BYU’s Q&A in the Backfield
Cougar RB Michael Alisa (BYU Photo)
BYU has operated with a running back by committee approach the past two seasons.
The key committee members during that stretch have moved on though, leaving two players to carry the load in the Cougar backfield in 2012.
J.J. Di Luigi and Bryan Kariya left the program having combined for nearly 4,000 total yards and 37 touchdowns.
Di Luigi saw his minutes and production diminish during his senior season, but he left BYU having produced 2,787 yards rushing and receiving and scored 19 touchdowns in the process.
He was a threat both running and receiving throughout his career, and was the offensive star of the team during his junior season in 2010 when the Cougars rallied from a 1-4 start to finish the year at 7-6, including a 52-24 victory over UTEP in the New Mexico Bowl.
Kariya was a leader and hard-nosed runner that BYU turned to when the going got tough. He was a player that BYU could count on in third and short situations or crack the endzone when BYU was near the goal line. He was also a solid blocker and a capable receiver out of the backfield. His selfless, blue collar style made him the quintessential Bronco Mendenhall type of player and respected by everyone connected to the program.
As the Cougars labor through their summer workouts, the weight of responsibility in the backfield are coming to rest on the shoulders of Josh “Juice” Quezada (5-11, 215 Jr.) and Michael Alisa (6-1, 213 Jr.). They’re the Q&A in the BYU backfield this year. If you’ve got questions about the BYU running game in 2012, they’ve got the answers. At least offensive coordinator Brandon Doman certainly hopes so.
Quezada struggled through a disappointing and difficult sophomore year in 2011. He began the season suffering with ankle injuries that limited his mobility and effectiveness. He was supposed to build on a true freshman season that saw him average 5.1 yards per carry and rush for 505 yards, including going over the 100-yard mark in two of BYU’s final three games. Instead, he found himself mostly watching from the sidelines as converted linebacker Michael Alisa worked his way into a starting role.
Juice finished the year with just 298 yards on the ground and a single touchdown to his credit, while averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. Late in the season, Josh’s disappointment turned into tragedy as his older brother Joseph was killed in a hit-and-run auto accident in his home town of La Habra, California. When Josh left the team to be with his family, some wondered, given all of his trials in 2011, if he would return to Provo.
But return he did, appearing to also return to his pre-2011 form during spring practices this past March. He participated in every session of spring camp, showing no signs of last season’s nagging injuries. In fact, he appeared quicker, leaner and more athletic than ever.
He also showed a new level of focus, having dedicated his 2012 season to his brother and his family. That focus was demonstrated by his refusal to speak to the media throughout the spring. Every indication at this point is that Quezada is prepared to have the kind of breakout season that he and BYU fans expected him to have last year.
The “A” in the running back Q&A equation in 2012 is Alisa. Michael returned home from a mission in 2011 and switched positions, changing from linebacker to running back and then waiting patiently for his opportunity. That chance came in the sixth game of the season against San Jose State when Doman rewarded him for his effort and progress by giving him the nod at running back.
Alisa didn’t disappoint, rushing for 91 yards on 16 carries against the Spartans. He ended up averaging 5.4 yards per carry the rest of the way last season, and his performance makes him the man to beat at running back when fall cap gets underway in August.
The biggest question mark about Alisa’s game is his ability as a receiver out of the backfield. He caught just 5 passes for 55 yards last year, and had just one reception after being tabbed as the main man in the backfield (although that one catch did go for 22 yards and a touchdown against TCU). He’ll need to do better than in 2012.
Alisa’s running style in somewhat reminiscent of his cousin, the Cougar’s all-time leading rusher Harvey Unga. He’s a poor man’s Unga at this point for sure, but he has the ability to run with power on the inside, as well as the ability to bounce it outside.
Chances are that you could see both Alisa and Quezada in the backfield in a number of situations this season in Doman’s more up-tempo, no huddle approach. BYU is hoping to create fewer opportunities for teams to key on certain player packages this year.
Both could also benefit from the return to health of fullback Iona Pritchard. The sophomore suffered a severe injury last season when he broke his leg and dislocated his ankle in the opening kickoff of last year’s spring game. Pritchard could be a real difference maker, in the form of former Cougar Manase Tonga. His ability to block, run and catch passes out of that key position could really open up opportunities for Josh and Michael this coming season.
