PROVO -- In this multi-part series, BYUCougars.com continues its preview of the 2004 season. Today's feature gives a brief overview of the receivers and tight ends.
RECEIVER
Perhaps the position that received the most attention during recent recruiting efforts, the receivers will rely on increased height, speed and big-play potential.
"The thing we felt we needed to address going in to recruiting was the need to increase our play making ability," Offensive Coordinator Todd Bradford says. "We need to have the ability to turn short gains into big plays.
"We also needed to increase the depth of our receiving corps to allow us the ability to run the entire offense and not be so limited. We want to run plays that fit the abilities of our players, but also attack the defense and expose their weaknesses. With the depth we have now, we should be able to run anything we want. We should be able to run our entire offensive package."
Among the many new faces, the Cougars will rely on veterans Jason Kukahiko, Chris Hale and Rod Wilkerson for leadership and experience. Hale, a 5-foot-9, 175-pound junior is the team's top returning receiver after totaling 286 yards on 22 receptions last season. Wilkerson, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior had 21 receptions for 274 yards a year ago, while Kukahiko, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior, posted 11 receptions for 139 yards. Hale and Wilkerson are listed as the top two receivers at the "Z" position entering fall camp, while Kukahiko is listed as the starter at the "F" position.
"We'll look to the veterans for their leadership and knowledge," Bradford says. "Their talents will continue to be a big part of what we're doing. They will be counted on heavily for our success."
Others receivers who have been in the program and will look to contribute include Brett Cooper (5-11, 186, So.); Cody Fonnesbeck (5-8, 155, So.); Zac Collie (6-0, 185, So.); Matt Smith (6-2, 185, So.); David Gooch (6-3, 210, Jr) and Matt Allen (6-0, 180, Fr.).
"These guys are all good enough to play," Bradford says. "Some are coming off redshirt seasons, others have had to overcome some injuries. We're expecting all of these guys to contribute and make an impact."
During the junior-college signing period, the Cougars inked three receivers who arrived on campus in January. Each made an immediate impact during spring drills and are expected to play a significant role. Todd Watkins, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound junior, headlines the group of mid-year transfers, while Michael Morris, a 6-foot-1, 182-pound junior, adds big-play ability. Riley Weber, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior, also signed during the early signing period and brings experience to the roster. Watkins will enter fall camp as the starter at the "X" position, while Morris is listed as the No. 2 receiver at the "F" position, behind Kukahiko.
"These guys should be ahead of the curve," Bradford says. "Each had a sold spring. We feel like Todd really has a chance to be a big-play receiver with his size and speed. He has the ability to go over the top and run by guys. Michael is a guy who can turn short plays in to big plays. He's very athletic. We're going to do what we can to get him the ball and let him do what he can to turn it in to a big play."
The Cougars also added three promising recruits from the high-school ranks, including Austin Collie (6-1, 185, Fr.); Antwaun Harris (6-0, 195, Fr.) and Michael Reed (6-2, 190, Fr.). Joe Griffin is another junior-college transfer who will enter fall camp after recently graduating from Grossmont JC. Griffin posted 47 receptions for 901 yards last season and was credited with seven touchdowns.
"All four of these guys will be given a chance to prove they are ready to play right away. If they are, they will be right in the mix from the very first day."
TIGHT END
While BYU has long been known as "Quarterback U", the success the Cougars have had in producing tight ends over recent years has not gone unnoticed. In what is quickly becoming a tradition, the Cougars appear to be stocked with talent at the tight end position.
After earning Freshman All-America honors last season, Daniel Coats returns and is listed as the starter entering fall camp. Coats, a 6-foot-3, 250-pound sophomore recorded 30 receptions for 378 yards and four touchdowns last season, ranking as the top tight end on the BYU roster.
Coats, a Freshman All-American in 2003, led all tight ends and ranked third on the BYU roster with 30 receptions for 378 yards and four touchdowns last season. Coats was named the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Week after helping BYU to a 24-13 victory over Georgia Tech in last year's season-opener. He led the nation with six receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns in his first game as a Cougar.
"Daniel had an outstanding freshman season," Offensive Coordinator Todd Bradford says. "We're expecting great things from him. He works hard; he does the things we've asked of him, both on and off the field; he's a dedicated husband and father; he stands for everything we're looking for in a player at BYU."
The John Mackey Award candidate will be joined in the stables by sophomore Phillip Niu. Like Coats, Niu also had a solid freshman season. He saw action in seven games before suffering a season-ending injury. The 6-foot-5, 243-pounder recorded eight receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns, including what turned out to be the game-winner against New Mexico. Recovering from surgery, Niu was unable to compete during spring drills.
"Daniel and Phillip have some valuable game experience and we'll be counting on them for their knowledge of our opponents and for their leadership," Tight End Coach Mike Empey says. "They both had a solid season last year and we're going to look for them to continue to improve."
The Cougars will also look to sophomore Jeremy Gillespie and freshman Dennis Pitta for added depth at the position. Gillespie saw action throughout the 2003 season as a redshirt freshman, while Pitta had an outstanding spring and has moved his way up the depth chart. Pitta will compete this season before leaving on his mission to the Dominican Republic in January.
Others who will add depth to the position include Andrew Stacey, a 6-foot-3, 215 pound sophomore and Jonny Harline, a 6-foot-4, 235 sophomore who has just returned from a Church mission.
After graduating in 2003, Aisaac Aiono has elected to forgo his senior season and will instead pursue career opportunities. Aiono, competed in seven games last year.
Next Monday, July 26, BYUCougars.com will begin featuring the high-powered BYU defense with comments from the coaches, as well as position-by-position analysis.