The BYU Cougars have been one of the most consistent teams in college football since LaVell Edwards took over the reigns more than 40 years ago. A lot of that success has to do with the level of talent the Cougars have been able to put on the field year in and year out. They have had plenty of all-conference selections on both sides of the ball, including All-Americans and national award winners.

With so many talented players to choose from, coming up with the all-time team wasn’t an easy task. Some positions were tougher than others, including quarterback where there are more than half a dozen great options.

Here is a look at my BYU football all-time team.

Offense

Offensive line

Backups

Matt Reynolds (2008-2011)

Reynolds started all 52 games he played and is one of the most decorated lineman in school history. He was a first-team All-MWC performer during his sophomore and junior seasons and an All-Independent selection as a senior. He also earned All-American recognition as both a freshman and a sophomore.

Ray Feinga (2004-08)

Feinga had an outstanding career protecting Max Hall and John Beck. He was a two-time first-team All-MWC selection at left guard. His best year came in 2007 when he didn’t allow a sack, according to BYUCougars.com, and was a SI.com second-team All-American.

Dallas Reynolds (2005-08)

Reynolds was a great player during all four seasons with the Cougars. He was a two-time first-team All-MWC selection and earned All-American recognition during his freshman and senior years. His best year came in 2008 when he was first-team all-conference and third-team All-American by the College Football News.

Trevor Matich (1979-1080, 1983-84)

Although it took a few years for Matich to earn the full-time starting job at center, he ended his BYU with a dominating senior year for the National Championship team. He was an All-WAC first-team selection and Associated Press third-team All-American.

Evan Pilgrim (1990-94)

Pilgrim was a big piece of some really good offensive lines. He started for much of his career and earned plenty of recognition along the way. He was a Football News second-team sophomore All-American, as well as first-team All-WAC and AP second-team All-American as a senior in 1994.

John Tait (1993, 1996-98)

Tait showed off his tremendous ability during his time on the line with the Cougars. He was a two-time first-team all-conference performer and a Sporting News freshman All-American. He was inducting in the BYU Hall of Fame in 2012.

Starters

Bart Oates (1977, 1980-82)

Oates was a huge part of some very successful Cougar squads during his time in Provo. His best year came in 1982 when he was a first-team All-WAC selection at center and a second-team All-American. He was inducted in the BYU Hall of Fame in 1992.

Gordon Gravelle (1967-71)

Gravelle had a terrific career, as a Cougar lineman. His best year came in 1971 when he was WAC lineman of the Year. He also earned second-team All-American recognition from the AP, UPI and Universal Sports. He was inducted into the BYU Hall of Fame in 2012.

Brad Oates (1973-75)

He spent three years at BYU after transferring from Duke and was a phenomenal tackle. He was a two-time first-team All-WAC selection and one of the team’s captains in his last two years. His best year came in 1975 when he was an Associated Press second-team All-American. He was inducted in the BYU Hall of Fame in 1988.

Nick Eyre (1976-1980)

Eyre was one of the best tackles that the Cougars have ever had. He was a three-year starter and a team captain. He was a two-time first-team All-WAC honoree and the first lineman from BYU to earn consensus All-American. He was inducted in the BYU Hall of Fame in 1990.

Mo Elewonibi (1988-89)

After starting one game as a junior, according to BYUCougars.com, Elewonibi stepped up as a senior and had one of the best years of any lineman in school history. He was a consensus first-team All-American and won the Outland trophy as the best interior lineman in the nation.

Running back

Backups

Jeff Blanc (1973-76)

Blanc was the first great dual-threat back the Cougars had. He earned first-team All-WAC in his last two seasons and finished as the BYU career leader in rushing yards and touchdowns. His most productive season came as a sophomore in 1974 when he carried the ball 199 times for 784 yards and six touchdowns while catching 32 passes for 442 yards and four more scores.

For his BYU career, he had 625 carries for 2,718 yards and 21 touchdowns to go along with 74 receptions for 886 yards and eight scores.

Pete Van Valkenburg (1969-1972)

After two solid years, Van Valkenburg gave BYU one of the special seasons by a back in school history as a senior in 1972. That year, he led the nation in rushing with 1,386 yards to go along with 12 touchdowns even though he wasn’t even in the top 10 in carries. He also finished second in yards from scrimmage to earn first-team All-WAC and AP third-team All-American.

