PROVO — In two years BYU defensive coordinator Bronco Mendenhall's aggressive 3-3-5 scheme has taken root, and the results, overall, have been positive.
The Cougar defense had its struggles in 2004, dropping from No. 14 nationally in total defense a year ago to No. 57. Still, it faced three of the top offensive teams in college football (Southern California, Utah and Boise State) and three Heisman Trophy finalists (Matt Leinert, Reggie Bush and Alex Smith).
This season saw a number of walk-ons emerge on the scene, with a few earning starting roles. Mendenhall doesn't judge players on their resumes or which teams recruited them — he judges them on effort and execution. His lineup changed from day to day, depending on how well his players performed in practice.
Heading into next season, the Cougars will have to deal with a few key personnel losses, but they have a strong nucleus returning.
A look at the BYU defense in 2005, by position:
DEFENSIVE LINE
Starters lost: John Denney, Shaun Nua
Starters returning: Manaia Brown
Others returning: Justin Carlson-Maddux, Hala Paongo, Vince Feula, Daniel Marquardt, Michael Marquardt
The Cougar D-line was much improved over last season as a number of players saw action. While the loss of Nua, who recorded a team-high six sacks, is significant, there are plenty of others who will be expected to step up next season.
Brown came off an injury-plagued 2003 to be a strong presence up front. He had eight tackles-for-loss and 3 1/2 sacks.
Carlson-Maddux, Paongo, Feula and the Marquardt brothers provide the BYU defense with depth and talent.
One possible newcomer next season could be C.J. Ah You, who starred at Snow College this season. He could be re-admitted to BYU next year.
LINEBACKERS
Starters lost: Brady Poppinga, Matt Bauman
Starters returning: Cameron Jensen
Others returning: Markell Staffieri, Justin Luettgerodt
Poppinga, a three-year starter and three-year All-MWC performer, was the heart and soul of the Cougar defense. His work ethic, desire and leadership will be missed. He moved from the defensive line to linebacker during fall camp, and it proved to be a brilliant move. Poppinga thrived at outside linebacker, where he was free to roam and pursue the ball. He had 12 tackles-for-loss, six sacks and five quarterback hurries.
Also gone is Bauman, a walk-on who earned a starting spot. He is leaving to serve an LDS mission.
BYU has several experienced players back next season, including Jensen, who starred at middle linebacker. Like Poppinga, Jensen has intensity and a nonstop motor. He is expected be the new leader of the Cougar defense. In his first season in the lineup after a mission and a redshirt, Jensen led the team in tackles and had an interception return for a touchdown.
Joining Jensen are Staffieri and Luettgerodt. Staffieri started two games while Luettgerodt logged four starts.
Matt Ah You, who played a lot this season, is expected to go on a mission.
SAFETIES
Starters lost: Aaron Francisco, Jon Burbidge
Starters returning: Spencer White
Others returning: K.C. Bills, Dustin Gabriel, Quinn Gooch, David Tafuna
Francisco patrolled the secondary for four seasons at BYU, and his departure leaves a large void. Manning the Cougarback spot in the secondary, Francisco was a leader and a force for BYU.
Burbidge, a smart, aggressive player, made plays all over the field and was a good fit in Mendenhall's defense.
As for the returnees, there's White, Bills, Gabriel and Gooch. White started most of the season and had two interceptions and four tackles-for-loss. Cougar coaches moved Bills from linebacker to safety during spring ball, but he suffered a season-ending injury in fall camp. Gabriel and Gooch have experience and will be expected to contribute next season.
CORNERBACKS
Starters lost: Brandon Heaney, Micah Alba
Starters returning: Nate Soelberg
Others returning: Kayle Buchanon, O'Neil Howell
The Cougars lost their top cornerback this season, Heaney, midway through the season when he broke his wrist against Wyoming. BYU missed his leadership, heart and cover skills. Alba stepped in and played well for the Cougars, leading the team with three interceptions.
Soelberg, who recorded a big interception return in the season-finale against Utah, is back at one corner spot. Buchanon and Howell have experience in the program but little playing experience.
A couple of players who could join the program — Shannon Benton and Eddie Scipio — could help the Cougars in the defensive backfield if they end up in Provo. Scipio could also play safety.
E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com