Pendleton recognized by the NSCA

[MarkGrace]

PROVO, Utah (June 8, 2010) - The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) has named BYU linebacker Jordan Pendleton an NSCA All-American for his dedication to strength training and conditioning.

Pendleton, a sophomore in 2009, was nominated by Justin McClure, a BYU strength and conditioning coach. According to McClure, Pendleton's strength and conditioning statistics include a 352 clean, 465 squat, 430 bench press, 225x31 bench press, 36" vertical jump and a 4.51 40-yard dash.

As a starter at outside linebacker in 2009, Pendleton helped the Cougars to an 11-2 record and No. 12 final ranking in the national polls. The South Jordan, Utah, native totaled 52 tackles on the season, including 30 solo, in addition to three sacks, one interception and a fumble recovery.

The NSCA All-American Athlete of the Year Award program is in its 32nd year, and is made possible by a grant from Power Systems, Inc., a Knoxville, Tennessee fitness product leader.

http://www.byucougars.com/Filing.jsp?ID=14114

Looks like The Freak is a well-deserved nickname. Here's to hoping his shoulder is good to go by the fall.

[Commando]

When I saw the gasoline he had in that Utah game when he destroyed Wynn last year I told everyone that we are looking at the future of BYU football. Homeboy is going to kill it this year. He's a superstar.

[Goatnapper'96]

http://www.byucougars.com/Filing.jsp?ID=14114

Looks like The Freak is a well-deserved nickname. Here's to hoping his shoulder is good to go by the fall.

How could any human bench only 35 lbs less than they squat?

He is a great athlete and a pretty good football player but my suspicion is that he will always be a good player who never quite becomes as spectacular as his raw God given abilities allow.

However, I am really interested to see what he can do now that he has the confidence and experience to go with the unbelievable athleticism.

I think that Richard Wilson will follow him. I think Wilson is similar to Vic So'oto, great natural ability but just not a good receiver. Instead of dinking around at TE for 3 years like Vic did, I think Rich will move next year to OLB permanently. Vic should have moved to DE for 2007 IMO. I think the future of TE at BYU is Mahina and Holt. Mahina will start this year with Muelman backing him up, but I doubt we see as much tight ends as years past as I think BYU will play 3 wide outs with McKay Jacobsen in the slot a great deal. Then next year Mahina will continue to play and after MJ graduates BYU will go with a lot of double tight end formations once Holt is a sophmore and been in the system a few years.

[KillerDog]

Pendleton is an animal. Story on Zac Stout over at deepshadesofblue is that Zac is not set on serving a mission. I wouldn't be surprised to see our best linebacking corps ever next year with Stout and Kaveinga at ILB and Pendleton and VanNoy at OLB. Great talent, skill, and athleticism. Of course, VanNoy will become Honor Code ineligible by the Bowl game but they will be great until then.

[Goatnapper'96]

Pendleton is an animal. Story on Zac Stout over at deepshadesofblue is that Zac is not set on serving a mission. I wouldn't be surprised to see our best linebacking corps ever next year with Stout and Kaveinga at ILB and Pendleton and VanNoy at OLB. Great talent, skill, and athleticism. Of course, VanNoy will become Honor Code ineligible by the Bowl game but they will be great until then.

Is Kaveinga going on a mission this summer or not? Here somebody said he was.

However, if he doesn't and Stout doesn't, BYU will have an exceptional linebacking corps for a few years. Especially once Richard Wilson recognizes his calling in life is to be an OLB.

[Jacob]

How could any human bench only 35 lbs less than they squat?

You must not know many human beings.

[Indy Coug]

You must not know many human beings.

If you're benching only 35 less than you squat, you're spending too much time on your upper body. Period.

[KillerDog]

Is Kaveinga going on a mission this summer or not? Here somebody said he was.

However, if he doesn't and Stout doesn't, BYU will have an exceptional linebacking corps for a few years. Especially once Richard Wilson recognizes his calling in life is to be an OLB.

I don't have any inside information on Kaveinga. I had also heard a rumor he was going to go on a mission. I'll believe it when I see it.

I totally agree on Richard Wilson. We have a large number of tight end types that will need to start converting to different positions. Wilson may be one of those guys. I have heard that he isn't very physical yet and may not have the mentality for a great defensive player.

[MarkGrace]

Is Kaveinga going on a mission this summer or not? Here somebody said he was.

I'm almost positive I heard he got his mission call and that he won't be here next year.

[MarkGrace]

I think that Richard Wilson will follow him. I think Wilson is similar to Vic So'oto, great natural ability but just not a good receiver. Instead of dinking around at TE for 3 years like Vic did, I think Rich will move next year to OLB permanently.

That would make some sense. From what I've read it seems that he's clearly the fastest/most explosive/best athlete of the TE group, but he just doesn't have the hands.

[Hot Lunch]

I'm almost positive I heard he got his mission call and that he won't be here next year.

His experience at BYU has affected Uona Kaveinga so much that during the course of spring camp he paid a visit to the office of his position coach, Coach Tidwell, for one of those person life-decision discussions.

"Yes, he talked to the coaches and has decided to go on his mission," said an excited Lau. "He said he is committed to going on his mission, and I agree and told him that I was so happy that he has decided to go. He can go serve the Lord then come back and focus on playing football. I am so happy."

As a father, Lau Kaveinga taught his son at a young age that serving the Lord was most important. After Uona decided to transfer to USC, the disappointment could be heard in Lau’s voice when he was asked if his son would serve a mission.

In a quiet voice, Lau said, "I don't think that's going to happen now." But, oh how things have changed.

When Lau first heard of his son's desires to serve, his heart leapt with joy

http://byu.scout.com/2/962665.html

Here is a TBS article about it.

[MarkGrace]

Those damn missions!