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WR recruit picked BYU over SEC

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SJ Bobkins | 12:48 a.m. Feb. 3, 2008
This is how a program develops a national recruiting presence from having players string out to far flung places and spread the word on BYU football. It may be a long time before a BYU football player who has a career in the pros decides to make a sizable gift back to his university, as others have done with their schools, but a gift like this means a lot. I think this young man combined with McKay will give BYU a great set of wide-outs and force defenses to stretch the field.
Hey 1A | 6:21 a.m. Feb. 3, 2008
Got anything like this to make you credible?
jim b cedar city | 8:40 a.m. Feb. 3, 2008
How about a few facts on Kedron Paul while writing on O'Neill. Sounds like Chambers will make an impact on the offensive side for the Cougars. Over all a very good recuiting class for BYU.
Comments continue below
nottyou | 8:49 a.m. Feb. 3, 2008
It is amazing we could land a kid like this while no one in the country even gets a chance to see BYU play. I hope the relationship BYU has with "the mtn" dies soon. I'm looking forward to Thursday night games at weird hours...at least we'd get to SEE the Cougs again!
Gretzky | 8:44 a.m. Feb. 3, 2008
now we just need the BSC to add a few more bowls to accomodate all 11 Div-1A schools as well as a 16 team playoff and we are off to the races...
Ernest T. Bass | 9:55 a.m. Feb. 3, 2008
Ahhh the Harmon spin and hype machine is alive and well.
Kedron Paul? | 10:00 a.m. Feb. 3, 2008
Only a brief mention was made of Kedron Paul and it sounds like he's going to join our team with Chambers. How good is he and what position does he play?
Clintorama | 9:55 a.m. Feb. 3, 2008
Does this kid plan to serve a mission?
Good Morning | 10:20 a.m. Feb. 3, 2008
There has to be a reason that a guy is willing to play for a non BCS school, maybe he was told you will not play for three years RS year Freshman and Sophmore year waiting your turn and then you will play or a non BCS school where you cen play now.

Just a thought!
Bombadil | 10:36 a.m. Feb. 3, 2008
So, if they played say 10 games down in Florida last year he averaged 30 yards a game receiving, 1.7 catches and 0.3 tds a game? Sounds like a blue chipper to me. Another recruiting triumph for the Y.
Next Season Will Rock | 11:02 a.m. Feb. 3, 2008
Tom Sorensen steps into the center position with several other top O-lineman vying for the spot and our only other loss on offense (WR Matt Allen) will see kids like Chambers, Di Luigi, Mahuika and Reed White fighting for that spot. As long as Hall stays healthy next season we could see offensive fireworks like never before in Provo. Our All-American TE recruit may crack an all-ready great three TE rotation as well. And on top of it all, we have a kicking game now to go with it!

I do think the article was a bit misleading to suggest Miami didn't offer Chambers because they focus on south Florida. If Chambers ran in the 4.3-4 range he would not be going to the Y. Miami recruits all over the country - signed one of the top safeties in So Cal. But I'm glad he is coming here!
MRJ | 11:30 a.m. Feb. 3, 2008
bombadil: I could not agree more. His stats are not very impressive. Hopefuly, with offers from the likes of a University of Florida, the coaches see a diamond in the "ruff." We'll see.
'Football Speed,' eh? | 11:38 a.m. Feb. 3, 2008
This doesn't ad up. 4.5 or 4.6 speed is not terribly special in a wide receiver, and downright slow in the SEC or Pac-10.

But as his coach says, he has "football speed" which enables him, somehow, to outrun 4.3, 4.4 defenders. Hm.

