Not the short-lived ESPN series, I'm talking about BYU's lack-thereof. JJ DiLuigi has been the one guy that you could say has done a decent job of extending a play so to speak, but outside of that, nobody really has. While Heaps has been far from perfect, he really isn't getting any help, and the lack of support he's getting from the skill positions IMO is putting more of the onus to be mistake free on a true freshman QB, and is impacting his performance further. Again, let me reiterate, I don't think that Heaps has been perfect and he needs to shoulder some of the blame for the poor offensive performance. But looking outside of Heaps, I wanted to look at BYU's recruiting classes since 2006 (since that is as far back as ESPN goes, but also since guys from the 2006 class should also be the guys that are playing right now) to identify who were supposed to be the playmakers, and why they aren't living up to expectations. Is it a philosophical recruiting flaw or are guys just not performing. So, here are the guys who I remember being hyped as being play makers from their respective classes and a look at where they are at now.
I'm using ESPNs Scout.com ratings. For reference, here are their breakdowns:
2006:
McKay Jacobsen (71)
McKay has showed flashes throughout his career, but this season he has been a bit of a disappointment. Is it because he is good enough to deal with single coverage when defenses are keying on additional pieces (Pitta, George, Unga, etc.) and this year he was expected to be one of the more featured parts of the offense (at least in my mind). He hasn't made the impact in the return game that I thought he would either since he was a freshman. He seems to be a bit timid when nearing contact. IMO, having McKay not step up and play to the potential that he has shown has been a big detriment to the team this year.
Mike Muehlman (70)
The fact that Muehlman is listed shows the lack of play makers from this class, IMO. Granted, this is really Bronco's first class and comes off the heels of one of the worst eras in BYU history. Muehlman has shown signs of being the more "physical" tight end, but hasn't separated himself in the passing game, and, has had a few drops that appeared to be plays that your TE should make.
Mike Hague (71)
Interesting that Hague is a guy that Scout felt would be a better prospect on the defensive side of the ball. I think Hague did want to play RB, and he's been an adequate FB type, a guy that can block, can carry the ball and can catch out of the backfield. I think he will continue to have his role increase over the next two years, though not really be an "impact" player.
The most notable players from this class are guys who were transfers (Max Hall) or defensive players (Ogletree, Brandon Bradley, Tonga and Fuga). Good solid players, but lacking in offensive playmakers.
2007:
Devin Mahina (78)
One of the glut of TEs that I think are all pretty even, which may amplify the problem. Nobody in my eyes has set themselves apart as "the guy" (although it sounds like Richard Wilson did a good job of starting to do that this week in practice) and I think it hurts not having anybody be that guy. From lack of consistency in practice and continuity in playing, somebody has to step up. Mahina seems like a nice prospect, and I can remember a few nice catches (and not very many drops, from memory). I think Mahina can be a good player, though his inexperience and youth (as with most of the other TEs) is what is really keeping from excelling.
Marcus Matthews (75)
I think this guy has as much upside as anybody, and he is leading the team averaging 18 yards per catch. Unfortunately, he's been inconsistent, and, as I think as Junkie pointed out, has been prone to mistakes (the fumble v. SDSU after a nice catch, the tri-fecta on the series against Wyoming today with the fumble, not being in on the FG and then missing the block on the FG that had it get tipped). I think this guy can fill a Pitta type role, though I think his future should be as a WR (as a bigger target, more of a possession type guy) than as a TE.
JJ DiLuigi (70)
JJ has been the guy that has made more plays in the offense, and, IMO, more has been expected of him than should be. I think he is more of a change of pace type, somebody who would be excellent in the slot, and not as a feature back. I don't think you can complain about JJ.
In all, I think there is some potential there to still have impact players from this class with both Matthews and Mahina, and JJ already has been the play maker this year.
Other impact players from this class include Jordan Pendelton (who was a WR/S prospect originally) and Braden Brown (who was a TE originally). Some other guys who either were busts or didn't make it at BYU from this class include G Pittman, Ryan Kessman, Scotty Ebert, and Brannon Brooks.
(future classes coming shortly)
I'm using ESPNs Scout.com ratings. For reference, here are their breakdowns:
Five-star player: 85 to 100
A potential immediate game-changer at the major college level who could push for all-conference recognition as a true freshman. Will enter college with elite skills needed to create mismatches against top-level competition. A future All-American candidate.
Four-star player: 79.5 to 84.99
A potential 3- to 4-year starter at the major college level with the superior skills needed to see early playing time and make a significant impact during his college career.
Three-star player: 75.0 to 79.49
A player with the skills to develop into a solid starter at the major college level. Potential high-ceiling prospect with the ability to make an impact during his career.
Two-star player: 68 to 74.99
A player who flashes developable major college talent and could be a late bloomer. Potential solid starter at the mid-major level.
One-star player: 55 to 67.9
Player does not show the physical tools or skill set at this point to project at the major college level, but could contribute at mid-major or FCS programs.
A potential immediate game-changer at the major college level who could push for all-conference recognition as a true freshman. Will enter college with elite skills needed to create mismatches against top-level competition. A future All-American candidate.
