BYU DB Fowler looking forward to opportunity

LAS VEGAS — Kellen Fowler is not a rookie any more.

It's taken Fowler more than four years to break into BYU's starting lineup after redshirting and serving an LDS mission to Alaska. But now that he's got the spot, with a few games under his belt, he's good to go for the Las Vegas Bowl in Sam Boyd Stadium against UCLA on Saturday.

Fowler replaced safety Quinn Gooch for BYU's final games after the senior from Arizona suffered a season-ending knee injury. His confidence has steadily grown after he's seen game speed action. It showed in his tip for an interception against the Utes in BYU's home finale in La Vell Edwards Stadium.

"It was definitely exciting and I look forward to making more plays like that in the future," said Fowler. "Our defense thrives on making big plays like that, which can change the momentum of a game."

The Cougars arrived in Las Vegas Tuesday afternoon and undergo their first outside practice in weeks at Valley High School today.

Fowler, once recruited by Air Force to play quarterback, is another in a long line of safeties to take the field during BYU's 10-2 season. Each time a safety has gone down, there has been some hand-wringing by many fans. But each time, somebody like Fowler has stepped up. Fowler has had 20 tackles this season, 17 solo, with one pass break up.

Remember Dustin Gabriel, David Tafuna and Quinn Gooch?

Who can forget Corby Hodgkiss, who, like Fowler, got his starting job when another went down?

Now it's Fowler's turn and he likes it.

"It feels good. It's given me more confidence to know I can go out there and play against the caliber of competition and athletes we are stacked up against week to week. There is more familiarity with the schemes. Seeing things before makes it easier to react and make decisions out there in the heat of battle."

Fowler said the Cougar scout team, of which he was a part of a month ago, sets up the starters to succeed.

"Our scout team does a great job of preparing us every day. They work hard. There is a different mentality and attitude for preparing for a game when the hitting is live. It's nice to have some experience and to be a part of some wins that have helped us get a conference championship."

Fowler credits secondary coach Jaime Hill for preparing him with checks and calls and working a system of formations that have made it easy for him in which to participate.