For his BYU career, he carried the ball 456 times for 2,392 yards and 24 touchdowns to go along with 25 catches for 280 yards and two scores.

Jamal Willis (1991-94)

Willis had two great years during his time as a Cougar. He was the first BYU back to cross the 1,000-yard plateau on two occasions and finished his career as the school’s all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns. His best season came as a senior in 1994 when he earned first-team All-WAC and finished top 10 in the nation in yards and touchdowns from scrimmage. That year, he carried the ball 204 times for 1042 yards and 12 touchdowns as well as catching 33 passes for 525 yards and two more scores.

For his BYU career, he had 594 carries for 2,970 yards and 35 touchdowns to go along with 77 catches for 1,095 yards and five scores.

Curtis Brown (2002-06)

Brown was a do everything back during his time in Provo. He was the first player to have back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and earned first-team All-MWC twice. His most productive season came as a junior in 2005 when he rushed for 1,123 yards and 14 touchdowns while catching 53 passes for 454 yards and two more scores.

He finished his BYU career, with 641 carries for 3,221 yards and 31 touchdowns to go along with 157 catches for 1,309 yards and five scores. He also returned 22 kicks for 466 yards.

Starters

Harvey Unga (2006-2009)

When Unga was on the field, he was one of the most dominant backs BYU fans have ever seen. During his time as a Cougar, he won MWC freshman of the year, was second-team All-MWC as a sophomore and first-team All-MWC as a junior. His most productive statistical season came as a freshman in 2007 when he carried the ball 244 times for 1,227 yards and 13 touchdowns while catching 44 passes for 655 yards and four more scores.

For his BYU career, he carried the ball 696 times for a school record 3,455 yards and 36 touchdowns to go along with 102 catches for 1,085 yards and nine scores.

Luke Staley (1999-2001)

Staley did three things at BYU that set him apart from all other running backs. He won the MWC offensive player of the year award, was a consensus first-team All-American and won the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s most outstanding running back. All of those honors came as a junior in 2001 when he lead the nation in rushing touchdowns (24) and touchdowns from scrimmage (28). He also finished second nationally in rushing yards (1,596), yards per carry (8.1) and yards from scrimmage (1,930).

For his BYU career, he had 418 carries for 2,507 yards and 41 touchdowns to go along with 86 catches for 1,000 yards and seven scores. His 48 touchdowns are still a school record.

Fullback

Backup

Naufahu Tahi (1999, 2002-05)

While his overall numbers don’t compare to some of the players already on the list, the reason why he is this high is because he was also an incredibly gifted blocker. His best season came as a senior in 2005 when he had 97 carries for 497 yards and six touchdowns. He also manged 41 catches for 375 yards and another score.

For his BYU career, he carried the ball 326 times for 1,358 yards and 14 touchdowns to go along with 81 receptions for 730 yards and five scores.

Starter

Todd Christensen (1974-77)

While he never got full-time touches in the running game, Christensen was fantastic catching the ball out of the backfield. One of his most productive seasons came as a senior in 1977 when he earned first-team All-WAC. That year, he had 79 carries for 290 yards and three touchdowns while making 50 receptions for 603 yards and five more scores.

For his BYU career, he carried the ball 276 times for 1,072 yards and eight touchdowns to go along with 158 catches for 1,619 yards and 13 scores.

Tight end

Backups

Chris Smith (1987-1990)

Smith had two legendary seasons during his time in Provo. His was a two-time, first-team All-WAC selection who earned All-American honors during his junior and senior seasons. His best year came in 1990 when he was a consensus All-American after he broke the NCAA record in receiving yards for a tight end (1,154), according to BYUCougars.com.

For his BYU career, he caught 137 passes for 2,367 yards and eight touchdowns.

Dennis Pitta (2004, 07-09)

Pitta was an extraordinary offensive weapon during his time as a Cougar. He was a three-time, first-team All-MWC selection and a consensus All-American in 2009. His best statistical season came in 2008 when he caught 83 passes for 1,083 yards and six touchdowns.

For his BYU career, he had 221 receptions for 2,901 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Starters

Clay Brown (1976-1980)

While a lot of fans remember him for just one play, Brown was a dominant force as a tight end. He was first-team All-WAC two straight seasons as a tight end and a very accomplished punter. His best year came in 1980 when he caught 48 passes for 1,009 yards and 15 touchdowns. Those numbers were good enough to lead the nation in touchdowns, finish third in receiving yards and ninth in yards-per-catch (21).

