2015 OL Preveiw

[scott715]

http://www.cougarboard.com/board/messag ... d=13683358" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Let's assume everyone is healthy first:

LT - Ryker #1, Lapuaho at LT when Ryker is sitting
RT - Lapuaho #1, Wilcox at RT when Lapuaho is at LT or sitting

I think that three-man rotation for tackle is very solid.

LG - Kyle Johnson #1, Alletto backup
RG - Tuni Kanuch #1, Alletto backup

That would be a solid three-man rotation for guard as well.

C - Koroma #1, Alletto backup

Having Alletto as the backup for three spots is where our OL concerns should lie first and foremost.

So what do we need? One of these alternatives, in order of likelihood:

1) Another backup guard so that Alletto can rotate in at G and C comfortably. Mulitalo or Nwigwe would be the most likely candidates here, it appears.
2) Two backup guards so that Alletto can mainly be the #2 C and play spot duty at one of the guard spots. Same main candidates as #1.
3) A full-time #2 center so that Alletto can just be the third guy in a three-man rotation at guard. Dawe or Thee would be the candidates here.

Now, let's talk about health.

If Ryker's knee injury limits his mobility and stamina, we will see Lapuaho at LT and Ryker or Wilcox at RT. This would necessitate bringing along another tackle very quickly. Nwigwe, Jimenez, Rawlinson, or Hoyt would be the best candidates here. Another possibility would be rotating Kyle Johnson in at tackle, which he can do, although it isn't ideal. Let's just hope Ryker recovers at close to 100%. He has had three main injuries at BYU: his foot his first year, which led to a RS; his hips, which didn't cause him to miss many games, but which kept him below 100% for a whole season; and his knee, which he injured on the last play against Memphis, but which is not predicted to cause him to miss any games. That makes him seem snakebit, but those injuries aren't related, so there is reason to think he will play fine this year.

Alletto had surgery in December as well. It does not appear to be anything serious. It does make bringing another guard up to speed more of a pressing need. Let's hope Wintrich goes after Mulitalo, Nwigwe, and Jimenez hard.

[hawkwing]

Alletto tweeted that he was giving up football to focus on moving on with his life.

[hawkwing]

[scott715]

Do you have a link to the tweet?

[hawkwing]

It's right here.

[scott715]

Did you forget the link?

[hawkwing]

Did you forget the link?

Here's a link to the tweet. " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Fido]

With Alletto gone as well, that leaves a pretty young group:

Sounds like for now the starting lineup could be something like:
RT Ului Lapuaho (So)
RG Tuni Kanuch (So)
C Tejan Koroma (So)
LG Kyle Johnson (Jr)
LT Ryker Mathews (Sr)

Returning players from last year to add depth:
Brad Wilcox (Jr)
Brian Rawlinson (So)
Manu Mulitalo (Jr)
Parker Dawe (Jr) - Walk on
Dallas Doane (So) - Walk on
Landon Simonsen (So) - Walk on

Returned Missionaries back for Spring:
Austin Hoyt (Fr)
Ryan Jensen (Fr) - Walk on
Devon Smith (Fr) - Walk on

Fall Arrivals:
Demetrius Davis (Fr)
Jacob Jimenez (Fr)
J.J. Nwigwe (Fr)
Christopher Thee (So) - Transfer from Snow College - Walk on
Quin Ficklin (Fr) - Returned Missionary - Walk on

By my count, that is 1 Senior, 4 Juniors, 7 Sophomores, and 7 Freshman.

[Cougs_Rule]

Looks like its a good set up for a first year for Tanner Mangum in 2016.

[jonnylingo]

Looks like a disaster for this year. Serious depth problems. losing kearsley was a really big deal.