Who Is Hebron

It looks as if the cougs will get a pre Christmas gift. Word is that USC defensive tackle Hebron Fangupo will be transferring and even walking on with the cougs. Better yet will be available for the jerseys in blue next season. Most of us would love to know who is Hebron.

After high school (Century HS Santa Ana California) he served a mission to the Phillipines eventually taking his talents to Mt San Antonio Junior College. He had 47 tackles, 15 for a loss, 6 sacks, 1 deflection, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 forced fumbles which helped earn him recognition as a Super Prep JUCO 100. There he received offers from Tennessee, Utah, Arizona, Arizona St, Oregon and USC where he eventually signed. While at USC Hebron saw action in 3 games before breaking his left ankle against Washington State and was able to redshirt.

To say that he is a huge get is an understatement literally. At 6-2 and 320 pounds Hebron could be a mammoth run stopper and force to be reckoned. He has a wide body with an amazing first step and should be a incredibly valuable commodity. Absolutely look forward to seeing him as one of the band of brothers.

Preferential Treatment

It often seems in life far too often there is preferential treatment or seperate set of existing "rules" (wink wink) given for athletes, celebrities and simply individuals of notoriety. Currently in the news is the debate on this very subject involving possible Heisman candidate Cam Newton. Yet, a closer look reveals this is nothing new to the college scene. We've seen example after example in the news over the years. Could this preferential treatment actually doing those athletes a disservice? Consider the percentage of student athletes who actually make it to the pros regardless of sports as well as the average length of a professional career. Are those players actually given the skills and knowledge from their collegiate studies to prepare them for life after sports or are they given the preferential treatment far too often?

From the mid 70s through 1986 SMU maintained a "slush fund" used for under the table payments thus ultimately receiving the school's death penalty. Former 2 Live Crew rapper Luther Campball was rather involved with his loved Miami FL Hurricanes apparently offering coin frequently for each TD, INT, sack, etc. In the early 90's Pat Dye resigned over offering improper benefits involving prized DB recruit Eric Ramsey. Nine Florida State University (aka Free Shoes University) players in 1993 violated NCAA rules by allowing agents to bankroll a shopping spree at a local Footlocker store. From 1994 to 1998 Clem Haskins had a manager for Minnesota's academic counseling office take care of over 400 pieces of coursework for players. In 2001 Kentucky coach Hal Mumme resigned amid apparent numerous NCAA violations including payments to recruits. Back in 2006 we saw Oklahoma QB Rhett Bomer dismissed for improper benefits. Recently we saw Reggie Bush give up the Heisman. Now in the news is the swirl of allegations involving Cam Newton.

When does this end? Or is this only the tip of the iceberg? Are we only seeing the ones that get caught? How frequent is this truly occurring in college sports? With as much coin that is involved in pro sports and kids chasing their dreams this likely will continue with college athletes receiving preferential treatment. Would love to hear your thoughts.

I Want You

...to get to work now. That's what many collegiate football coaches across the country now are telling their recent recruits. Many of you are well aware that this past wednesday was the national letter of intent day. Young impressional student athletes across the nation placed their name on the dotted line announcing their commitment. The Cougs snagged 21 of these fine young athletes. With the jerseys in blue coming off their third consecutive ten win (or more) season there is much optimism for the Cougs bright future. Yes, they may have "whiffed" on some of the big names (Manti, Xavier, Filiaga, etc) but overall this committed Cougar class fills some needs, adds some depth and may be one of the strongest in recent years. Besides what are stars? Bryan Kehl (now with the New York Giants) was only 2 stars. One of the Cougs finest running back Curtis Brown was listed as only 1 star. Current starter Harvey Unga was scratched down with 2 stars when he signed. On the other side of the coin Ben Olsen, Ofa Mohetau and no show Walt Williams were all listed as 5 stars as examples. We all know how those turned out. Never played a down for the Cougs (don't forget 4 star Magnum Mauga).

