BYU football preview: Cougars by position

Offense

QUARTERBACK

Max Hall 6-1, 201, Jr.

IT'S TIME: Hall, who passed for 3,848 yards and 25 touchdowns last season, returns as the starter. It's imperative that Hall remain healthy for BYU to have the kind of special season they are seeking because there's a definite drop-off to backups Brenden Gaskins, Kurt McEuen and Stephen Covey.

RUNNING BACKS

Harvey Unga 6-0, 239, So.

Fui Vakapuna 6-1, 253, Sr.

IT'S TIME: Unga was the MWC's freshman of the year after rushing for 1,227 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. Last year's starter, Manase Tonga, was ruled academically ineligible, meaning much of the fullback workload will fall to Fui Vakapuna, who has been injury-prone the last couple of years. Freshman J.J. DiLuigi and Wayne Latu should make an impact as well.

TIGHT END

Dennis Pitta 6-5, 250, Jr.

IT'S TIME: BYU is blessed with a pair of talented tight ends in Pitta and Andrew George. Both are tall, athletic playmakers. There are times when the Cougars will use both weapons at the same time.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Austin Collie 6-2, 206, Jr.

Michael Reed 6-1, 202, Sr.

Luke Ashworth 6-2, 195, So.

IT'S TIME: The Cougars are deep at this position with a bevy of sure-handed pass-catchers. Collie entered fall camp with a stress fracture in his leg. Will he be healthy and at full-strength by the start of the season and stay that way?

OFFENSIVE LINE

Matt Reynolds 6-6, 321, Fr.

Ray Feinga 6-5, 348, Sr.

Dallas Reynolds 6-5, 320, Sr.

David Oswald 6-8, 330, Sr.

Travis Bright 6-5, 313, Sr.