PROVO — At times last season for BYU, watching film of its defensive secondary at work resembled not so much a football game as a horror flick.
The Cougar DBs surrendered five passing touchdowns of 50 yards or more. And against San Diego State on Homecoming, they allowed the Aztecs to march down field by completing three passes in the final 45 seconds, setting up the game-winning field goal for SDSU.
Which is why BYU is hoping sophomore cornerback Jernaro Gilford, who sat out in 2000, will bring relief and stability to the secondary. "He's talented and he's a leader," said cornerbacks coach Brian Mitchell.
Gilford (6-foot-1, 180 pounds) has speed, size and is a strong defender. "He has the ability," said coach Gary Crowton, "to take care of one side of the field."
Along with Gilford, the Cougars return three experienced corners in seniors Mike Lafitte, Danny Phillips and Derrus Wilson. The diminutive Lafitte (5-6) played well in BYU's victory over Utah. Phillips and Wilson, who had never played Division I football before last season, have improved.
At safety, BYU has lost Jared Lee and Tyson Smith. Filling in are Washington transfer Levi Madarieta and Dustin Staley, a safety who played corner last season. Freshman Aaron Francisco has been playing free safety, while Madarieta recovers from a rib injury sustained during fall camp. Francisco might start Saturday against Tulane. Junior Michael Madsen and sophomores Alex Farris and Kurt Elliott could also make an impact this season.
"We have good athletes," Madarieta said. "We've got a shot to be a good secondary."
While the Cougars have lost a fixture at placekicker in four-year starter Owen Pochman, there is excitement about the potential of freshman Matt Payne. At 6-4, 247, Payne is a field goal kicker trapped in a lineman's body. "I've never seen a kicker as big as Matt," said kickers coach Paul Tidwell.
Payne has a strong leg, evidenced by a 54-yarder he sneaked over the crossbar during a recent scrimmage. On the other hand, he hasn't played in a game since high school — five years ago.
Punting chores will again belong to senior Aaron Edmonds, who averaged a league-best 43.6 yards per attempt. He also landed 17 punts inside the 20-yard line last season.
Mike Rigell and Reno Mahe are expected to be among those taking care of kickoff and punt returns.
E-MAIL: jeffc@desnews.com