Spring Recap: BYU Cougars

There were two big concerns going into BYU camp and they were finding out what the new offensive line will look like and who will replace former wide receiver Austin Collie who left early for the NFL draft.

BYU had no spring game because of the field being replaced, which did upset some fans but it could end up being a good thing. Injuries were a big part in the spring camp for BYU with offensive lineman Garrett Reden who had his career ended with a leg injury.

Another injury that happened was with linebacker Vic So’oto who re-fractured the same foot that he broke in the Washington game last year and should be out for another eight weeks.

Wide Receiver McKay Jacobson who is to try to replace Austin Collie also was injured with a hamstring injury kept him out most of spring. The staff hopes Jacobson will be back in football shape in the fall and improve off of his freshman season in 2006

BYU did keep their same stance as during the fall with less hitting in an effort to avoid these injuries, but it looks like they will happen anyways.

The coaches had a hard time with getting a look at the offensive line with the injuries which left only seven able to suit up, along side with one lineman who was married during spring ball and missed time.

Most of spring it was senior R.J. Willing at center, juniors Terence Brown and Jason Speredon at guard and sophomore Matt Reynolds and junior Nick Alletto at tackle, with junior Jesse Taufi and redshirt freshman Braden Hansen also working in.

Reynolds has star quality and Brown could also have a great year. This group isn't as big or hyped as last year's starting five, but they all have experience in the BYU system and now it's their turn. Alletto suffered an MCL injury late in camp but should be ready to go in August.

Now all they have to do is protect Max Hall and make room for running back Harvey Unga. The line is a huge concern and if are able to get it together then BYU will have little to worry about.

The defense was a sore spot last year but Scott Johnson brings hope to the Safety position. However if the corners do not step up he may have to slide to that position to shore up a position that was less then stellar last year.

Now all that is left is the waiting game until fall camp and the prep for the opening game against Oklahoma in the new Texas Stadium.

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