, a offensive lineman from Timpview High School.

BYU is going to be loaded with Timpview Thunderbirds on their Offensive Line.  In 2007, the following O-Lineman are from Timpview.

Dallas Reynolds, Houston Reynolds, Matt Reynolds, Eathyn Manumaleuna, and Famika Anae.  All of these players except Dallas Reynolds will be Freshman.

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Cougar Running Back commit J.J. DiLuigi led Canyon High School to a monumental upset over the De La Salle Spartans who were the #1 ranked team in america, in the California CIF championship.

This was the second time this season I have watched DiLuigi play and he impressed me again.  His cut backs were amazing, and he is a very strong back for his size.  Petros Papadakas who was the color commentator for the game said DiLuigi is "the LaDainian Tomlinson of High School football."  A fun game to watch, and happy to see DiLuigi have a great game on the big stage.

DiLuigi finished the evening with 138 yards on 21 carries.  His season total was 2,159 yards and 39 touchdowns.  I bet many schools in the Pac-10 are trying to lure this guy away from BYU, but I'm confident that he is committed to the Cougs.  How he committed to the program over the summer shows to me that he is a man of his word.  I'm excited to see DiLuigi in the Cougar blue next fall.

LA Daily News article

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There has been a lot of talk over Snow Junior College Quarterback Cade Cooper lately amongst Cougar fans, and beat writer Patrick Kinahan said in his blog that Cooper is making a visit to BYU on Friday.

This made me thinking of some pros and cons of getting Cooper for the 2007 season. Let me state that I think Cooper would be a great addition and I think BYU would gain a lot if they were to get Cooper to commit.

Pros to getting Cooper
- Can be a mid-year signee and participate in Spring Practice. The mid-year signing period starts December 20th.
- A Quarterback with some college experience, behind projected starter Max Hall.
- Local guy so he knows what to expect with the program.
- Will make the QB battle even tougher for Hall, making him play at a higher level.
- He is mobile who can scramble, which is a great asset to have in a spread offense.

Cons against getting Cooper
I really don't see any negatives to getting Cooper. It makes the QB position deeper for 2007, he is athletic, and he has college experience.

Cooper is a 4* JC prospect according to Scout.com. Cooper led the Snow Badgers to a victory in the Top of the Mountains Bowl over Coffeyville. Cooper suffered a mild concussion in that game but is fine.

Cooper has received offers from BYU, Utah, Troy, and Utah State. Also has received some serious attention from Oklahoma. But BYU seems to be the best fit for Coooper, who will have a chance to make an impact immediately and see time.

What do you think Cougar fans? Would Cooper be a good move for the program?

--Mitch

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Today is the Utah High School Football Championships for 3-A, 4-A, and 5-A.  A total of five Cougar commits in the class of 2007 will be competing in the games.  All the games are on KJZZ 14.

At 1:30 is the 4-A championship with the Highland Rams taking on the Timpview Thunderbirds.  Highland TE Braden Brown (pictured) is Provo-bound and he had a big touchdown grab in last week's semifinals coming off the flu.  The Cougar commits from Timpview are on the offensive line in Houston Reynolds and Eathyn Manumaleuna.  Reynolds according to Scout.com is the 16th best in the country at his offensive line position.  For Manumaleuna, this is his first year living in Utah, he moved here from Alaska before the season.

In the 5-A championship at 5, it puts undefeated and #1 ranked Bingham Miners up against the Alta Hawks.  There are no Cougar commits from Alta but there are a couple from the Miners.  The first commit of the 2007 class, is Jordan Pendleton who is an all-around athlete for the Miners he does a little of everything.  He is an athletic player who has a knack for making plays.  The other commit is Defensive Lineman Star Lotulelei.  So enjoy the games, Provo Pride will have a recap of how the Commits did.

--MH--

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Jean Carlos Otero, Forward

According to Jason Franchuk over at Cougarblue, BYU will have their fourth Letter of Intent signed by Jean Carlos Otero (6'7) who is currently playing at Miami Dade College. Otero is originally from Colombia and he will add some more international flavor to the already diverse Cougar roster next season. Head Coach Dave Rose is expected to announce the four Letter of Intents in the class today. After Rose makes his release, Provo Pride will analyze the class with recruit profiles, so watch for that.

2006 Early Signing Period Class