BYU to slow down offer process for its recruiting in 2013

PROVO — With the 2012 signing class in the books, BYU is off to its typically early start on the 2013 recruiting class. With five commits already pledged to sign letters of intent with the Cougars in 2013, BYU is noticeably ahead of the past year's pace.

The first commit came from Brayden Kearsley, a Portland, Ore., native who committed last June as an offensive line prospect. The 2012 signing class was light on offensive linemen, but Kearsley, who had mounting Pac-12 interest, got BYU off to a good start on the OL front.

BYU's latest commit — Keegan Hicks from Bingham High — also plays along the offensive line. The Cougars now have two top offensive front commits very early in the process. BYU rarely struggles in bringing in top offensive line talent, and 2013 already looks good in that department.

Sandwiched in between the Kearsley and Hicks commits were Kearsley's good friend and safety/running back Dallin Leavitt, who is also from Portland; Las Vegas' Trajan Pili, who will play linebacker; and Mountain Crest's Moroni Laulu-Pututau, who will most likely play at tight end. Last year at this time, BYU had three commits before landing 11 more before the start of the 2011 season.

So can we expect the same rapid rate of commits on the horizon for 2013? History says yes but, according to coaches, the commit rate may be decelerated a bit — or at least the rate in which they offer prospects.

"We'll probably move a bit slower than we have in past years," said BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall. "We're getting more specific with higher standards than what we've chosen to embrace during the past seven years. So you'll probably see it slow (down) to some extent. How much I can't say, but if you do see a change, then it will be to slow the process down from what you've seen."

According to Mendenhall, the staff has the next three years planned with what BYU needs position by position. Given the influx of returned missionaries every year and the increased standards Mendenhall assigns prospective players, BYU is becoming more selective in the offering process with each year.

So how does a unique and refined selection process relate to fast-forming recruiting classes? It's a bit ironic in the face of BYU claiming a slowdown in the process that they're currently ahead of any pace Mendenhall has set forth in his seven years as BYU's head coach.