Behind these two are a number of talented, but inexperience players that could find themselves in the mix as as the season progresses.
BYU fans have been waiting for what seems like an eternity to see former four-star recruit Adam Hine (6-1, 195 Fr.) hit the field. Hine verbally committed to BYU as sophomore in high school in May of 2007. After two more star-studded prep seasons, a two-year mission and a redshirt year, Adam should see action in some capacity this season.
The Cougars could also call on the services of incoming true freshman Jamaal Williams (6-2, 200 Fr.) from Summit High School in California. Williams is a man-child with huge upside and all kinds of talent. Cougar coaches would like to redshirt the young man, but he might be called upon if the injury bug hits the BYU ball carriers this year.
Then there is the intriguing story of BYU rugby player Paul Lasike (6-0, 225 S0.). A star on the Cougars’ 2012 national championship team, Lasike in an amazing combination of size and speed. The only thing he lacks is experience playing the game at the college level.
Though there appears to be interesting talent waiting in the wings, the bulk of the the responsibility of production in the running game this season will fall upon BYU’s Q&A. The Cougars need both to stay healthy and build off of promising past performances.
The O-line will play a big part in the success of the running game. It seems like they were beaten to the punch way too often in the big games BYU played last year. We have pretty good depth at RB this year but I do hope this is the season where we get back to having a featured back that takes most of the carries. That being said, Quezada and Alisa have the potential to be a good 1-2 punch for the offense.
I would be shocked if one of these guys (or a combo) didn’t breakout and do really well this season. I am not worried about RBs and our WRs are in even better shape. I agree with Seasider up there, can our O-line hold up and provide the holes and time necessary? #2, can Riley pass and consistently make good decisions vs.the good teams? #3, will a TE step up?
That is what I’m waiting to hear about before September. I suppose that all can hinge on the coaches but I’m a little nervous right now. Our D will be good. We are way past due for a BCS appearance and with a new QB next year I’d put my bet on 2012.
Good points Fats, the return of the TE might be the biggest factor in whether our offense and QB situation improves. We’ve struggled on offense 2 yrs in a row now and coincidentally during that same span we’ve not had consistent production from the TE position. We need a leader to emerge from that group.
ONe other thing I’m hoping to see different from previous seasons involves our Offensive Line. In the past BYU OL’s have been pudgy and soft and at times seemed to wear down at the end of games. WE’ve struggled to move the ball on the ground in 4th quarters of tight games against good teams and I’m hoping to see a difference in their fitness, strength and conditioning this coming season. The success that Terrence Brown had with his remarkable turnaround between the end of the season and his NFL Pro-day before the draft was like a P90X commercial.
I think a big key to success will be whether we continue the flabby OL look or the guys tighten up and increase their personal fitness, stamina and endurance. We’ll be facing some defenses that will be pretty tough to run against (Utah, Boise St, ND, etc). Running the ball effectively against those teams will be the key to victory in those games.
I want to thank DSB for contributing to my football withdrawal. I am very excited about our potential this year. I am cautiously optimistic about our chances, but I am praying we can stay healthy enough in the middle of the season to really go toe to toe with the meat of our schedule. I am stoked about our skill positions, and hope like was mentioned above that our line can facilitate their success. We have to bring something back from the 90′s-2001 teams: killer instinct and an absolute certainty among the members of the team that they are going to win. To wit, don’t discouraged at all when behind, and put the hammer down and continue to pound an opponent when ahead! If can combine talent and execution on offense with what we have this year, we ought to NEVER be satisfied with 24 points and count on a defense to win the game in the 4th Quarter. Keep the pedal to the metal and “leave no doubt”!
I like “Q & A”, Brett. Very clever.
I wonder if these guys “Q and A” will get enough running calls from doman. If not I hope they at least get some consistent passes their direction. That’s one thing I miss from Harvey Unga. If the ball wasn’t going to a tight end, there was a good chance it was going to Unga crossing the middle and stretching a 5 yard pass into 10 and he rarely dropped one. If we have the advantage by running the ball, I say keep pounding away and then drop a bomb over their heads to Hoffman for a TD. Lets hope that the line is an unexpected surprise this upcoming season and that they keep chugging that pickle juice
This will be a tale of two seasons. Q&A will have good games against our weaker opponents and will struggle against Boise, Utah, & ND. Why? Because our offensive line will struggle against those teams.
