"My favorite thing is hitting. I like getting the ball, dropping my head and hitting somebody. Touchdowns are okay. But I love to hit," Chambers said. "Coach Higgins tries to tell me to calm down sometimes because I'm hitting too much. He says, 'You're not a linebacker. You're a receiver.' I just like being physical and using my elusiveness as well. I'm just waiting for the big hit. I'm waiting for somebody to hit me or I'm hitting somebody."

NEWCOMERS MAKING AN IMPACT: In addition to Chambers, several other newcomers are expected to contribute this season. Chambers, in addition to being a starting kick returner, is listed as a backup to Austin Collie at receiver. Freshmen Daniel Sorensen and Iona Pritchard are on the second-team at linebacker, as is Shiloah Te'o at safety. Another freshman, Justin Sorensen, is expected to handle kickoffs.

"I really think our staff did a nice job this year of recruiting freshmen that we added to the program," Mendenhall said. "On any given year, there are usually two or three that you look to and say that we may have mis-evaluated them either athletically or motivationally or just how the fit was going to be. This particular year, I feel very good about it. I credit our coaches and their evaluations."

Two junior college transfers, defensive lineman Bernard Afutiti and safety Andrew Rich, are also expected to see plenty of playing time this season.

BRIGHT IDEAS: BYU offensive lineman Travis Bright said Dallas Reynolds has made a smooth transition from left guard to center during fall camp.

"There is a big learning curve you have to recognize as a center to start the protection calls," Bright said. "Dallas has done extremely well recognizing things and calling the blitzes out."

Freshman Matt Reynolds, Dallas' younger brother, is now the starting left guard. "He has picked up on the tackle position," Bright said of Matt. "During fall camp, there were things we were learning. Now, we're moving right along and things are running smooth. Having Dallas move from tackle to center, knowing the type of leader and athlete he is, I think that was the smartest choice to move him to center. He'll definitely show what he can do at any position."

BYU VS. FCS FOES: The Cougars have played three teams from the Football Championship Subdivision since 1998 with wins over Murray State (1998), Eastern Illinois (2005) and Eastern Washington (2007). Northern Iowa will be the fourth. BYU defeated those three FCS teams by an average score of 43.3-8.7.

NORTHERN IOWA'S PAYDAY: Northern Iowa will reportedly receive $375,000 for playing at BYU, according to the Des Moines Register.

Season opener

BYU vs. Northern Iowa
Saturday, 4 p.m.
TV: The mtn.
Radio: 1160 AM; 102.7 FM

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E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com