5 Questions with BYU defensive lineman Brett Denney

Senior defensive lineman Brett Denney was one of the first players Bronco Mendenhall recruited when he was hired on as BYU's defensive coordinator in December 2002. Denney's two older brothers, Ryan (1998-2001) and John (2002-04), played for the Cougars and now play in the NFL. Jeff Call caught up with Denney to discuss this season, his career at BYU and his future.

Question: What was it like to beat your arch-rival, Utah, in overtime, in your final game at LaVell Edwards Stadium?

Answer: "It was the cherry on top to finish out my career at home. Ideally we wanted to go in there and blow them out, but it wasn't so bad for it to end that way, either."

Question: What do you think about playing No. 16-ranked Oregon State in the Las Vegas Bowl?

Answer: "They're a top-ranked team in the Pac-10. To have a chance to play a team like that is exciting. To start the season with a team like Oklahoma, which was ranked third when we beat them, and end with a team like Oregon State is fun way to start and end your season."

Question: How has coach Bronco Mendenhall changed BYU's program over the years?

Answer: "He has high expectations — he wants you to be the best you can be. It really does make a difference when you're doing your best in life. That carries over to football. It's no secret that we don't have the quickest guys. ... That discipline to be dedicated and hard-working makes up for the lack of speed sometimes."

Question: What does the future hold for you — are you looking at following your brothers (Ryan is a defensive end with the Buffalo Bills and John is a long-snapper with the Miami Dolphins) into the NFL?

Answer: "I'm not sure. It's something I'm trying to figure out. I'm just trying to figure out where my opportunities are. It's an investment. The last 25 years of my life have been an investment in developing and trying to have a good chance. I'll talk to my brothers and my coaches and get a good feel for what I'm looking at and whether or not to continue that investment in football. I'm trying to make a decision."