A couple of days removed from National Signing Day, let's look at a couple of key positions for BYU.

First, running back. BYU coaches are thrilled to have the school's all-time leading rusher, Harvey Unga, back for his senior year. His return will lend experience, leadership and stability to an offense that lost its starting quarterback and playmakers like tight ends Dennis Pitta and Andrew George.

Now, the Cougars have the luxury of playing Unga while gradually breaking in the freshmen, who can learn from Unga. When he was new to the program, Unga benefitted from a year of tutelage under Curtis Brown, who became BYU's all-time leading rusher in 2006 before Unga shattered that mark last fall.

Not knowing if Unga would declare for the NFL draft a year early, BYU coaches stockpiled running backs this year, signing four of them -- Skyline High's Algernon Brown, A.J. Brown of Murrieta Valley, Calif., Drew Phillips of Boaz, Ala., and Joshua Quezada of La Habra, Calif.

"Coach Reynolds better not complain one bit about his running back situation," quipped BYU recruiting coordinator Paul Tidwell. "He's got some great ones. Having Harvey back is a great bonus for these young guys."

Tidwell added that these running backs are talented enough to play other positions.

"The running backs are great athletes. I am not saying anything here other than a general comment -- somebody at running back position, or maybe a wide receiver position -- any of those athletic types can be moved to different spots and the athleticism is what is important. We've got some running backs that can play a lot of different positions."

The speedy Phillips reportedly has been clocked with a time of 4.39 in the 40. "He is fast," said Tidwell.

Quezada is already enrolled and should have a leg up on the rest of the freshmen because he'll be able to participate in spring drills. BYU wasn't originally on Quezada's radar, but something changed, Tidwell said.

"Right towards the very end, before he made his decision, he said he wanted a low-key environment. He didn't want a loud, party type school. He wanted to focus on his goals. He is very goal-oriented, and he felt like this was the best place he could achieve his goals."

One potential obstacle, however, was that Quezada would need to shave his signature long hair.

"He knew that if you come to BYU, you've got to cut your hair," Tidwell said. "He knew that was something he needed to do, and when he chose to come here, he did it. And he's very handsome."

There are several other running backs in the program with varying degrees of experience, including J.J. DiLuigi, Bryan Kariya, Malosi Te'o, Mike Hague, Anthony Heimuli, Peni Maka'afi and JoJo Pili.

Don't forget that BYU must find a replacement for Manase Tonga, who was an excellent leader and blocker last season, as well as in 2006 and 2007. Maybe we'll see Unga develop more as a blocker this season as he tries to make himself a more viable and versatile NFL prospect.

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Then there's the linebacker position. In addition to serving as recruiting coordinator, Tidwell also coaches the inside linebackers at BYU.

Don't be surprised to see at least one of the seven linebackers joining the program this year make an impact -- just as Spencer Hadley, Michael Alisa, Daniel Sorensen and Iona Pritchard did in 2008 as true freshmen (those four are serving missions now).

The Cougars lost three starting linebackers from the 2009 team to graduation -- MLB Matt Bauman, BLB linebacker Shawn Doman and WLB linebacker Coleby Clawson. The only one that returns is junior-to-be Jordan Pendleton, who proved to be a hard-hitter and a playmaker last season.

Backups who will vie for starting jobs includes Grant Nelson, Brandon Ogletree, Shane Hunter and Jordan Atkinson.

Now, what about the new guys?

Kyle Van Noy, who signed in 2009 but couldn't enroll until last month due to legal troubles, is a strong candidate to play next fall at outside linebacker.

"I'm really excited that he's made the strides necessary to get enrolled into BYU," said coach Bronco Mendenhall. "It's a work in progress. I reserve the right at any time when I bring players into the program. Some players really want BYU and some need BYU. Kyle's both. He wants BYU and he needs it. I'm anxious to work with him. He's honored his commitments to me and I'll do the same to him."

At inside linebacker, watch for class of 2010 signees Zac Stout and Collin Keoshian.

"I think Zac Stout is going to be special," said Tidwell. "I think he is going to have a great career here. And depending on what he does from now until August is going to be important, whether he comes in and contributes or not. And I think he understands the hard work, and what he needs to do to do it. I think he has the desire to come in and play as a freshman. With Collin, just because of experience and that, he may not be as close."

Others who signed this week include Lone Peak's Sae Tautu and Pleasant Grove's Joey Owens, who has undergone shoulder surgeries and might not be ready this year, according to Tidwell. Meanwhile, Teu Kautai and Toloa'I Ho Ching are headed on missions right out of high school, Tidwell said.

Returning from missions are Austen Jorgensen and Tyler Beck.

Which players will make an immediate impact?

"It's hard to tell," said Tidwell, "but it's also encouraging to know we have a good class and we're hoping at least a handful of these kids can come in, play and help us."