This years addition to the Cougar den includes...

Lee Aguirre 5-9/200DB Fullerton Junior College
Terry Alletto 6-4/280OL Parker CO
Jordan Atkinson 6-3/225LB Diablo Valley JC
Trevor Bateman 5-111/185DB Palm Desert CA
Craig Bills 6-2/200DB Provo UT (Timpview HS)
Thomas Bryson 6-5/230DE Layton UT
Tui Crichton 6-4/290OL Provo UT (Timpview HS)
Jray Galea'i 6-0/185DB Kahuku HS
Anthony Heimuli 5-11/225RB Orem UT (Mountain View HS)
Adam Hine 6-1/175RB Santa Clara (Snow Canyon HS)
Cody Hoffman 6-4/200WR Crescent City CA
Brian Logan 5-9/185DB Football Junior College
Peni Maka'afi 5-10/215RB Layton UT
Mitch Matthews6-5/195WR Beaverton OR
Ryan Mulitalo 6-4/290OL West Valley (Hunter HS)
Remington Peck 6-5/222TE South Jordan (Bingham HS)
Brett Thompson 6-3/210WR El Dorado Hills CA
Fono Vakalahi 6-4/320OL Bryan TX
Kyle Van Noy 6-4/210LB Reno NV
Brad Wilcox 6-7/265OL Edmond OK
Richard Wilson 6-3/222TE Spanish Fork

Definately a great group of kids overall with some wonderful future potential. One can't forget that some of this year's incoming also includes (whether via transfers, missions, requalified, etc)...

Robbie Buckner 5-10/165DB Ashdown AR
Romney Fuga 6-2/280DL Huntington Beach CA
McKay Jacobsen 6-0/185WR Southlake TX
Aveni Leung-Wai 6-1/220LB Grossmont JC
Devin Mahina 6-6/225TE Upland CA
Marcus Matthews 6-4/200WR Beaverton OR
Riley Nelson 6-1/195QB Logan UT
Brandon Ogletree 6-0/215 McKinney TX
Riley Stephenson 6-0/175PK St George UT
Houston Reynolds 6-3/295OL Provo (Timpview HS)
Malosi Teo 5-11/195RB Kahuku HI
Manase Tonga 6-1/230RB San Mateo CA

Reno In Provo

While hosting numerous potential recruits this weekend the Cougars received its latest commitment from Reno Nevada in Kyle Van Noy, one of the top linebackers in the west and 9th rated overall (per scout.com). Kyle helped lead his team (McQueen High School) to a state title with a perfect 14-0 record. The 6.4/200 four star linebacker registered 79 tackles (55 solo), 14 sacks, caused 6 fumbles, 4 fumbles recovered and even included 8 deflected passes while maintaining a 3.5GPA in the classroom. Van Noy is a beast with a motor that doesn't stop. Kyle should be a warm welcome to the jerseys in blue defense. Apparently he squats 350, benches 255 and has a 32 inch vertical. Van Noy was receiving interest from UCLA, Colorado, Arizona State, among others besides the Cougs. In the end he will wear the Cougar blue and I'll be looking forward to see him striding in style onto the field.

Welcome Aboard Davies

Recently Brandon Davies gave head coach Dave Rose his verbal to wear the Cougar blue jersey. Davies, a low post player and 4 star recruit (according to scout.com) from Provo HS was drawing interest from Arizona, California, Gonzaga and Utah State. On the low block Brandon has some sweet footwork and faces the basket incredibly well. He can play either the mid or high post well and is able to step out drain 15 footers with regularity. Davies (6-8/230) has solid hoop instinct, is a great shot blocker and does a excellent job on the boards. When double teamed or in transition Brandon has decent ball handling skills to take care of the rock or getting it into the right hands. Of his decision Brandon mentioned "It just felt right to choose BYU. It's close to home and I have a huge support system...". Since he's only 17 Davies plans on playing two seasons before deciding on any mission plans. Welcome aboard Brandon and best wishes to a sensational future. (photo credit Craig Dilger/Daily Herald)

