SALT LAKE CITY — Sports is nothing but fantasy during this tough stretch of the COVID-19 pandemic, so why not do our part and contribute while shining the spotlight on some of BYU’s all-time football greats?
With the NFL draft slated for this coming weekend, the four Deseret News reporters who cover BYU decided to give our best shot in drafting our best Cougar football team to go head-to-head against one another. Think of it as the ultimate BYU all-time great four-team playoff with every player drafted assumed to perform at their top level while within the program.
We set up the draft in fantasy football snake form, with the order flipping from one round to the next. Any BYU player was eligible to draft, from the early days Dick Harmon has particular expertise on, clear up to this past 2019 season.
So, how did we each form our team? Here’s a recap of the draft with a comment on the pick by each respective selector.
ROUND 1
Dick Harmon: Ty Detmer, QB (1987-91)
Reasons for the pick, “Heisman Trophy winner ... didn’t have the strongest arm, but was incredibly efficient and a guy I’d want leading my team and to have on the field to win a game.”
Jeff Call: Jim McMahon, QB (1977-81)
“He was incredible as a player, and I think he was sort of the Michael Jordan of BYU football, in that he was ultra-competitive and really pushed his teammates. He was the author of the most famous play in BYU history, and he’s the perfect guy to build a team around.”
Jay Drew: Jamaal Williams, RB (2012-16)
“I’m taking a bit of a fantasy mindset and draft Jamaal because I truly believe he was the top running back in BYU history. He made it to the NFL during a time when not many from BYU did and I just thought he was an amazing player.”
Brandon Gurney: Austin Collie, WR (2004, 2007-08)
“He’s the all-time greatest BYU receiver in history, and I don’t think there’s many who would argue otherwise. He’s the perfect guy to build an offense around while holding out for a quarterback in the later rounds.”
ROUND 2
Brandon Gurney: Jason Buck, DL (1985-86)
“Buck was simply considered the best defensive lineman in the country when he was at his best, which makes him the perfect player to build my defense around.”
Jay Drew: Luke Staley, RB (1999-2001)
“The Doak Walker winner, who had his career cut short due to injury. When he played, though, he was as good as they come.”
Jeff Call: Tim McTyer, DB (1995-96)
“In my opinion he was the best cornerback BYU has ever produced and there’s not a lot of top options at cornerback.”
Dick Harmon: Kyle Van Noy, LB (2010-13)
“He was a one-man wrecking crew who had great instincts. Having a guy on my team with that much disruption is what I need.”
ROUND 3
Dick Harmon: Golden Richards, WR (1970-71)
“I need a deep threat and feel he’s one of the most underrated players in BYU history. He won a Super Bowl and he was my idol in high school. He could flat out fly.”
Jeff Call: Gordon Hudson, TE (1980-83)
“He had great numbers and was very athletic. He revolutionized the position at BYU and created a ton of mismatches for opposing defenses. He’s the only non-quarterback from BYU who is in the College Football Hall of Fame.”
Jay Drew: Steve Young, QB (1980-83)
“One of those great quarterbacks who put BYU on the map and went on to become a Hall-of-Fame player in the NFL.”
Brandon Gurney: Rob Morris, LB (1993, 1996-99)
“I consider Morris the best middle backer in BYU history and love a guy nicknamed ‘Freight Train’ to help lead my defense.”
ROUND 4
Brandon Gurney: Fred Warner, LB (2014-17)
“I want an outside linebacker who can cover a lot of ground and no one did that better than Fred Warner. I also love his versatility.”
Jay Drew: Kurt Gouveia, LB (1982-85)
“I remember watching him just dominating when he played Utah back in the 1980s and he went on to have a very good NFL career.”
Jeff Call: Leon White, LB (1981-85)
“Jay stole my pick with Kurt Gouveia, but since he’s off the board, I’m going Leon White.”
Dick Harmon: Bart Oates, OL (1977, 1980-82)
“He’s big and smart and exactly the guy you want playing center for you. He went on to have a very long and great NFL career.”