For his BYU career, he had 88 receptions for 1,691 yards and 17 touchdowns. while averaging 41.8 yards on 118 punts.

Gordon Hudson (1980-83)

Hudson produced for the Cougars no matter who was throwing him the football. He was a two-time, first-team All-WAC selection and a two-time consensus All-American. One of his most impressive statistical seasons came in 1981 when he caught 67 passes for 960 yards and 10 touchdowns.

For his BYU career, he had 178 receptions for 2,484 yards and 22 touchdowns. He ended his time as a Cougar as the all-time NCAA leader in receiving yards by a tight end, according to BYUCougars.com. He was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

Wide receiver

Backups

Glen Kozlowski (1981, 83-85)

Kozlowski was one of the best receivers in the WAC during his time at BYU. His most productive season came as a junior when he earned first-team All-WAC and honorable mention All-American by the AP, UPI and Football News. That year, he finished second in the conference in catches (55) and receiving yards (879) while leading the conference and finishing second in the nation with 11 touchdowns.

For his BYU career, he caught 136 passes for 2,223 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Todd Watkins (2004-05)

Watkins only spent two seasons on the field for BYU, But both were memorable. His most impressive seasons came as a junior when he led the MWC in yards per reception (20.0) and was the regular season leader in receiving yards to earn first-team All-WAC. That year, he caught 52 passes for 1,042 yards and six touchdowns.

For his BYU career, he recorded 101 receptions for 1,720 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Mark Bellini (1982-86)

Bellini had three very productive seasons as a Cougar, including two years as a first-team All-WAC performer. His best year came as a junior in 1985 when he was named second-team All-American by UPI and third-team All-American by the AP. That year, he led the nation in touchdown catches (14) and finished sixth in receiving yards (1,008).

For his BYU career, he caught 146 passes for 2,429 and 23 touchdowns.

Reno Mahe (1998-99, 2001-02)

Mahe made the switch to wide receiver when he returned to BYU and had an instant impact. His best season came as a junior in 2001 when he earned first-team All-MWC honors after putting together one of the best statistical seasons in BYU history. That year, he led the conference in receptions (91), receiving yards (1,211) and touchdowns (nine). Those numbers were good enough to finish fifth in the nation in receptions and 10th in receiving yards.

During his two seasons as a receiver, he caught 150 passes for 1,982 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Andy Boyce (1984, 1987-1990)

Boyce had a tremendous career as a Cougar even though he didn’t record his first catch until his junior year. His most productive season came as a senior in 1990 when he earned first-team All-WAC. That season, he finished second in the nation in receptions (79) as well as third nationally in both receiving yards (1,241) and receiving touchdowns (13).

For his BYU career, he caught 118 passes for 1,953 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Margin Hooks (1996-2000)

Hooks had three very good years at BYU. His most impressive season came as a junior in 1999 when he earned first team All-MWC after he led the conference in receptions (60) and receiving yards (1,067) and finished second in touchdowns (seven).

For his BYU career, he caught 189 passes for 2,841 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Starters

Eric Drage (1989-1993)

Drage is one of five BYU receivers to earn first-team all-conference at least twice and the only Cougar to have more than 1,000 yards receiving more than once. His most impressive season came as a junior in 1992 when he was first team All-WAC after catching 56 passes for 1,093 yards and 12 touchdowns. Those numbers placed him second in the nation in receiving touchdowns and ninth in receiving yards.

For his BYU career, he caught 162 passes for 3,065 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also returned 18 punts for 142 yards.

Cody Hoffman (2009-2013)

Hoffman had a spectacular career as a Cougar as a receiver and return man. In fact, he owns the BYU school records for receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. His best season came as a junior in 2012 when he registered 100 receptions for 1,248 yards and 11 touchdowns to earn All-Independent first-team.

For his BYU career, he caught 260 passes for 3,612 yards and 33 touchdowns.

Phil Odle (1965-67)

Although he isn’t close to the top of the BYU leader board for receivers anymore, Odle is still one of the best Cougar receivers ever. He earned first-team All-WAC honors three straight years and finished in the top 10 in the nation twice each in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He also ended his BYU career at second on the all-time list for receptions in college football, according to BYUCougars.com. His most productive season came as a senior in 1967 when he caught 77 passes for 971 yards and nine touchdowns to earn first-team All-American by Dell Sports.

