No trouble in trenches for Cougars

PROVO — BYU offensive lineman Jake Kuresa knows how it works.

Media, and fans, enjoy fawning all over the glamour players — quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs — the guys who score touchdowns, sign autographs and pose on the cover of magazines.

But Kuresa also knows that while offensive linemen, the guys who labor anonymously in the trenches, are routinely overlooked and forgotten, they're going to be one of the strengths of BYU's 2005 squad.

"A lot of people like to look at skill positions," said Kuresa, a two-year starter at right tackle. "But if you ask anyone who knows anything about football — coaches and players — it starts with a good offensive line. The people up front. Then those guys (skill position players) will ride our backs, ride the momentum that we create, to win games and put up some big numbers."

The last time BYU enjoyed this much experience, leadership and confidence on the offensive line was 2001, when the Cougars posted a 12-2 record and led the nation in scoring.

Is similar success in store for BYU this season? It's too early to know, of course, but the Cougar O-line features four returning starters — Kuresa, a junior who is an Outland Trophy candidate; junior Eddie Keele; senior left guard Brian Sanders; and senior center Lance Reynolds Jr., who is a Rimington Award candidate.

The only starting lineman who is not a returning starter is freshman Terence Brown, who was a Mr. South Carolina finalist in high school. Another freshman who was expected to make an impact was Travis Bright, but his injured foot will sideline him for the season.

Still, offensive line coach Jeff Grimes, who is entering his second season at BYU, is glad to have a stable of veterans.

"We've got a number of guys coming back with experience, which helps," he said. "Even though we're putting in a new offense, those guys have experience with me as their coach so they understand what my expectations are."

"We have a lot of talented guys," Reynolds said. "I think we have plenty of talent to do our job and do it well."

Reynolds came to BYU as a linebacker, but he was switched to the offensive line during the 2003 season. Now, he plays like he was born to be a center. He serves as the anchor of the O-line.