ROUND 5
Dick Harmon: Gordon Gravelle, OL (1967-71)
“He’s a guy not many know about, but I remember him as a tremendous offensive lineman and just a real physical player.”
Jeff Call: Harvey Unga, RB (2006-09)
“I need a running back and Unga is a great one to have. I love his physical style of play and how he’d rally his teammates. He’s obviously one of the all-time greats.”
Jay Drew: Todd Watkins, WR (2004-05)
“He’s as good of a deep threat as BYU has had and someone who can stretch the field well for me and open up the offense.”
Brandon Gurney: Mohammed Elewonibi, OL (1988-89)
“With Elewonibi I get yet another Outland Trophy winner and with that a great player to build my offensive line around.”
ROUND 6
Brandon Gurney: Robert Anae, OL (1980-84)
“It’s time to form a solid offensive front, and with Anae I feel I’m getting a very intelligent player with attitude.”
Jay Drew: John Tait, OL (1993, 1996-98)
“Someone who had a very good pro career and easily one of the best offensive linemen BYU has had in its program.”
Jeff Call: Glen Kozlowski, WR (1981, 1983-85)
“He’s a great possession receiver and I love his fiery demeanor. Also a very athletic receiver.”
Dick Harmon: Eric Drage, WR (1989-93)
“Drage was a feisty kid with a chip on his shoulder. He had great chemistry with Ty Detmer and feel he’d form a great combo with Golden Richards.”
ROUND 7
Dick Harmon: Brett Keisel, DL (1997-2001)
“Just a real tough guy you’d want on your defensive line. He had a great pro career after BYU.”
Jeff Call: Cody Hoffman, WR (2009-13)
“He made spectacular catches while he was at BYU and he gives me a big target. He was one of the best to ever play at BYU.”
Jay Drew: Jay Miller, WR (1973-76)
“There’s a run on receivers here, so I better get a good one, and Jay Miller was one of the best to ever play at BYU. He also has a great first name.”
Brandon Gurney: Reno Mahe, WR (1998-99, 2001-02)
“When Reno was on top of his game he was as good as they come. I feel he’ll provide me a great option to complement Austin Collie.”
ROUND 8
Brandon Gurney: Trevor Matich, OL (1979-80, 1983-84)
“I need a center and who better than Trevor Matich to help lead my offensive front?”
Jay Drew: Cameron Jensen, LB (2003-06)
“He was the general and I remember covering him at Bountiful where you could see how great he’d become as a college player.”
Jeff Call: Larry Moore, OL (1995-96)
“One of the best centers BYU has had and went on to have a good NFL career.”
Dick Harmon: Eli Herring, OL (1987, 1991-94)
“He was a massive player who had all kinds of options to play in the NFL, but decided he didn’t want to play on Sundays.”
ROUND 9
Dick Harmon: Colby Bockwoldt, LB (1999-2003)
“A very instinctive player who I felt was underrated while at BYU.”
Jeff Call: Shay Muirbrook, LB (1993-96)
“He’s another fiery competitor who was truly one of the best middle backers BYU has had.”
Jay Drew: Ezekiel Ansah, DL (2010-12)
“I need a defensive lineman and I’m fortunate Ziggy is still on the board.”
Brandon Gurney: Brady Poppinga, LB/DE (2001-04)
“Brady gives me a lot of versatility on the edge with his ability on the line or at linebacker. One of the best pure athletes BYU has fielded.”
ROUND 10
Brandon Gurney: Chris Hoke, DL (1994, 1997-200)
“I plan on going with a base 3-4 alignment and need a solid defensive tackle. Hoke is that guy.”
Jay Drew: Matt Bushman, TE (2017-current)
“Maybe some recency bias here, but he’s been very good over the past three years and I feel he has a good pro career ahead of him.”
Jeff Call: Kyle Morrell, DB (1981-84)
“A real savvy safety who made one of the greatest plays in BYU history.”
Dick Harmon: Chris Smith, TE (1987-90)
“What better tight end to work with Ty Detmer than Chris Smith?”
