Breakout: Ten To Watch

Each new season brings new excitement and amazing plays to watch with new possible breakout players. With fall camp basically underway listed below are some players who should see new increased time in their respective positions. In no particular order...


Luke Ashworth (6.2/195 WR-Soph/Timpview HS) Still fresh from the mission as well as he toyed with a possible switch from WR to the secondary in the spring but with mounds of potential. Saw action in 11 of 12 games as a freshman and averaged 15 yards per reception.
JJ Di Luigi (5.9/200 RB-Fresh/Canyon Country CA) Redshirted last year due to a foot injury. Won HS state championship over De La Salle (then ranked #1 in the nation) with a fine performance of 21 carries and 138 yards. Was first team all state with a 154 yard per game average. Has an incredible bright future wearing Cougar blue. Will have an increased role with the loss of Manase. Di Luigi was an absolute treat to watch in the annual spring Blue White scrimmage.
O'neill Chambers (6.3/210 WR-Fresh/Harmony FL) Coached by former Cougar Tyler Anderson and was recruited by Florida, Georgia, Clemson, Texas Tech, Mississippi State. Had a dream running out of the tunnel into the stadium and now gets to fulfill that dream. Not often do the Cougs get a talent like this. Should see playing time from the get go. Smooth athletically with great hands and concentration. He has an explosive release off the line. O'neill can be dangerous after the catch as well. Chambers is simply a gamer.
Scott Johnson (5.11/185 DB-Jr/Timpview HS) Saw action in all 13 games as a sophomore. Was unable to compete in 2006 due to injury. His understanding of the defensive system is leaps and bounds ahead allowing him to consistently make plays. Been turning heads in the spring.
Justin Sorensen (6.2/220 K-Fresh/Bingham HS) Justin is the real deal. He was a HS Parade All American as well as US Army HS All American. Sorensen was the 2007 Utah Gatorade player of the year. He holds the longest HS field goal in state history and went 54 of 55 in PATs as a senior.
Vic So'oto (6.3/250 LB-Jr/Carlsbad CA) Recently made the positional move from TE to LB which has triggered growth and maturity in his game on all levels. With the reps, newfound passion and skills look for him to make some big plays this year.
Bernard Afutiti (6.0/260 DL-Jr/Fontana CA) At Mt San Antonio College Bernard earned JUCO All American honors. Afutiti should be an awesome addition to the DL.
Tevita Hola (6.1/310 DL-Jr/Granger HS) Attended Southern Utah after high school before serving his mission then arriving at Snow College. Tevita is engaged to be married later in August. He is majoring in sociology and will be a solid contributer on the defensive side.
G Pittman (5.10/183 DB-Fresh/Rancho Cucomonga CA) Has a nose for the ball. Physical player with solid backpeddle and turn skills. Knows how to deliver a blow and wrap up. Redshirted in 2007. Look for his role to increase dramatically as the season plays out.
Brandon Bradley (6.0/200 DB-Soph/Tallahassee FL) Suffered a serious knee injury in 2006 and redshirted. Still picking up the nuances of the system that Scott Johnson already has under control. Should finally emerge in the secondary as the season progresses. Has some serious potential.
Tom Sorensen (6.5/315 OL-Jr/Brighton HS) Redshirted in 2006 after suffering a season ending injury during fall camp. Played at Vanderbilt as a freshman and was an unanimous All SEC Freshman selection. Takes over for Sete Aulai who graduated and should slide smoothly into the new position.