Freshmen and sophomores often spend time on the sidelines watching and learning from the juniors and seniors.

However, at nationally ranked BYU and Utah, several youngsters are already on the field making an impact.

BYU

The newcomer having the most impact for the Cougars this season is freshman Matt Reynolds, who redshirted last year after returning from an LDS mission.

Reynolds became the starter during fall camp, when projected starting center Tom Sorensen went down with a shoulder injury. Reynolds' older brother, Dallas, moved from left tackle — Dallas was an all-conference selection at that spot last year — to center and BYU coaches handed Matt the left tackle job.

While Matt Reynolds surrendered a blindside hit of quarterback Max Hall — who fumbled, resulting in a Northern Iowa touchdown — in the season-opener, he has been solid overall.

"He's doing an exceptional job," said BYU right guard Travis Bright. "Not to dog on Dallas or anyone, but he may be one of the best Reynolds (brothers, which also includes former Cougar Lance Reynolds Jr.).

"He's a really good player. He's very young but he's picking things up very fast. He's very athletic, very strong. He has a desire to get better ... he's a great left tackle but he continues to do the extra things to get better. I wouldn't pick any one else on this team to play in the spot but him."

"He's learning quick," Dallas Reynolds said of Matt. "He doesn't make the same mistake twice."

Another newcomer making his presence felt is junior outside linebacker Coleby Clawson, a JC transfer from Snow College. Clawson made a big splash in his debut, landing some big hits on UNI quarterback Pat Grace.

"I like the way he plays," said coach Bronco Mendenhall. "He plays with heart and he plays with effort. And he's tough. He was one of the real bright spots (in the opener). I think we can use him at a higher rate than we did. I was very impressed with him."

In two games, Clawson has 11 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack and one forced fumble.

"I think Coleby will step right in and make plays for us," said linebacker David Nixon.

Other first-year players making a splash include freshman placekicker Justin Sorensen, who recorded five touchbacks against Northern Iowa; and freshman kick returner O'Neill Chambers, who is averaging 27.9 yards per kickoff return (he recorded a 51-yarder in the opener).

UTAH

Defensive end Paul Kruger is already providing quite an encore to his first campaign with the Utes. After earning Freshman All-America honors in 2007, Kruger is Utah's leading tackler two games into the season. He's made 14 stops, including four behind the line of scrimmage, in victories against Michigan and UNLV.