Cougar defense had its positives

PROVO — In two years BYU defensive coordinator Bronco Mendenhall's aggressive 3-3-5 scheme has taken root, and the results, overall, have been positive.

The Cougar defense had its struggles in 2004, dropping from No. 14 nationally in total defense a year ago to No. 57. Still, it faced three of the top offensive teams in college football (Southern California, Utah and Boise State) and three Heisman Trophy finalists (Matt Leinert, Reggie Bush and Alex Smith).

This season saw a number of walk-ons emerge on the scene, with a few earning starting roles. Mendenhall doesn't judge players on their resumes or which teams recruited them — he judges them on effort and execution. His lineup changed from day to day, depending on how well his players performed in practice.

Heading into next season, the Cougars will have to deal with a few key personnel losses, but they have a strong nucleus returning.

A look at the BYU defense in 2005, by position:

DEFENSIVE LINE

Starters lost: John Denney, Shaun Nua

Starters returning: Manaia Brown

Others returning: Justin Carlson-Maddux, Hala Paongo, Vince Feula, Daniel Marquardt, Michael Marquardt

The Cougar D-line was much improved over last season as a number of players saw action. While the loss of Nua, who recorded a team-high six sacks, is significant, there are plenty of others who will be expected to step up next season.

Brown came off an injury-plagued 2003 to be a strong presence up front. He had eight tackles-for-loss and 3 1/2 sacks.

Carlson-Maddux, Paongo, Feula and the Marquardt brothers provide the BYU defense with depth and talent.

One possible newcomer next season could be C.J. Ah You, who starred at Snow College this season. He could be re-admitted to BYU next year.

LINEBACKERS

Starters lost: Brady Poppinga, Matt Bauman

Starters returning: Cameron Jensen

Others returning: Markell Staffieri, Justin Luettgerodt