Wouldn't it be better for Harmon to sell this guy as a fast-enough receiver who, because of the precison of his routes or his head fake, is able to outgain faster defenders?
Speed | 12:02 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008
Isn't Collie in the same 40 range? The article did say this kid has good size and strength and can run over players. Or maybe he has an all-american straght arm or push off like Collie has developed. Just like QBs, receivers can fit nicely into a "system" and hopefully this kid, whatever his 40 time is, can do that. BYU rarely gets 4.3 kids even if they are LDS. Chamber's coach - Anderson - was one of the few and as fast as Anderson was I don't recall him being a dominant receiver. And to the mission question, this kid is not LDS as far as I know. He was turned on to BYU and visa versa through Anderson. Even our pro guys usually do not go in based much on their speed - Mahe, Lewis, Mili and guys like them were smart and skilled but not fast for their position. Steve Young and now Dan Coats are a couple of the few who also went in with good NFL speed for their position. Lack of NFL speed killed guys like Harline and Curtis Brown this year. Perhaps the most skilled player out of BYU was Staley (minus injuries)
Anonymous | 12:58 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008
Stats can be very misleading.
BYU = AVG RECRUITS | 1:01 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008
Overall, BYU's recruiting class this year currently sits at #55 in the nation according to Rivals.com. While the recruiting might good for BYU compared to recent history, I think people need to realize that landing this guy from Florida does not mean BYU is an elite recruiter by any stretch of the imagination. If BYU lands Terrelle Pryor by some completely unforeseen miracle on Wednesday, then we have something newsworthy. Right now, however, BYU has one recruit in Rival's Top 100. That is it. Period. And I'd be a little suspect about the impact of the Bingham recruits. Are they good? Absolutely. But even the kicker is only ranked #14 in the nation in his position; but I think it is a stretch to call them "blue chip" recruits. I suppose it is all relative, but most top 10-15 teams turn down players like this every day.

re"Stats can be very misleading | 1:00 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008
You mean the kid could be better than they think???

WOW

If I were the U of U I would figure a way to Gerrymander my way into Alaska and get away from BYU Athletics ASAP.
Average Recruits But Great Team | 2:20 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008
Most intelligent Cougar fans will acknowledge that BYU is not a top recruiter in terms of the top hs athletes. We even lose some of the top LDS kids on a regular basis to the BCS schools. Which makes the overall quality of the team and coaching even that much more impressive. To finish in the top 15 two seasons in a row and likely start there to begin next season shows the quality of the "program".
Russ | 9:12 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008
Just because kids are highly rated out of high school does not make them great college players. A good example is the receiver Welker who just played for the Pat's in the super bowl. He had a offer out of high school, (Texas Tech) To everybody else he was listed as too small and too slow. He looked pretty good today and in my opinion he was the best Patriot's weapon on the field! This kid was also not invited to any NFL combines or even drafted. He could write his own ticket now! Don't sell this BYU recuit short just yet!!
chester blue | 10:11 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008
Agree with some comments. BYU has done a pretty good job with recruiting but what is more impressive is how they get the most out of these one star(at best) recruits and win consecutive conference championships along with an AP ranking in the teens in back to back years. Something is going on and that is BYU is returning to glory which means consistently winning conference titles and ending the season ranked. The recruiting will only improve with the winning seasons and it falls back on excellent coaching. These young men are loyal to Bronco and his system and they have complete trust and confidence in what direction the program is heading. This Chambers could be an excellent free safety as well. With that size, he could lay some nasty hits on opposing receivers. He will make an immediate impact somewhere. So will Kavienga and so will Justin Sorenson and Austin Holt. Oh yeah, don't forget about DiLuigi who was the California offensive player of the year in '06 because he'll be ready to go too. Matangi Tonga may be ready to go too so look out! Cougars be back roaring for an undefeated year!
jeffblue | 10:21 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008
"Speed" is an important variable but it is not everything. BYU's fastest were not necessarily its best and did not translate into significant NFL careers, an example being Ronney Jenkins (RB,though played some on Sundays). The fastest NFL receivers were not the best, as in Ronaldo Nehemiah and Ronnie Gault, (spelling?) both world class sprinters that were average in the NFL. The most newsworthy was this recruit received attention from the upper tier BCS schools, not common for most of BYU's recruits.
Florida Cougar | 10:53 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008
This is the result of a winning program in Provo. Other kids here in Florida are also considering BYU. Kids know BYU finished 14th tied with and just ahead of Urban's Gators. Anderson has 3 more great players and they are all watching BYU and Bronco real closely. Tough to watch the games out here though. Need something done about the MTN.
Magnus Cougarson | 11:24 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008
BYU had no recruiting class like: Florida, Auburn, Alabama, California, Florida State, Miami, Virginia, Oregon. They just finished higher than all of them in the polls. The Sporting news calls them one of ten tream that can win it all next year. Bronco has already done more with less than any D-1 coach two years in a row now. Kids want to play for a winner. Parents want someone like Bronco coaching, mentoring and teaching their boys. More and more high quality student athletes will be coming to Provo. The LDS church is not getting smaller and BYU is once again a National Power that must be respected.
coaching influence | 12:42 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
High School coaches have MUCH more influence on where a kid goes then most people think.