ROUND 11
Dick Harmon: Dennis Pitta, TE (2004, 2007-09)
“I have to go with a double-tight alignment because Dennis Pitta is just too good. I feel he’d be great playing along with Chris Smith.”
Jeff Call: Shawn Knight, DL (1982-86)
“Loved his ability and a great guy to have on my defensive front.”
Jay Drew: Travis Hall, DL (1990-94)
“He may not be as well known as some of the others, but I love having a local kid who played in the NFL.”
Brandon Gurney: Daniel Sorensen, DB (2008, 2011-13)
“Bronco (Mendenhall) raved about Sorensen throughout his career and he’s since moved on to have a very good NFL career.”
ROUND 12
Brandon Gurney: Derwin Gray, DB (1989-92)
“I can’t believe Dewey is still on the board, so yeah, I’ll pick him to form a dominant safety duo alongside Sorensen.”
Jay Drew: Jernaro Gilford, DB (1999-2003)
“I need to start picking some cornerbacks and Jernaro was one of the best to play at BYU.”
Jeff Call: Sione Takitaki, LB (2014-18)
“His performance against Wisconsin was one of the best I’ve ever seen. He’s a great playmaker.”
Dick Harmon: Aaron Francisco, DB (2001-04)
“Aaron had tremendous speed and was a great competitor.”
ROUND 13
Dick Harmon: Kai Nacua, DB (2013-16)
“It’s really hard for me not to pick David Atkinson here, but I have to go with Kai. His instincts in creating turnovers is something that’s really going to help my defense.”
Jeff Call: Tim Hanshaw, OL (1988, 1991-94)
“He’s one of those great offensive linemen who went on to play in the NFL.”
Jay Drew: Andrew Rich, DB (2008-10)
“I haven’t grabbed a safety yet, and Rich is a very good one. He always seemed able to make big plays.”
Brandon Gurney: Chad Lewis, TE (1993-96)
“There’s a lot of great options at tight end, which is why I waited to pick one. Lewis was one of the best pure receiving tight ends the Cougars have had.”
ROUND 14
Brandon Gurney: Lance Reynolds Sr., OL (1973, 1976-77)
“Big Lance was one of the first BYU players to see success in the NFL and has a lot of great football know-how to add to my offensive front.”
Jay Drew: Jake Kuresa, OL (2002-06)
“Jake was a great athlete and started a lot of years at BYU. I also like that he’s a great talker. I like having those guys on my team.”
Jeff Call: Nick Eyre, OL (1976-80)
“I’m going with the All-American from the late 1970s — that’s the guy at my left tackle spot.”
Dick Harmon: Omarr Morgan, DB (1996-97)
“He was slight of build, but I don’t think there was a better guy in man-coverage at BYU than Omarr Morgan.”
ROUND 15
Dick Harmon: Rodney Rice, DB (1986-88)
“He had good legs and hip movement and a great guy to have alongside Omarr Morgan in coverage.”
Jeff Call: Tom Holmoe, DB (1978-82)
“I think he was underrated as a player, but I’m also hoping by picking him that he’ll return my phone calls and texts, now that he’s athletic director.”
Jay Drew: Lee Johnson, P (1980-84)
“Don’t underestimate field position.”
Brandon Gurney: Rodney Thomas, DB (1984-87)
“Rodney was one of the better cornerbacks in BYU history, and I feel fortunate to land him in round 15.”
ROUND 16
Brandon Gurney: Kyle Whittingham, LB (1978-81)
“I love having a prolific tackler like Whittingham alongside Rob Morris in my 3-4 defense.”
Jay Drew: Bryan Kehl, LB (2002, 2005-07)
“Might be some more recency bias, but Bryan was a truly great playmaker and he’s also a fantastic talker, which I love.”
Jeff Call: Vai Sikahema, KR (1980-81, 1983-85)
“He’s a record-setting returner who I can also use a little bit on offense.”
Dick Harmon: Pete Van Valkenburg, RB (1969-72)
“He was the top runner in the country during his time. He’s a very big player who also had good speed.”
