STARS OF 2008:

On the first day of spring practice, QB Max Hall already was staying after drills, working with WR Austin Collie and conversing about how they could hone their playmaking abilities. Hall is the offensive leader who will look to improve upon BYU's No. 28 national ranking in passing efficiency last season. Hall completed 60.8 percent of his passes with 29 TDs and 12 interceptions in his first year as starter in 2007; those numbers figure to improve in 2008.

Curtis Brown broke the school rushing record in 2006 but may not have the record for long if RB Harvey Unga has his way. Unga gained 1,272 rushing yards a freshman last season, and only BYU's depth at running back will prevent him from getting more. Still, Unga will be the featured back, and the depth should help him stay fresh throughout the season.

DE Jan Jorgensen played the last half of last season like many people expected TCU's Tommy Blake to play the whole year, when he was picked as the MWC Defensive Player of the Year. Jorgensen finished 2007 with 77 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. He should put up similar numbers, but a healthy Russell Tialavea at nose tackle could benefit Jorgensen.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Redshirt freshman Jordan Pendleton is getting a lot of work at safety as David Tafuna continues to recover from an off-season foot injury. The practice in the spring should allow Pendleton to compete for a starting job and earn significant minutes on the field next season, regardless.

WR Luke Ashford has returned from a two-year church mission and has reported to spring practice in great shape. Coach Bronco Mendenhall says he's seen only RB Fui Vakapuna come back from a mission in better shape. Ashford should battle for one of the backup spots behind Austin Collie and Michael Reed.

OL Matt Reynolds, a freshman, may be the most physically gifted in a long line of Reynolds family members at BYU. Because the Cougars are looking for improvement despite returning four starters on the line, the versatile Reynolds could make a run at a few positions on the line.

ROSTER REPORT

--Junior Vic So'oto has moved from tight end to outside linebacker for the spring. After catching just 12 passes for 124 yards and one TD last season, So'oto approached the BYU coaching staff about the move.

--RB J.J. Di Luigi will compete exclusively at tailback. BYU had thoughts of using him at a slot or wing back.

--NT Russell Tialavea's recovery from a torn ACL has taken longer than expected, and he will miss all of spring practice. BYU coaches still are hopeful he'll be available for next season. OL Travis Bright and Jason Speredon and LB Jadon Wagner also will miss spring camp because of injuries.

--Mike Putnam has moved from DE to LB and will compete for one of the inside linebacker spots.

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