As reported here first Thursday night, well over two hours then any other media outlet, s0 now the reactions began during the day on Friday. The loss of Austin Collie who is the best wide receiver in BYU history might actually make the Cougars better next season.
Yes, that was just said and the reasoning is that Max Hall would stare down Collie and force the ball to him when others were open. Now, with Collie gone this will force BYU's offense to be more creative and spread the ball around.
They could just look down the road to the University of Utah who spreads the ball to the open man, and a good example is on the Utes first drive against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl quarterback Brian Johnson threw to five different receivers en route to their first score.
The only downside to Austin Collie leaving is that BYU will not have the dual threat of McKay Jacobson to play along side Collie. Jacobson was a star recruit from South Lake High School in Texas, which has been the dominant program for the past ten years in the state. Having the two together would have made it very difficult for teams to double any receiver, because BYU also has Denis Pita and David Reed as well. Jacobson would have been the Cougars speed guy with 4 .4 speed, and as a freshman Jacobson averaged 19 yards per catch.
Here is some audio regarding Austin Collie turning pro
Bronco Mendenhall
Austin Collie
AD Tom Holmoe
Austin Collie w/media
Provided by 1320 KFAN
Provided by 1280 The Zone
Austin Collie
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