Freshmen dot depth chart in several positions for Y.

BYU released its depth chart Monday in preparation for Saturday's game at Arizona and, as expected, the Cougars will start a true freshman on the defensive line.

Ian Dulan, a 17-year-old from Hilo, Hawaii, is slated to start at left end for the Cougars when they visit the Wildcats. Backing him up is another true freshman, Matangi Tonga. Yet another true freshman, Romney Fuga, will back up senior nose tackle Hala Paongo. Redshirt freshman Jan Jorgensen will start at right end.

Coach Bronco Mendenhall said the Cougars will utilize up to eight different players on the defensive line.

Speaking of youth, two true freshmen, Mike Hague and McKay Jacobson, are expected to make immediate contributions on the offensive side of the ball and on special teams.

Hague is listed as a backup "H" receiver, behind Nathan Meikle, while Jacobson backs up Matt Allen at the "Z" receiver. Hague, a Brighton High product, and Jacobson, a Texas native, are both listed as first-team kick returners.

On the offensive line, starters Eddie Keele (left tackle), Ray Feinga (left guard), Sete Aulai (center), Jake Kuresa (right guard) and Dallas Reynolds (right tackle) will be backed up by freshman Garrett Reden, sophomore Travis Bright, freshman Ryan Freeman, freshman Braden Hansen and sophomore David Oswald.

Meanwhile, junior Markell Staffieri, who missed much of fall camp with an injury, is listed as one of the starting inside linebackers, along with senior Cameron Jensen. The starting outside linebackers are David Nixon and Bryan Kehl.

In the defensive secondary, junior Ben Criddle is expected to start at right cornerback with returning starter Justin Robinson at left cornerback. Kayle Buchanan will back up Criddle while junior college transfer Andre Saulsberry will back up Robinson.

HITTING THE ROAD: For the first time since 2000, BYU will open the season away from home.

The Cougars have opened the past five seasons at home, winning four of them. This time, BYU will be tested on the road.

Asked what he's going to tell his team about going on the road, Mendenhall replied: "I'm going to tell them we're going there for one reason — to win the game."

In 2000, the Cougars lost to Florida State in Jacksonville, Fla., 29-3. The last time BYU won a season-opener on the road was in 1994, a 13-12 victory over Hawaii.

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E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com