Cougars use extra time to look ahead

PROVO — With two important games remaining on the schedule — Notre Dame and Utah — BYU coach Gary Crowton knows his 4-6 Cougars have plenty to play for this season.

Still, Crowton is looking toward the future. As part of the bye week, he and his assistants are busy shaping next year's team.

Crowton talked to freshmen offensive linemen Jake Kuresa and Ofa Mohetau on Monday about their mission plans to determine how many scholarships he'll have to work with during the recruiting process. Kuresa and Mohetau told Crowton they will return next season.

"It brings some continuity, which is a good thing," Crowton said.

Crowton acknowledged that their plans could change, however. "I can't say for sure that Jake and Ofa won't (go on missions next year)," he said. "But right now, what they've told me is, their plans are to be back . . . It's a personal decision that we support, whatever they decide to do. I just wanted to know where we are in recruiting, how many numbers we have."

Linebacker David Nixon and running back Tafui Vakapuna are expected to leave for missions after the season, Crowton said.

Recruiting, meanwhile, is in full swing. Because the Cougars played last Thursday, coaches were able to do some recruiting last weekend and they will hit the recruiting trail again this weekend.

Here's some very good news for the Cougars — while they had only eight scholarships to offer last year, they have 18 this year.

"This will be the most scholarships I've had since I've been the head coach," Crowton said. "That will give us a chance to bring some guys in."

The Cougars will be seeking immediate help from the junior college ranks this year, Crowton said. Among the recruiting priorities include linebacker, cornerback and wide receiver.

"What's hard is when you bring guys in who are coming off missions. It takes a year for them to get their legs underneath them and get familiar with the system," Crowton said. "It's hard to get continuity with that. I'm learning about that mission stuff. It's a little bit different."

TIGHT END TROUBLES: Even amid a bye week, the Cougars are having problems staying healthy.

During Tuesday's practice in the new indoor practice facility, two freshman tight ends — Daniel Coats and Phillip Niu — suffered injuries.