For his BYU career, he caught 183 passes for 2,548 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Austin Collie (2004, 07-08)

Even though he only played three seasons as a Cougar before he moved on to the NFL, Collie is the best receiver that BYU has ever had and a great kick returner. His best year came as a junior in 2008 when he earned first-team All-MWC and first-team All-American from CBSSports.com after he finished with 106 receptions for 1,538 yards and 15 touchdowns.

For his BYU career, he caught 215 passes for 3,255 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Quarterback

Backups

Steve Young (1980-83)

While not the first great running quarterback at BYU, Young was the best. While he was known for his great running skills, he was also a tremendous passer. His best season came in 1983 when finished second in the Heisman voting, won the Davey O’Brien and Sammy Baugh Awards and was a consensus All-American after he led the Cougars to an 11-1 season and a Holiday Bowl victory. That year, he completed 71.3 percent of his passes for 3,902 yards and 33 touchdowns to go along with 444 yards and eight scores on the ground.

For his BYU career, he completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 7,733 yards and 56 touchdowns. He added 1,084 yards and 18 scores in the running game. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

Jim McMahon (1977-1981)

McMahon won just about every award he could win while at BYU outside of the Heisman Trophy (he finished third in the voting in ’81 and fifth in ’80). He won the Davey O’Brien and Sammy Baugh and was a consensus All-American in 1981 as a senior, but had arguably a better year as a junior. That season, he completed 63.8 percent of his passes for 4,571 yards and 47 touchdowns for the 12-1 Cougars.

For his BYU career, he completed 61.6 percent of his passes for 9,536 yards and 84 touchdowns as well as 10 rushing scores. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

Starter

Ty Detmer (1987-1991)

Detmer had three legendary seasons as a signal caller at BYU and is the only player in school history to win the Heisman Trophy. On top of that, he was a two-consensus All-American who won the Sammy Baugh Trophy, the Maxwell Award as the college football player of the Year and was the first two-time winner of the Davey O’Brien Award in college football history. One of his extraordinary seasons came in 1990 when he completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 5,188 yards and 41 touchdowns for the 10-3 Cougars.

For his BYU career, he completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 15,031 yards and 121 touchdowns to go along with 14 scores on the ground. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

Defense

Defensive line

Backups

Paul Linford (1972-74)

Linford was a dominant presence on the defensive line for the Cougars and a three-time first-team All-Western Athletic Conference performer. One of his best seasons came in 1974 when he had 53 tackles, seven sacks, seven tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries.

For his BYU career, he registered 201 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 22 hurries, seven sacks and four forced fumbles.

Wayne Baker (1972-74)

Baker spent three years on the defensive line for the Cougars. His best year came in 1974 when he was a second-team All-American after he had 82 tackles, 10 sacks, nine quarterback hurries, four tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.

For his BYU career, he had 179 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, nine quarterback hurries and four forced fumbles.

Glen Titensor (1978-1980)

Titensor had two great seasons during his time with the Cougars. He was a two-time first-team All-WAC selection and an AP honorable mention All-American. One of his best years came in 1980 when he totaled 41 tackles, 38 quarterback hurries, 13 sacks and five tackles for loss.

For his BYU career, he recorded 88 tackles, 57 hurries, 17 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.

Randy Brock (1991-94)

Brock stared all four seasons on the defensive line. He was a Football News freshman and sophomore first-team All-American selection and an All-WAC first-team honoree in 1994. One of his best years came as a senior when he had 53 tackles, 22 quarterback hurries, 13 tackles for loss, eight sacks and seven forced fumbles.

For his BYU career, he had 175 tackles, 59 hurries, 46 tackles for loss, 28.5 sacks and 12 forced fumbles.

Brad Anae (1979-1981)

Anae was a terrific pass rusher during his time with the Cougars. He was two-time first-team All-WAC selection and an AP honorable mention All-American. His most productive season came in 1980 when he had 37 tackles, 30 quarterback hurries, nine sacks, five tackles for loss and an interception return for a touchdown.

For his BYU career, he recorded 94 tackles, 51 hurries, 21 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles.

Brandon Flint (1980-83)

Flint terrorized opposing quarterbacks during his time with the Cougars. He led team in sacks each of his last three seasons. One of his best years came in 1983 when he was an AP All-American after he recorded 57 tackles, 31 quarterback hurries and 12 sacks.

For his BYU career, he totaled 194 tackles, 64 quarterback hurries, a school-record 35 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.

