Jury still out on Bronco's 1st recruiting class at Y.

PROVO — It's still way too early to make a meaningful evaluation of BYU's 2005 recruiting class, but given that it was coach Bronco Mendenhall's first, there's no doubt that it was a significant one.

The Cougars' class of 2005 didn't yield players who produced big numbers like Todd Watkins and Austin Collie did in 2004. Nor did it include signees who embarrassed the school like several from the 2004 class who faced criminal charges. From that standpoint alone, BYU has to consider the 2005 recruiting class a success.

Hired less than two months before signing day last year, Mendenhall put his stamp on the way the Cougars recruit by implementing a thorough background check of potential signees.

Off-the-field behavior aside, BYU coaches say they are pleased with the type of athletes they signed last February.

"As I go down the list of players, I see all of these guys contributing for us," said BYU recruiting coordinator Paul Tidwell. "There aren't any that I look at and think, 'We made a mistake with him.' All of them have a future here. All of them will contribute. Some have already made contributions and others will make contributions in the future."

A handful of newcomers were given the opportunity to help the Cougars in 2005.

Kyle Luekenga, who was recruited as a linebacker, was converted into a defensive lineman. He was listed at 240 pounds last year, but now, Tidwell said, he weighs around 270. The Granger High product saw action in eight games on defense this past season.

"He played a lot as a freshman," Tidwell said. "By his senior year, people will be talking a lot about him."

Wide receiver Luke Ashworth showed signs of potential, catching five passes for 89 yards. He also contributed on the special teams.

Junior punter Derek McLaughlin played at Washington before serving a mission and transferring to BYU. In his first year as a Cougar, he averaged 40 yards per punt, including a season-high 60-yarder.

Freshman Vic So'oto saw a lot of action on BYU's special teams and next year he is expected to see playing time at tight end.

"He'll be a great one," Tidwell said.

Cornerback Justin Robinson, a transfer from Independence Community College, was thrown into the fire last season, starting 11 of BYU's 12 games. He, along with the rest of BYU's secondary, struggled most of the season defending the pass.

"He's got to get stronger," Tidwell said.