PROVO -- In this multi-part series, BYUCougars.com continues its preview of the 2004 season. Today's feature gives a brief overview of the defense.
Under the direction of first-year Defensive Coordinator Bronco Mendenhall, the Cougars finished the season ranked 14th in total defense. Mendenhall's defense, known for its aggressive style and multiple formations, finished ranked eighth in pass defense and 33rd in rushing defense. With totals like that, one might think such lofty rankings might be difficult to obtain two years in a row, especially when you consider the Cougars will be without the services of all three linebackers, a starting nose tackle, two corners and a safety from last year's team.
"Last year was a baseline," Mendenhall says. "It's a place for us to start. I don't know how you can have a new coach come in, teach a new system to the defensive staff and the players--all within a year--and not expect to improve on that.
"Now that the returning players and coaches have a year under their belt, the teaching methodology, the mindset and the expectations are clear. I would expect last year to serve as a starting point.
"By no means are we satisfied with our performances last year. I expect us to be better."
While there are those who will enter fall camp with a year of experience under their belts, the fact is the BYU defense will be without at least a dozen players who contributed last season, including the likes of Jernaro Gilford, Colby Bockwoldt, Mike Tanner, Levi Madarieta, Josh Brandon, Ifo Pili, Chad Barney, James Allen, Kip Nielsen, Jared Meibos and Bill Wright--just to name a few.
"Even though we are losing 12 players who contributed at some degree, there are a significant number of returning players who have playing experience," Mendenhall says. "Experience is going to be a strength, but our depth is not. We have addressed our needs for depth in the recruiting plan."
Under Mendenhall's system, players who work hard, know their assignments and consistently make plays will see action--and plenty of it. This motivational model will provide Mendenhall the depth he needs to rotate as many as 20 players per game.
"The depth will be provided by the new faces," Mendenhall says. "How much depth we have will be determined by how ready they are when they show up for fall camp. Knowing the standard in which we prepare is an extreme standard, whoever can hang on and survive will become our depth."
For that reason, many of the second- and third-team assignments have yet to be determined.
"The depth at each position is wide open," Mendenhall says. "I'm not comfortable at all with our second- and third-team players right now. I'm comfortable with our first-team, so the newcomers are going to have to come in ready to compete and provide us the depth we need."
Monday, Aug. 2 BYUCougars.com will preview the defensive line and linebacker positions.