From Deseret News archives:
Who'll be Mountain West Conference's new star?
If you go by recruiting classes the past two years, so-called experts tip their hats to Utah and BYU. Both programs are on solid foundations, and true freshmen or even transfers will need to battle to break into starting lineups in these two local programs.
The remainder of MWC schools, however, need some stop-gap measures to cover some big holes. And coaches at those schools, most notably San Diego State and UNLV, have had to make a decision whether to go for quick fixes with junior college talent or bite the bullet and plan for the long run. Both chose the long run.
Here's a look at promising rookies, and who might make the big splash:
At Utah, it's wide receiver Aiona Key, a 6-4 speedster who could be a difference maker in the league.
The Ute offense thrives on misdirection and split-second timing. A receiver with this speed and size could throw a wrench into many a defense. The Utes also believe defensive lineman Dave Kruger is worthy of freshman-of-the-year honors.
But former Bingham High kicker Justin Sorensen could make a case for freshman of the year if he starts delivering 55-yard field goals, something the Cougars absolutely shunned last year, shying away from attempts outside the 40.
Juco defensive lineman Bernard Afutiti will be new to the BYU program in two-a-days, but Snow College nose guard Tevita Hola has a spring practice under his belt. Both could prove key alongside MWC sack leader Jan Jorgensen.
At CSU, the Rams went heavy for offensive linemen after simply struggling to get control of the trenches. Also, they like freshman corner Brandon Owens and expect he could make a big impact in the secondary. On the other side of the line, a trio of JC defensive linemen were collected to make the Rams meaner Sevaro Johnson, Scott Albritton and Sam Stewart.
At New Mexico, the Lobos will miss receivers Marcus Smith and Travis Brown, so they brought in JC star Bryant Williams and expect him to be a big-play guy.
Watch for two freshmen, offensive tackle Bryan Bell and defensive end Jaymar Latchison, to challenge for freshman-of-the-year honors.
TCU likes freshman defensive end Brayton Broughton to step up.
Recent comments
Jaymar Latchison at NM is the real deal. He will blow everyone away....
Joey | July 21, 2008 at 8:50 p.m.
It's really going to be interesting to see how all the hype plays...
Sorenson | July 16, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.
if you guys say sornsen is the best kicker in the country how come...
Anonymous | July 10, 2008 at 9:40 p.m.
- Obama salutes Fort Hood victims 1:22 p.m.
- D-Will, Price sit out Jazz practice 1:11 p.m.
- Utah Jazz: 2010 NBA All-Star ballot 1:09 p.m.
- Ex-astronaut pleads guilty in attack 1:01 p.m.
- Mo. governor's mansion lockdown 1:01 p.m.
- Clinton to Dems: pass health bill 12:55 p.m.
- Deseret Book moves from Orem mall 12:52 p.m.
- Ed chief wants to redo appointment 12:50 p.m.
- No bail for accused cop shooter 12:48 p.m.
- Flu appointment full in 15 minutes 12:47 p.m.
- Utah group finds homes for orphans
- Senators want food tax restored
- Jazz blow big lead, hang on
- Soccer MVPs know how to win
- Y. tight ends talented tandem
- Utes get extra motivation
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
- Price injured; Miles has cast removed
- Mitchell seeks to block witnesses
- House passes health care bill
242 - TCU showdown has big implications
185 - Lobo suspended
183 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Senators want food tax restored
136 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - Thousands protest health bill
120 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
104 - RSL rallies to advance
103
BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said this morning that placekicker Justin...
ESPN college hoops expert Andy Katz, formerly a WAC reporter during his...
Does this third bailout to Government Motors mean more of our limited tax...
I just want to say i have had the pleasure to coach Kealia. I so happy for...
I say, if we are going to pass a health care bill, let's be smart about it....
Should I be upset at my ancestors for coming to the USA from Britain? I had...
Were there any Muslims attacked? ============= Dude, where have you been?...
To "jackhp | 12:00 p.m. " so what you are saying is that it is better to for...
RE Looking Back | 6:50 a.m. You are only seeing the part of history that...
'Just what we need another law which duplicates law already on the books.' ...
We are cheering because we barely won in NY? Oh how far this franchise has...
They are like little kids licking popcicles and playing playstation vidio...