The combination of Weber and Omer have not proven that they can produce NFL-quality offensive linemen (and those three teams have proven that they can produce NFL-quality defensive linemen). Our few linemen who do catch on at the next level do so after intense personal training regimens and after waiting on practice squads for a number of years. Although Doman says he wants leaner, fitter linemen this year, we really have no proof that Weber or Omer can motivate them to do as juniors and seniors what they often do after graduation: lose 30 pounds from their gut, gain 100 pounds on their bench press and 200 pounds on their squat. The word I hear from former players is that ever since Grimes left, our offensive linemen tend to live and train in a bubble and don’t come out of it until an NFL combine stares them in the face. When we have an O-line coach who holds his players to the same standards Grimes did and a strength coach who enforces Doman’s wishes, especially with the O-line, only then will see a greatly improved running game—and higher national ranking year after year.
And the sooner we do this, the better, because we have a GREAT running back coming up, one who can possibly rise to NFL standards, 17-year-old Jamal Williams.
I agree BigCougar with the O-Line comments. With a mobile QB we need a line that can move and protect with him. Not just take up space. I would love to see Juice have a break out year. It sounds like he has extra motivation to make it just that.
It’s pretty scary how good Alisa was last year after having just gotten back from a mission and a position change. He seemed to have great vision and instincts, and was really elusive for his size. I think that he will establish himself as the primary back this year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he added a couple of good pounds to his frame.
I like the idea of Alisa adding some muscle and weight to his frame because I don’t think that our O-Line will be able to create any holes for him against our better opponents this year. Unga still got 4 or 5 yards even without any holes, and I remember watching Matt Asiata run over us despite our knowing exactly what was coming. As was said above being able to establish a running game against our quality opponents will make all the difference in the world.
Lance,
That was impressive when you stop to really think about it. Alisa is just a baby when it comes understanding how to play running back at this level.
Fats, I love your optimism and Lance you couldn’t be more correct. I think Bronco has proven that if things are not working out with a position coach then he will find a replacement. Omar has taken a lot of heat recently and I predict that if things remain status-quo with conditioning, especially with the O-Line, then a change could be made. Remember the strength and conditioning coach is the only coach the players can have official instruction from during the summer and early spring. We need a person on the cutting edge of nutrition and training who will motivate and sculpt these boys into machines. Everyone whines about our age advantage so it is time to exploit this advantage and turn these men into NFL type players in college.
Thank goodness DSOB is back to it’s original format! I love the site and all of its content. The comments section is absolutely second to none. It’s so refreshing to be able to read insights from fans who are knowledgeable and well spoken. So many websites are full of trolls and stupid people that want to argue.
I also think Q & A will be a nice 1-2 punch. For some reason though…I’ve never been sold on Alisa as a feature back. Hopefully he’s added some muscle mass to his frame. I’d like to see Juice have a solid season.
Does anyone know anything about how Adam Hine is looking? It’s been a long time since BYU has landed a 4 star tailback. After spending last year redshirting…you’d think his mission rust would’ve worn off. Hopefully he has a bright future.
As far as the O-line goes…I’m not sure Omer is the guy to blame. He’s the same guy that conditions our stud linebackers and our athletic WR’s. I will admit that the Terrrence Brown story is alarming though.
If the O-line shows up to fall camp out of shape…then that spells trouble. It would reflect badly on both Doman and Omer.
2012 is going to be great! GO BYU
I agree. The health and training of our players needs to be and should be intense. We need to hire Pendleton to be our strength and conditioning coach. He has reshaped his body into a muscle machine. He trained Braden brown I think and turned him into an amazing specimen. I think Pendleton would be an awesome coach and has a face that is impossible to say no to.
It’s crazy when you think that Jamaal Williams was 12 years old when Adam Hine committed to BYU back in ’07. Neither one has seen the field yet. Both will probably end up making good contributions through out their careers.
Key to our offense, right thar! Of course the hogs in the middle are likely the most important guys on offense/defense, but we just have not had the breakaway 10-15-20 yard runs that Harvey provided. If these guys can keep the linebackers honest, lanes will be open for everyone.
Leave your response!
Follow DSB
Twitter Feed
Deep Shades of Blue Poll
Categories
Archives
Most Commented