Starters

Mekeli Ieremia (1974-77)

Ieremia had three fantastic seasons on the defensive line while in Provo. He was a two-time first-team All-Western Athletic Conference performer and a two-time AP honorable mention All-American. One of his best seasons came in 1976 when he had 95 tackles, 17 quarterback hurries, a single-season school-record 17 sacks and eight tackles for loss.

For his BYU career, he had 257 tackles, 42 hurries, 27 sacks, 15 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles.

Shawn Knight (1983-86)

Knight was a very good player on the defensive line during his last two seasons with the Cougars. His best year came in 1986 when he was an AP third-team All-American after he totaled 60 tackles, 16 sacks, eight quarterback hurries and four tackles for loss.

For his BYU career, he had 126 tackles, 27 hurries, 23 sacks, seven tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.

Jan Jorgensen (2006-09)

Jorgensen was a huge part of the Cougars front seven during each of his seasons at BYU. After earning third-team freshman All-American honors, he was an All-MWC first-team performer during each of his last three years. His best season came as a sophomore in 2007 when he had 77 tackles, including 20 for loss and 13.5 sacks.

For his BYU career, he had 221 tackles, including 44 for loss to go along with 30 sacks, 22 quarterback hurries, four passes defended and two forced fumbles.

Jason Buck (1985-86)

Buck dominated for the Cougars for two seasons. He was the 1985 WAC Defensive Player of the Year, a two-time All-American and the 1986 Outland Trophy winner. In 1986, he was a consensus All-American after he had 59 tackles, 17 quarterback hurries, 13 sacks and 13 tackles for loss.

For his BYU career, he had 112 tackles, 44 hurries, 25 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.

Linebacker

Backups

Larry Carr (1971-1974)

Carr had three great seasons as a Cougar linebacker. One of his most productive seasons came in 1974 when he earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference after he registered 137 tackles, five pass break-ups, five quarterback hurries, four interceptions and four forced fumbles.

For his BYU career, he had 389 tackles, 16 pass break-ups, eight interceptions, eight tackles for loss and six forced fumbles.

Glen Redd (1976-1980)

Redd had three impressive seasons as a Cougar linebacker.He was a two-time first-team All-WAC performer and one of the best tacklers in school history. One of his best seasons came in 1980 when he was an AP honorable mention All-American after he had 148 tackles, six pass break-ups, four forced fumbles, two sacks and two tackles for loss.

For his BYU career, he had 384 tackles, 18 pass break-ups, 12 forced fumbles and 10 tackles for loss.

Shay Muirbrook (1993-96)

Muirbrook was a significant contributor each of his four years with the Cougars. He was second team All-WAC as a sophomore and a first team selection each of his last two seasons. His best year came as a senior when he was the WAC Defensive Player of the Year and the MVP of the Cotton Bowl after an epic six sack performance. That year, he had 97 tackles, nine sacks, eight tackles for loss and six pass break-ups.

For his BYU career, he recorded 345 tackles, 29 quarterback hurries, 23 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, 13 pass break-ups and six forced fumbles.

Leon White (1982-85)

White was a very impressive linebacker during his four seasons with the Cougars. He was a two-time honorable mention All-American and a first-team All-WAC performer. One of his best seasons came in 1983 when he had 87 tackles, 19 quarterback hurries, nine sacks, three tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.

For his BYU career, he had 249 tackles, 42 hurries, 20 tackles for loss, 19 pass break-ups, 17 sacks and seven forced fumbles.

Kyle Whittingham (1978-1981)

Whittingham had two really good seasons as a Cougar linebacker. His best year came in 1981 when he was first-team All-WAC, conference Co-Player of the Year and an AP honorable mention All-American. That season, he totaled 132 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, nine quarterback hurries, eight pass break-ups and seven sacks.

For his BYU career, he registered 272 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 23 hurries, 10 sacks and six forced fumbles.

Shad Hansen (1989-1992)

Hansen was a tackling machine during his time with the Cougars. One of his best statistical seasons came in 1991 when he earned second-team All-WAC after he recorded a school record 193 tackles to go along with 13 quarterback hurries, five sacks and four tackles for loss. The next season, he was first-team All-WAC and a third-team Football News All-American after he recorded 95 tackles, including three for loss with two sacks.

For his BYU career, he registered 407 tackles, 16 quarterback hurries, 12 tackles for loss and nine sacks.