Brown Is Blue

The Cougars added its third commit to wear the blue jersey for the 2010 recruiting class from Algernon Brown (6.1/205) from Skyline HS who also acts as the teams punter. In the Eagles option offense Brown is receiving the bulk of the carries and has run for nearly 500 yards this season. Before the prep season began Skyline coach Roger DuPaix mentioned of Algernon "He's got a lot of poise and a lot of smarts so I think he's going to do really well". Recently Brown bounced all over Hillcrest rushing for 169 yards after missing two weeks due to a knee injury. Also from the 2010 class is Bronson Kaufusi (6.6/220 DE) from Timpview HS and Gifford Timothy (6.6/280 OT) from Middletown HS in Delaware. Good luck to a great prep season Algernon and look forward to seeing you wearing Cougar blue!

Wilson "Dons" Cougar Blue

Friday morning BYU received its latest commitment to "don" the blue apparel as Spanish Fork's Richard Wilson (6.4/224) made his decision known. The Mighty Dons tight end was previously ranked #5 nationally at his position and was drawing interest from Arizona, Boise State, Washington, Miami FL, Tennessee, and LSU. Last week Wilson had 6 catches for 90 yards and 2 TDs helping to push his team to victory. Concerning the LSU possibility Richard stated "Yeah I looked at them pretty hard...but in the end...I really like the way BYU uses their tight ends. It definately can't hurt when the Cougs have such a rich tradition (Gordon Hudson, Clay Brown, Chad Lewis, Chris Smith, Jonny Harline, Itula Mili, need I continue?) including one of the current top tight ends in the nation in Dennis Pitta. He has a 32 vertical with a squat of 425. Richard runs excellent routes, is willing to go over the middle, and has great soft hands enabling him to catch most anything thrown his direction or into a crowd. He plans to play one year before embarking on his mormon mission. Richard, welcome to the Cougar den!

Surpassin Expectations

Earlier the Cougars received word of a commitment in one of the most highly recruited high school players in state history in Tyler Haws. After averaging 9 ppg as a freshman Tyler broke out his sophomore year doubling his average to 18 a game leading the state in free throws (129 while shootin nearly 82 percent from the stripe) and led his Lone Peak Knights to a state championship. Haws was named tournament MVP and this last year was named Utah's Mr. Basketball. As a junior he averaged nearly 21 points a game. Tyler was also named the Utah Gatorade Player Of The Year.

Haws has met and surpassed all expectations at the high school level. Tyler is obviously well known for his scoring ability. Just ask Davis High School. Yet, haws also owns an amazing vertical leap; is a phenomenal team player, has icewater in the veins under pressure, possesses all the intangibles, is humble and coachable. That's frankly just barely scratching his developmental surface. Tyler has excellent perimeter range to about 20 feet. He will score mostly off the catch and shoot. Haws has a solid frame with a fairly large wingspan and who can defend well. It doesn't hurt that he's Marty's kid either. This was a must get for BYU especially when you have an individual who's "the complete package" in your own backyard and is the son of a former Cougar. Welcome to the Cougar den. Absolutely look forward to seeing you in Cougar blue!

El Dorado Compadre

From El Dorado Hills' Oak Ridge High School Brett Thompson (6.3/210) has given the Cougs a verbal in becoming the 14th recruit in the 2009 recruiting class. The california 3 star (according to scout.com) wide receiver has amazing size and has a strong build for working in an underneath passing offense. Brett should fit rather nicely into the football program. Thompson has the ability to catch passes in heavy traffic while working the middle. Of the recruiting process Brett said "It's a place I always wanted to go and it's a great fit for me personally so I decided not to prolong the process". He hails from the same high school that produced Austin Collie. Apparently Thompson has been dating Austin's sister. He mentioned of Austin "He's a great player and tremendous example on and off the field". Welcome to the Cougars and look forward to seeing you in a blue jersey!