ROUND 17
Dick Harmon: Jan Jorgensen, DL (2005-09)
“He was one of the best defensive ends in BYU history. He’s also a great person and a great leader.”
Jeff Call: Byron Frisch, DL (1995-99)
“He’s a very physical guy who went on to play in the NFL.”
Jay Drew: Ryan Denney, DL (1997-2001)
“Another guy who had a long NFL career who was a very good defensive linemen while at BYU.”
Brandon Gurney: Steve Kaufusi, DL (1985-87)
“The original Kaufusi who started it all, really. A very good player while at BYU who went on to play in the NFL.”
ROUND 18
Brandon Gurney: Jamal Willis, RB (1991-94)
“I have to take a running back eventually and Willis is a great lead back to have.”
Jay Drew: Louis Wong, OL (1981-84)
“Wong was one of the better linemen in BYU history and I need to start forming a good offensive line.”
Jeff Call: Curtis Brown, RB (2002-06)
“Once was BYU’s all-time leading rusher and I just love his story and how he was as a person while at BYU.”
Dick Harmon: Cary Whittingham, LB (1981-85
“He’s a big body and tough, like all the Whittinghams.”
ROUND 19
Dick Harmon: Jim Hermann, DL (1980-84)
“A kid from back East who was a tremendous person and a tremendous player.”
Jeff Call: Evan Pilgrim, OL (1990-94)
“He was a pancake machine and went on to play in the NFL.”
Jay Drew: Todd Shell, LB (1980-83)
“Great player who went on to play a lot of good years in the NFL.”
Brandon Gurney: Taysom Hill, QB (2012-16)
“It was really hard to leave John Beck off the board, but I feel when Taysom was fully healthy that he was the most dynamic quarterback in the country.”
ROUND 20
Brandon Gurney: Brian Mitchell, DB (1987-90)
“One of BYU’s best at what is historically a thin position.”
Jay Drew: Brian Logan, DB (2009-10)
“Brian was a great open-field tackler and a very solid cover guy.”
Jeff Call: Preston Hadley, DB (2011-12)
“Preston was a very good coverage corner and a very smart player.”
Dick Harmon: Kurt Gunther, K (1979-82)
ROUND 21
Dick Harmon: Travis Bright, OL (2004-08)
“He was a big, strong body who was also very smart. He’s one of the better offensive linemen BYU has had.”
Jeff Call: Todd Herget, LB (1987, 1991-93)
“I’m going under the radar for the pick, but I loved how Herget played. He was a real magnet to the football who will complement Shay Muirbrook well.”
Jay Drew: Tejan Koroma, OL (2014-17)
“Not the biggest talker, who refused to talk to the press, but he was a four-year starter and a truly great player.”
Brandon Gurney: James Dye, KR (1995-96)
“A guy who can change the course of a game with one play. One of the most electrifying players to play at BYU.”
ROUND 22
Brandon Gurney: Dallas Reynolds, OL (2005-08)
“One of the better offensive linemen BYU has produced in recent years and I love the option of having him play alongside his father.”
Jay Drew: Matt Reynolds, OL (2007-11)
“Matt was very good when completely healthy and was a very tough player with a lot of grit.”
Jeff Call: Craig Garrick, OL (1979, 1982-84)
“He was a great player on the national championship team.”
Dick Harmon: John Hunter, OL (1984-88)
“I love having a great offensive lineman who I can also use as my punter.”
ROUND 23
Dick Harmon: Scott Brumfield, OL (1990-92)
“I like Scott as a big body who had a good career at BYU to round out my offensive line.”
Jeff Call: Bronson Kaufusi, DL (2012-15)
“Bronson was a truly great player who went on to be drafted in the NFL.”
Jay Drew: Dayan Ghanwoloku, DB (2015-19)
“I love having a great ball-hawker and Dayan is just that.”
Brandon Gurney: Itula Mili, TE (1991, 1994-96)
“One of the more talented tight ends at BYU who went on to have a very good NFL career.”
