Harvey Unga likely to return for senior season
by sroufe on Jan 12, 2010 8:16 PM PST
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PrintBoth Dick Harmon and Jeff Call of the Deseret News are reporting that RB Harvey Unga will return to BYU next season rather than jump to the NFL early. This obviously comes after Unga had submitted his name for draft consideration in order to determine his ranking among other backs heading to the pros. While there are few in-depth draft boards this early, it is very likely Unga wasn't projected among the Top 5 at his position and, as unbelievable as it may seem to Cougar fans or MWC followers, he probably wouldn't be projected within the Top 10 running backs coming out in 2010 either. At the very least the following are projected ahead of Unga:
C.J. Spiller, Clemson
Toby Gerhart, Stanford
Chris Brown, Oklahoma
Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State
Dexter McCluster, Mississippi
Charles Scott, LSU
Other possible prospects include: LeGarrette Blount, Oregon; Montario Hardesty, Tennessee; and Ben Tate, Auburn.
This means there would have been a less than stellar chance of being selected somewhere in the top four rounds as Austin Collie (Indianapolis) was last year.
So, great news for the Cougars and bad news for the Huskies, Seminoles and other defenses that No. 45 will collide with next season. Specifically though, Riley Nelson/Jake Heaps has to be thrilled as does the coaching staff. Unga's return, combined with DiLuigi and Kariya, will make BYU's backfield terrific yet again. It could also allow incoming freshman Joshua Quezada to redshirt and learn from the best.
Here's a look at where Unga stands in BYU football history:
| Player, Years | Rush Yards | Carries | Yards/Carry | Rush TD | Rec. Yards. | Receptions | TD Rec. | Total TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Unga, 2006-Present | 3,455 | 696 | 4.96 | 36 | 1,085 | 102 | 9 | 45 |
| Curtis Brown, 2002, 2004-06 | 3,221 | 641 | 5.02 | 31 | 1,309 | 157 | 5 | 36 |
| Jamal Willis, 1991-94 | 2,970 | 584 | 5.09 | 35 | 1,095 | 77 | 5 | 40 |
| Lakei Heimuli, 1983-86 | 2,710 | 605 | 4.48 | 30 | 1,123 | 139 | 2 | 32 |
| Jeff Blanc, 1973-76 | 2,663 | 625 | 4.26 | 21 | 861 | 71 | 8 | 29 |
| Luke Staley, 1999-2001 | 2,493 | 418 | 5.96 | 41 | 1,000 | 86 | 7 | 48 |
| Pete Van Valkenberg, 1970-72 | 2,392 | 456 | 5.25 | 25 | 280 | 25 | 1+ | 26+ |
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Can't say I'm surprised...
Even before those five other backs declared for the draft, I would have been surprised if Unga left. With them declaring, I would have been shocked.
This is HUGE news for BYU… as for the backs, you left out the one who will probably get the most touches behind Unga—Quezada. A phenomenal back with great speed, nice moves and a whole lot of power. ESPN calls him the “complete package” …
Vanquish the Foe, a BYU Cougars blog at SB Nation
I'd be really surprised
considering how high the coaching staff, especially Bronco, is on him. If Bronco is truly dedicated to always fielding the best 11, and if Q can pick up the offense, he will be playing.
Vanquish the Foe, a BYU Cougars blog at SB Nation
Doesn't Timo....
still have a year left on his mission? I thought he wasn’t going to enroll until 2011.
Vanquish the Foe, a BYU Cougars blog at SB Nation
It is interesting
that Drew is playing it safe while Harmon’s tweet was so direct. But if Harmon felt comfortable to relay such info. I’d assume he’s pretty certain Unga will be back.
Of course, if Harmon is wrong he’ll be dead to me ;)
If you read Jeff Call's (DesNews) post
he writes that he was told by Harvey’s dad he’ll return next year. That’s pretty much as direct as you can get—especially in the Tongan/Polynesian cultures…
Vanquish the Foe, a BYU Cougars blog at SB Nation
Hip hip hooray!!!!
This news has just launched BYU back into the MWC hunt next year. TCU had a tough time handling him this year with all their stars while he racked up 123 yards averaging 6 yards a carry.
I’m calling it now, Harvey Unga racks up over 1,500 yards next year and 20 TD’s. I’ll bet he’s a preseason Doak Walker award finalist.
It certainly helps their chances....
It can only help. Fortunately the new QB is going to have a superb surrounding cast.
Vanquish the Foe, a BYU Cougars blog at SB Nation
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