It is confusing to the kid. The coach has ties with his old college and/or old teammates at new colleges.
Re: Florida Cougar | 1:37 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
You're crazy, Florida would have killed BYU. Just cause they finished higher doesn't mean they would beat every team below them. Don't be so foolish as to think that's what rankings mean. They hardly beat a poor UCLA team and got lucky against Utah. Get over yourselves Zoobies.
radar | 3:36 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
BYU fan's aren't delusional, we know that we aren't going to compete with the elite BCS teams in regards to recruiting, but we I think around 40th position is about where we should aim to be. We out recruit nearly all non BCS teams. Chambers did turn down offers from the SEC and BIG 10 so I'm definitely happy he is coming and I expect to see him having an impact next season
still have to play the games | 3:48 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
BYU hasn't beaten anyone great yet in years and years. Let's see if these kids actually play and if we can win the big ones. Teach Anae some clock management (remember our decision to hand off deep in our territory in the 1st half vs. UCLA?) and we might have a good team.
Coug Fan.. | 6:11 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Rise and shout the Cougars are out.....
Re: Get over yourselves Zoobies | 6:34 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Classic Ute post. BYU "got lucky against Utah." Uh, yeah. Whatever helps you sleep at night. I know it's depressing having lost to BYU for quite a while now in both football and basketball. I just find it amusing I guess that you share your frustrations over your team by posting comments that don't make any sense on BYU articles. Classic Ute post.
re:Get over yourselves Zoobies | 7:51 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
So BYU did beat Utah two years in a row? Undefeated in conference and with their piddily program out here was tied or was voted ahead of Florida and his Urbaness,the Urban Legend???

Wow, and only getting better.

Hey Utah, get a program or get off the boards.

(Mad props to your soccer team and women's basketball!!!)

coachc | 8:59 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I am having a difficult time believing certain posters want to first, bag all over Harmon and second, bag this kid for choosing BYU? Are you kidding me. His coach says he is awesome. His coach is putting his reputation on the line with this kid and BYU. If this kid doesn't pan out, then Anderson's future recommendations will not be taken seriously and his football program will go into the toilet. And as far as Harmon goes, give me a break. A spin? Are you kidding me. He is simply reporting what others tell him. How is this spinning anything. Harmon tells the truth better than any SL reporter or radio hosts out there. The others pale in comparison to Harmon. He writes both the good and the bad. Why shoot the messenger? Chambers will be an impact player.
THIS WILL LAST 1 or 2 | 10:09 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I bet you this kid will transfer after a year or two. He will get sick of playing in the mtn. worst and wanna go to BCS bowls.
BYU vs Utah | 11:02 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Utah fans are looking for every little thing they can to prove they have a superior program. Getting Chambers is great for BYU. Will he turn out to be a great player? Only time will tell. I also love it when the Utes keep saying BYU is lucky to have beaten them. I guess Utah was unlucky for having the corner jump a 10 yard route on 4th and long? Ridiculous. Last I looked BYU has enjoyed a good run against Utah as the Cougars have not lost to the Utes in 2 years in either football or basketball. Utah fans really should focus on their program and not on trying to put down BYUs.
The Future | 11:38 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
The kid's 40 time isn't great, but he is big. By the time his 17 or 18 year old body fills out in a year or two he will be playing tight end. Tight end is one position BYU doesn't need help with. Bottom line - decent recruit with little net impact on the team. Yawn.
???????????? | 11:42 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
That was a Dumb decision!!!!
CO Coug | 11:38 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
This whole speed thing is way over-rated, sure it helps to be running a 4.3 at receiver, but the real question is whether or not he can get open, take a hit going across the middle, or put up a good block to free up the running back. Don't fall in love with this whole speed thing at receiver, it helps on deep balls, but will he get his hands dirty and go across the middle and make good blocks. that's what's going to make him successful. This whole NFL combine "stats" thing is becoming obsessive to some people. Lots of fast NFL receivers sitting on the bench/getting cut, because they won't get their hands dirty, regardless of their speed.