Four-star player: 79.5 to 84.99
A potential 3- to 4-year starter at the major college level with the superior skills needed to see early playing time and make a significant impact during his college career.
Three-star player: 75.0 to 79.49
A player with the skills to develop into a solid starter at the major college level. Potential high-ceiling prospect with the ability to make an impact during his career.
Two-star player: 68 to 74.99
A player who flashes developable major college talent and could be a late bloomer. Potential solid starter at the mid-major level.
One-star player: 55 to 67.9
Player does not show the physical tools or skill set at this point to project at the major college level, but could contribute at mid-major or FCS programs.
McKay Jacobsen (71)
Jacobson is one of those tough, feisty receivers that simply gets the job done and is also a playmaker in the return game. He excels at finding the soft spots in zones and knows how to get open. He is extremely effective in the short to intermediate passing game. He is a very crisp route runner and can change directions with little to no wasted movement. He is low to the ground and can stop and start very quickly. He can make people miss in the open field. He is good at the line of scrimmage versus the jam and it is hard for defensive backs to get their hands on him. His best asset is his hands.
Mike Muehlman (70)
Muehlman is a prospect with a great frame. He has the size to play at the college level and looks bigger on film then his listed weight. He shows some stiffness in the hips and that will most likely land him at the tight end position instead of on defense in college. He has decent hands and shows that he can catch the ball away from his body. His height and size can give him some match up advantages. He displays the ability to catch the ball above his head. He has adequate speed but is not a threat to stretch the field.
Mike Hague (71)
Hague is a very good two way threat at the high school level. He is a bruising running back that is built like an undersized fullback and he is a safety with a linebacker mentality. He has excellent size and bulk, but he may not have the speed or hips to be a free safety, but instead is a nice fit as a strong safety. Hague has good awareness and football instincts. Is always around the ball and flashes the ability to uncoil and be a punishing hitter and tackler. Has a nose for the ball, takes good pursuit angles and is capable of playing near or within the box as an extra nickel linebacker type. He is at his best versus the run.
The most notable players from this class are guys who were transfers (Max Hall) or defensive players (Ogletree, Brandon Bradley, Tonga and Fuga). Good solid players, but lacking in offensive playmakers.
2007:
Devin Mahina (78)
Mahina is a versatile prospect that could project as either a tight end or defensive end in college. He has a tall rangy frame and should be able to pack on needed bulk as he gets into a college weight program. As a tight end he presents a nice tall target in the passing game. He displays the ability to catch the ball away from his body. He runs solid routes but is mainly a short to intermediate type outlet receiver. He will not make many defenders miss with the ball in his hands but will lower his shoulder and get what he can. His main contribution is as a blocker. He is still raw but has a nice upside.
Marcus Matthews (75)
This guy is a good receiver with the upside to be excellent. If he were a step faster or more explosive, he would be a nationwide recruit. However, Mathews plays faster than you might think and has a supreme blend of size, strength and outstanding hands. He has sneaky speed in the vertical passing game and gets open because he knows how to set up defensive backs and use his size to his advantage. He is a sharp route runner, attacks alignment, eats up cushion before he breaks and shows adequate burst out of the break. He is a real presence in the slot as an intermediate target over the middle on option routes, crossing routes and down the seam. He is tough, will go up in traffic and extend for the high ball. He shows good body control downfield. However, Mathews lacks ideal top-end speed and may not find it as easy to get open at the college level. He lacks great quickness after the catch and is straight-lined. The bottom line is that Mathews is reliable, big and tough. He is productive and will make other receivers around him better trying to keep up with him.
JJ DiLuigi (70)
DiLuigi is a pick-and-slide back who is a bit straight-lined, but he shows outstanding receiving skills for a running back and is the type of player who can play many roles within a scheme because he can motion out of the backfield and be a true threat in the passing game. He is a tough runner who is at his best between the tackles. He hits the hole hard and is constantly keeping his legs pumping. Runs with great forward lean and is tough for his size. He has good vision and very good patience. Does a nice job letting things develop and keying his blocks. He is fast enough to stab and bounce plays to the outside and shows good-to-adequate speed. Builds speed and momentum once in the open field and is capable of winning some footraces against defensive backs. He has exceptional hands and is more than just an outlet receiver. He is a solid route runner, even in the intermediate passing game -- seams, corner routes, crossing routes, etc. The problem with DiLuigi is that he is undersized, lacks ideal power and isn't as explosive as you want a smaller back to be. As mentioned speed is adequate but quickness and suddenness is average. He is straight-lined. Overall, DiLuigi is versatile and a solid overall running back. He is a good change-of-pace for any offense.
In all, I think there is some potential there to still have impact players from this class with both Matthews and Mahina, and JJ already has been the play maker this year.
Other impact players from this class include Jordan Pendelton (who was a WR/S prospect originally) and Braden Brown (who was a TE originally). Some other guys who either were busts or didn't make it at BYU from this class include G Pittman, Ryan Kessman, Scotty Ebert, and Brannon Brooks.
(future classes coming shortly)
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