Starters

Bob Davis (1987-89)

Davis is one of the great Cougar linebackers. He was the team’s leading tackler in back-to-back seasons and a two-time first-team All-Western Athletic Conference selection. One of his best years came in 1989 when he was a AP third-team All-American after he had 137 tackles, six sacks, five quarterback hurries, four pass break-ups and three tackles for loss.

For his BYU career, he registered 349 tackles, 17 hurries, 12 sacks and seven tackles for loss.

Rod Wood (1975-78)

Wood was a huge contributor for the Cougars during his time in Provo. He was a first-team All-WAC selection and garnered All-American honors during two different seasons. One of his most productive seasons came in 1978 when he was a Churchmen’s All-American after he registered 157 tackles, six tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries.

For his BYU career. he totaled 394 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 11 hurries, nine sacks and five forced fumbles.

Kyle Van Noy (2010-13)

Van Noy is one of the best linebackers to ever suit up for the Cougars. He was a three-time first-team All-Independent selection, the Independent Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and a second-team All-American. His most dominant season came in 2012 when he finished with 53 tackles, including 22 for loss with 13 sacks, six forced fumbles, two interceptions and two touchdowns. His sack and tackles for loss totals placed him in the top five in the nation in both categories.

For his BYU career, he registered 226 tackles, including 62 for loss as well as 30 quarterback hurries, 26 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, seven interceptions and five touchdowns.

Rob Morris (1993, 1996-99)

Morris had a fantastic career as a linebacker for the Cougars. he was a two-time first-team all-conference performer, a two-time All-American and the 1998 WAC Defensive Player of the Year. One of his best seasons came in 1998 when he was a first-team Football News All-American after he had 147 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hurries, six sacks and four pass break-ups.

For his BYU career, he had 333 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 21 hurries, 13 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Secondary

Backups

Chris Farasopoulos (1968-1970)

Farasopoulos was great in the secondary during his time with the Cougars. He was a two-time first-team All-WAC selection in his three years on the field. One of his best seasons came in 1969 when he had 80 tackles, 13 pass break-ups and four interceptions.

For his BYU career, he had 168 tackles, 23 pass break-ups and eight interceptions.

Omarr Morgan (1996-97)

Morgan had two really impressive campaigns in the Cougar secondary. He was a two-time first-team All-WAC selection and an honorable mention All-American. His most productive season came in 1996 when he totaled 54 tackles, 10 pass break-ups and four interceptions.

For his BYU career, he recorded 85 tackles, 18 pass break-ups and four interceptions.

Tom Holmoe (1978-82)

Holmoe was a big contributor for the Cougars during his last three seasons on the field. One of his most productive seasons came in 1982 when he was first-team All-WAC and an AP honorable mention All-American after he registered 54 tackles, five pass break-ups and three interceptions.

For his BYU career, he totaled 180 tackles, 18 pass break-ups, 13 interceptions and five tackles for loss.

 

Dana Wilgar (1973-76)

Wilgar had four very productive seasons in the Cougar secondary. He was a two-time first-team All-WAC performer and AP honorable mention All-American. One of his best seasons came in 1975 when he had 93 tackles, three interceptions, a pass break-up and a forced fumble.

For his BYU career, he totaled 280 tackles, 14 pass break-ups, eight interceptions and six forced fumbles.

Dave Atkinson (1970-73)

Atkinson was a big part of the secondary for the Cougars during each of his three years. His most productive season came in 1972 when he was first-team All-WAC after he recorded 68 tackles, nine pass break-ups, eight interceptions and two tackles for loss.

For his BYU career, he totaled 179 tackles, 22 pass break-ups, a school-record 20 interceptions and five tackles for loss.

Derwin Gray (1989-1992)

Gray had three fantastic seasons in the secondary for the Cougars. He earned All-WAC recognition his last two seasons and was a UPI honorable mention All-American. His best statistical season came in 1991 when he had 128 tackles, nine pass break-ups, three tackles for loss, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

For his BYU career, he totaled 283 tackles, 25 pass break-ups, 14 interceptions, nine tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and two touchdowns.

Starters

Bill Schoepflin (1977-1980)

Schoepflin had three impressive seasons in the Cougar secondary. He was a two-time first-team All-WAC selection and earned honorable mention All-American status his last two years. One of his best seasons came in 1979 when he recorded 65 tackles, six pass break-ups, five interceptions and four tackles for loss.