Ute fans still call the game "lucky?" Get real Utes, try stopping a 4th and 18. No luck there, just more heart on the BYU side of the ball. Or how about stopping Harvey for once?
Great Mid-Major | 12:06 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
To Average Recruits But Great Team:

If BYU could beat quality non-conference opponents consistently, then I would say great national team. They're a great Mountain West team. They own the Mountain West and are batting about .500 against middle-of-the-pack Pac 10 teams. They are not a GREAT team until they beat really good BCS teams more frequently than they lose to them. The last time they played a "really good" BCS team in 2005 (Notre Dame - who has ended up being a bust), BYU flat out got embarassed. Average recruiting by national standards typically predicts an average team by national standards. It is worth noting that BYU's recruiting is, however, among the highest for mid-majors.

To comments that a great high school career does not necessarily mean a great college career: yes, this is true. But it does make it SIGNIFICANTLY more likely, especially when those players sign on with top BCS schools with tons of money, top coaches, top facilities, and top-notch competition from their peers. How many 1st rounders in the NFL draft hail from mid-majors or below?
a few insights | 12:09 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
- Boastful 40 times are recorded on a track, without pads, in shorts wearing track shoes/spikes, in a straight line
- Most players slow down considerably when they put on pads, cleats and run in the grass which for most equals out to the boastful 40 times having meaning
- Those with what they call football speed run with more power so they don't recognize the same or any slow down when they run in full equipment - some also have an added adrenaline boost or those quick twitch muscles they talk about with Devin Hester so much that allow for change of direction and explosiveness to be maximized.
- For those that have never put on the pads and played the game you probably would never have a concept of football speed.

- Last on his stats - the kid played 3 ways in football, sounds like the team needed his focus to be on D, and hew was obviously phenominal on special teams.
- Let him focus on offense and hit the weights to add some more power to his football speed and the fans will not be disappointed on the field by this young man.
To Russ | 12:09 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
But if you focused on the general rule and not the exception, you'd agree that this kid has an uphill battle ahead of him.
sorry ute fans | 12:34 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Sounds like a lot of jealous ute fans out there are continuing to post trying to belittle BYU. Just because you utes have the "most talented non-BCS team" in the country and you still can't win your own conference doesn't mean you need to continue bagging on BYU when they get a recruit away from your idol, mr. meyer.

That's right, BYU will slowly take over as the most talented team with continued improvements in recruiting, and they will continue with their consistent, winning ways due to their superior coaching.

Doesn't leave much hope for a ute fan. Too bad, so sad.
To "a few insights" | 12:39 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
So you're saying that Chambers might not be as fast as his official 4.66 second 40 speed? What would make him different than all the guys running 4.3's and 4.4's? Just because his football coach says he has "great football speed" doesn't mean anything. Football coaches are supposed to spin negatives and neutral facts into positives. I'm sure the kid is a great player, and I'm sure his speed is one thing that has kept top-10 caliber teams from signing him. I bet if he did sign with an SEC team at all, he would likely get some playing time, but would by no means be a spotlight receiver. He can get that opportunity in Provo. Excuse this for sounding pompous and brash, but no rising star in his right mind overlooks an opportunity at an elite football program to mess around with a mid-major with an honor code unless: (a) you're Mormon; or (b) your other options don't look very good. If Chambers excels at BYU, I predict he transfers out.
To "sorry ute fans" | 12:52 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I wouldn't say BYU "got a recruit away" from Urban Meyer. Florida already has commitments from 3 of the top 100 receiver recruits in the nation, including 2 in the top 20. Florida is also a finalist for Julio Jones, this year's #1 HS receiver in the nation. Chambers isn't even in the top 100. Now if BYU somehow miraculously lands Julio Jones--which is about as likely as signing burgeoning superstar Terrelle Pryor--then we have a newsworthy story for Mr. Harmon.
Zoobie 55 | 1:22 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
The kids Mom was very interested in his education and felt her visit to Provo was wonderful. She said BYU felt differently than any other university she'd visited. Other African-Americans have thrived at BYU, many of which haven't been members. I don't see any reason why Chambers can't be happy and have a successful career at BYU. That being said he's got to earn it all in practice and on the field. Apparently BYU has appeal to some that the mighty BCS schools can't match. Jealous enemies of BYU, eat your hearts out.
in a small pond | 1:21 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
This was a good sign by byu. He doesnt really fit the mold of a byu reciever though. He's tall and long and not super fast. He will create mismatches against smaller corners. He is not a a recruit that garners national attention but in the MWC region to snag this guy out of SEC country is a big deal, i guess he wants to be a big fish in a small pond (MWC) rather than a big fish in an ocean (SEC). Pretty smart though, he could ut up gaudy numbers in the BYU offense and have a higher draft status in a few years. Its almost like the cougars scheduling cupcakes to get into the BCS.
re: To "a few insights" | 1:31 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
"So you're saying that Chambers might not be as fast as his official 4.66 second 40 speed?"