Just For Kicks

Most individuals tend to always think a teams kicker is always some nerdy and scrawny individual resembling "Mclovin". At 6.1/215 Justin Sorensen one of this years recruits from Bingham HS would moreso resemble a linebacker. He benches 330 pounds, squats 500 and cleans 330. Justin began playing in 8th grade and grew up in a Cougar household 8 of 9 children (all beginning with the letter "J"). He is an eagle scout, maintained a 3.4 GPA in high school and is even an avid unicyclist. Sorensen wears a size 13.5 shoe has an amazing leg. As a junior (2006) with 96 kickoffs 81 were touchbacks (that's about 85 percent unreturnable!) for over 6700 total kickoff yards. Last year he hit 50+ yard field goals four times with 54 of 55 PATs. In fact drilled a 62 yard field goal with no wind aid breaking a 37 year old state prep record. The NFL record stands at 63 yards. He was the nation's third highest scoring kicker in 2007. His coach Dave Peck mentioned "Alot of people don't realize that Justin is kicking off grass". Justin elected of not using tees to get ready for the next level. Cougar fans everywhere should definately get a kick out of watching him.

Jersey #65

On thursday the Cougars received another solid verbal to add to the den. Count in Jersey #65 worn by Fono Vakalahi and quite a physical speciman at 6.4/320 (from Bryan Texas) who should fit in rather nicely. Fono cites his late father Sione as his biggest role model and would like to eventually major in business. His favorite pro team is the Dallas Cowboys. He began playing at the age of 8 and was taught by his brother Moses. Fono's pregame ritual includes listening to reggae and eating a snickers bar. Vakalahi was drawing recruiting interest from Baylor, California, Arizona State, Texas A/M, Texas, and Virginia Tech. Bryan head coach Bob Bellard says "I think he's a can't miss. He's strong with good feet and he's a smart kid". Rivals currently has Fono rated as a 3 star recruit. According to Fono "I just fit in, it's a place I can meet all of my goals and progress as a man". Fono....welcome to the Cougar den! Look forward to seeing you achieve all your hopes and dreams in Cougar blue!

Family Ties

What a heart felt impact the last few weeks must have been for Ryan Mulitalo. On the 5th of July Ryan's mother Tioata Mulitalo passed away in her sleep from unknown causes. BYU was her favorite school and she enjoyed great memories with its great tradition. She definately encouraged her children in education and in football. Ryan, a 6.3/295 athletic offensive lineman from Hunter HS received an offer from Bronco that he definately couldn't refuse. He can create some serious push in the run game and should be a solid prospect. Ryan has the ideal size for an offensive guard or a defensive tackle and shows excellent quickness off the ball. He accepted to play for the Cougs in the 2009 recruiting class and Mulitalo's verbal commitment came with a full family endorsement. Older brother Ray had passed up on an offer from the school up north in accepting a job to help support the Mulitalo family. Something tells me Tioata Mulitalo is smiling from above. Welcome to the Cougar family!

House Of Heimuli

Yet another has joined the fold and seen the light. The latest to give a verbal is Anthony Heimuli (5.11/225) from Mountain View HS. Sound familiar? Yes, that's from the same family name that has given Cougar fans the joy in watching Lakei (1983-86), Hema Heimuli (1992-95) as well as possible future recruit Latu Heimuli (6.4/305) four star defensive tackle from Highland HS. Last year Anthony ran for 781 yards at nearly 8 yds/carry. Heimuli even owns a 34" vertical. His coach Teko Johnson mentioned "He's pretty dang excited. It has always been a dream of his to get an offer from BYU". Anthony has said "BYU represents tradition, honor and service. They focus on other things other than football and that's what I liked about it". Always nice to see another amazing athletic goal orientated individual wear blue and white.