For his BYU career, he totaled 187 tackles, 14 pass break-ups, 10 interceptions, eight tackles for loss and five forced fumbles.

Dan Hansen (1968-1972)

Hansen had an incredible career in the secondary for the Cougars. He was a two-time first-team All-WAC performer and an AP All-American. One of his best years came in 1970 when he registered 119 tackles, 10 pass break-ups and eight interceptions.

For his BYU career, he recorded 369 tackles, 29 pass break-ups, 18 interceptions and two touchdowns on interception returns.

 

Jason Coloma (1975-78)

Coloma was a really good defensive back and solid return man during his time with the Cougars. He was a two-time first-team All-WAC selection and an AP third-team All-American. His best season came in 1978 when he had 69 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. He also returned 23 punts for 196 yards.

For his BYU career, he had 136 tackles, nine tackles for loss, six interceptions, six pass break-ups and two forced fumbles.

Kyle Morrell (1981-84)

Morrell had a great career in the secondary for the Cougars. His best year came in 1984 when he was first-team all-conference, WAC Defensive Player of the Year and an AP first-team All-American after he had 70 tackles, six pass break-ups and three interceptions.

For his BYU career, he had 232 tackles, 16 pass break-ups, eight interceptions, four tackles for loss and three sacks.

Special teams

Backup kicker/punter

Matt Payne (2000-04)

Payne had such a good career as a Cougar that he makes the all-time team as a punter and kicker. He was a three-time first-team all-conference punter and led the team in scoring and punting in three straight seasons. One of his best seasons came in 2004 when he was named first-team All-American punter by The Sporting News.

For his BYU career, he finished with 312 points and a punting average of 45.4 yards. That average is the highest in MWC history and the third highest in the NCAA since 2000.

Starting kicker

Owen Pochman (1996-2000)

Pochman was the Cougars starting kicker all four seasons in Provo and earned all-conference recognition each year. After three straight seasons a the second-team all-conference kicker he finally made the first team in 2000. That season, he was perfect on extra points and made 79.2 percent of his field goals.

For his BYU career, he finished with 333 points while hitting 97.1 percent of his extra points and 72.5 percent of his field goals.

 

Starting punter

Lee Johnson (1980-84)

Johnson had a tremendous career as a punter as well as a kicker with the Cougars. One of his best seasons came in 1984 when he led the team in scoring with 74 points while hitting 13-for-17 field goal attempts to earn All-WAC second-team honors. He was also an AP All-American honorable mention with a punting averaged of 45.5 yards.

His 47 yards per punt is still the highest average in school history.

Punt returner

James Dye (1995-96)

Dye was a dynamic play-maker during both of his seasons on the field for the Cougars. He was a two-time first-team All-WAC selection as a returner and tied the school record with four punt return touchdowns. In 1995, he was WAC special teams player of the year after he led the nation with 21.9 yards per punt return.

For his BYU career, he has a school record 19.8 yards per punt return. He also averaged 25.7 on 23 kick returns with another touchdown.

Vai Sikahema (1980-81, 1983-85)

as well as being a solid running back, Sikahema was outstanding in the return game. His best year came in 1984 when he was an honorable mention All-WAC performer after he had 51 punt returns for 472 yards and two touchdowns. He added 15 kick returns for 376 yards. A year later, he was second-team All-WAC with 54 punt returns for 441 yards and another score.

For his career, he holds the BYU records for punt returns in a career (153) and yards (1,312). He was inducted into the BYU hall of fame in 2002.

Golden Richards (1970-71)

Although he didn’t finish his college career in a Cougar uniform, Richards was a great player during his time in Provo. His best year came in 1971 when he was first-team all conference after he took four punts back for touchdowns, including two in one game against North Texas. His 624 punt-return yards is still the most in a single season in school history.

Kick returner

Paul Allen (1959-61)

Allen was a special teams legend and a solid running back during his time with the Cougars. His best year came in 1961 when he returned three kicks for touchdowns and set an NCAA record in average yards per return. His 40.1 kick return average in 1961 is still the top mark in NCAA history today.

Chris Farasopoulos (1968-1970)

Farasopoulos was fantastic as a punt and kick returner. He had two of the top 10 kick return seasons in school history. One of his best years came in 1969 when he led the nation in punt returns and set the NCAA record for combined punt and kick return yards for a season with 1,075.

His 27.27 yards per kick return is still the top mark in BYU history.