Umm - No, now read closely - I'll even type slow so you can understand. . .

Official speeds are not recorded on a football field. They are taken in a track environment.

Many a speadsters have wow'd on the track but failed to be impressive on the football field because the several pounds of pads weighs them down and just because you have speed on a track does not mean it will always completely translate to speed in football. Those that run with power won't have as much slow down on the field like a track star time would.

I know this for a fact because when I played I could run the exact same 40 time in pads as I could on the track.

Others on my team with more impressive 40 times on the track dropped considerably when they put on pads. Many by a 1/2 second or more.

And like I said before those that haven't played enough wouldn't know or understand the concept.
BYU Fan | 1:43 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
What is it with all you naysayers from wherever? BYU is the top dog in the midmajor MWC, not from an elite BCS conference; so why judge them on the the unrealistic basis as the Florida's, Southern Cal, LSU, et al? The are doing quite well thankyou in the "Mountain", which very few of the fans get to see on TV. I say they are beating the rest of MWC in recruiting hands down, and despite that have a revolving door of athletes coming and going on missions, I think Bronco has a 'big leg' up on all of the conference schools. What do you think of that? I want to know about all the ELITE ATHLETES all of you other conference universities are bringing into your folds....particularing 'student athletes', who will not be dismissed from school or be on probation, or transfer during their athletic eligibility at the schools to which they were originally recruited. SHOW ME!!!

Best of luck in the coming season COUGARS!!!!!!
Oops! | 2:07 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Is this kid even Mormon? One would assume he is since he's planning on BYU, but maybe he isn't. If not, he'll likely have an OMG moment when he reads through the honor code restrictions and realizes he will not be having the same college experience as if he'd chosen to go to any of the other schools who offered him spots.

Poor kid has no idea what he's getting into.
RR | 2:40 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
If you have a coach who can get your team to win, you don't have to have the top recruiting class in the nation. ND is always tops, and how did they fare last season? The coach maximizes the talent that is there. This is what Bronco has done, and will continue to do for years to come. All the critics can do now is whine and find any reason to put them down...all of which wastes their time on here.

This is a great recruit! What a great time for BYU football!
Re: Kendron Paul | 2:34 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Kendron Paul is a 1 star recruit.
Ht: 5-8 Wt: 153
Position: CB
We Are the Big Blue!!! | 2:56 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Read the ESPN article about the Non-BCS schools and the recruiting work that they are doing.

It talks quietly and very respectfully about what Bronco is doing at BYU. It talks about Chambers, and Holt and Sorenson. ESPN likes Chaambers, despite whatever the ute fans who post on these articles.

No, BYU does not have the TOP recruiting class in America. That's okay. We never have and may never have. The success that BYU has in the past has come from hard work and dedication.

Ms. Chambers felt something different about BYU?

I'm not surprised. I had the same expereince when I first walked on the BYU campus when I came to school there. I couldn't expect a die-hard BYU hater to understand what that mean in terms of choosing BYU over utah or some other university. But as a graduate of Brigham Young and a lover of the Big Blue, I/we/all of us who have choosen Brigham Young over the utah's and utah states, or Michigan States and a few other schools............understand.

Chambers will be fine at BYU. We'll take good care of him. Mormon or not Mr. Oops. Magic has happened for most of us who picked BYU.

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