ROUND 24
Brandon Gurney: Owen Pochman, K (1996-200)
Jay Drew: Mitch Payne, K (2006-10)
Jeff Call: Matt Payne, K (2002-04)
“A really good kicker who could also hit hard in kick coverage.”
Dick Harmon: Shaun Nua, DL (2002-04)
“Nua was a great junior college transfer who went on to have a great coaching career.”
ROUND 25
Dick Harmon: Golden Richards, KR (1970-71)
“I get to draft the same guy twice, and Golden is the best kick returner left.”
Jeff Call: Clay Brown, P (1976-80)
“He’s a really good punter and I can also sneak him in to play some at tight end.”
Jay Drew: Adam Hine (2011-15)
“He had a lot of great kickoff returns that got called back during his career.”
Brandon Gurney: Riley Stephenson, P (2009-12)
“One of the more consistent punters BYU has had, but I don’t plan on punting much.”
Here’s how the teams shook out after 25 rounds of drafting:
Team Dick Harmon
QB—Ty Detmer
RB—Pete Van Valkenburg
WR—Golden Richards
WR—Eric Drage
TE—Chris Smith
TE—Dennis Pitta
OT—Eli Herring
OG—Gordon Gravelle
C—Bart Oates
OG—Scott Brumfield
OT—Travis Bright
DE—Jan Jorgensen
DT—Brett Keisel
DT—Jim Hermann
DE—Shaun Nua
OLB—Kyle Van Noy
MLB—Cary Whittingham
OLB—Colby Bockwoldt
CB—Omarr Morgan
S—Aaron Francisco
S—Kai Nacua
CB—Rodney Rice
Return specialist—Golden Richards
Kicker—Kurt Gunther
Punter—John Hunter
Team Jeff Call
QB—Jim McMahon
RB—Harvey Unga
RB—Curtis Brown
WR—Glen Kozlowski
WR—Cody Hoffman
TE—Gordon Hudson
OT—Nick Eyre
OG—Evan Pilgrim
C—Larry Moore
OG—Craig Garrick
OT—Tim Hanshaw
DE—Byron Frisch
DT—Shawn Knight
DE—Bronson Kaufusi
OLB—Leon White
MLB—Shay Muirbrook
MLB—Todd Herget
OLB—Sione Takitaki
CB—Tim McTyer
S—Kyle Morrell
S—Tom Holmoe
CB—Preston Hadley
Return specialist—Vai Sikahema
Kicker—Matt Payne
Punter—Clay Brown
Team Jay Drew
QB—Steve Young
RB—Jamaal Williams
RB—Luke Staley
WR—Todd Watkins
WR—Jay Miller
TE—Matt Bushman
OT—John Tait
OG—Jake Kuresa
C—Tejan Koroma
OG—Louis Wong
OT—Matt Reynolds
DE—Ezekiel Ansah
DT—Travis Hall
DE—Ryan Denney
OLB—Kurt Gouveia
MLB—Cameron Jensen
MLB—Todd Shell
OLB—Bryan Kehl
CB—Jernaro Gilford
S—Andrew Rich
S—Dayan Ghanwoloku
CB—Brian Logan
Return specialist—Adam Hine
Kicker—Mitch Payne
Punter—Lee Johnson
Team Brandon Gurney
QB—Taysom Hill
RB—Jamal Willis
WR—Austin Collie
WR—Reno Mahe
TE—Chad Lewis
TE—Itula Mili
OT—Mohammed Elewonibi
OG—Robert Anae
C—Trevor Matich
OG—Dallas Reynolds
OT—Lance Reynolds Sr.
DE—Jason Buck
DT—Chris Hoke
DE—Steve Kaufusi
OLB—Fred Warner
MLB—Rob Morris
MLB—Kyle Whittingham
OLB—Brady Poppinga
CB—Rodney Thomas
S—Daniel Sorensen
S—Derwin Gray
CB—Brian Mitchell
Return specialist—James Dye
Kicker—Owen Pochman
Punter—Riley Stephenson