BYU football 2007: 3 phases of the game

QUARTERBACKS

Max Hall, 6-1, 200, So.

Brenden Gaskins, 6-5, 220, So.

James Lark, 6-3, 205, Fr.

3RD AND SHORT: Hall's confidence, poise and leadership may go a long way in making up for his lack of Division I experience. While he doesn't have John Beck's arm, he is more aggressive, more daring and outspoken in the huddle and on the sidelines. A tremendous worker in the offseason, Hall's earned the respect of his teammates.

3RD AND LONG: After Hall, the Cougars have a drop-off in execution. The bridesmaids in the wings do not have the same command of Robert Anae's offense, nor is their timing at the same level. Gaskins is the most likely candidate, but a broken finger set him back until September. If Hall goes down, it will be a roll of the dice with the pass, and defending the title would be a long shot.

RUNNING BACKS

Fui Vakapuna, 6-1, 234, Jr.

Manase Tonga, 6-0, 234, Jr.

Harvey Unga, 6-0, 221, Fr.

Joe Semanoff, 5-11, 220, Sr.

3RD AND SHORT: They are big, strong, tough and love to play smash-mouth, physical football. As a tag team, Vakapuna, Tonga and Unga could pose a problem for defenses in the MWC. While early Pac-10 foes might have the horses to corral them, league defenders will learn quickly how strong this trio is to tackle one-on-one off a handoff or pass.

3RD AND LONG: A year ago, Curtis Brown simply did not put the ball on the ground. While there is no evidence of Tonga, Vakapuna and Unga being fumble-prone, they have a high standard to match in terms of ball security, a key for the Cougar offensive operation.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Ray Feinga, 6-5, 322, Jr.

Sete Aulai, 6-1, 297, Sr.

David Oswald, 6-8, 325, Jr.

Travis Bright, 6-5, 314, Jr.

Dallas Reynolds, 6-5, 328, Jr.

R.J. Willing, 6-5, 300, So.

Garrett Reden, 6-3, 273, Fr.

Tom Sorensen, 6-5, 315, So.