Unga makes it official, he's back
Harvey Unga’s return for his senior year will be a big deal for BYU’s next quarterback, whomever wins that role.
I know, that’s a given, but if you break it down, Unga’s presence on the field will have a broad-based impact on the entire offense. If you talk to Lance Reynolds, BYU’s veteran running back coach, he will tell you having Unga on the field forces a defense to respect his presence as a receiver and runner in a way that changes game plans.
Reynolds has had the luxury of having Unga on the field through three of BYU’s most successful seasons of all time, a period of winning that is unprecedented in school history.
Just to have that option and personality will lift other running backs who need to be taught and gain confidence in the offense. The Cougars return J.J. DiLuigi and Bryan Kariya and Mike Hague but will welcome redshirt Malosi Teo and incoming freshmen Drew Phillips and Joshua Quezada. While this fresh meat will be exciting to see mix with returning veterans, it is a big deal that none of them have the burden of carrying BYU’s running game in 2010, with all the growing pains that come with that role.
BYU can now focus on pass protection schemes and use Unga’s experience as a building block. They can now focus on finding Unga a lead blocker. While it will be hard-pressed to replace Manase Tonga, the Cougars are farther ahead doing that with Unga helping during the spring and summer than if all the backups and new guys wandered around in May, June and July when players cannot be supervised by the coaching staff (other than trainer Jay Omer) trying to figure it out.
His leadership will prove extremely valuable. He is another voice out there during seven-on-seven drills and player-led sessions.
What BYU fans have seen out of Unga in three years is a career 5-yards per carry back who rarely loses yardage behind the line. He is an outstanding receiver out of the backfield. But Unga has never been completely healthy in all those three seasons as he’s gained a school record 3,400 yards. If you’ve watched practice these three years, you’ve seen Reynolds use Unga sparingly, to help him heal from all kinds of injuries from sprained ankles, a hip situation to a hamstring.
If Unga is to regain his health, it is only fitting that he enjoy a senior year in which he is physically prepared to do his work on a good frame as he helps ease a QB into the game.
In short, BYU is lucky to have Unga back. This BYU offensive staff cannot create or buy the experience Unga will give the backfield and the entire offense. It is priceless.