Cougars Announce 2002 Recruiting Class

PROVO -- As if winning its first outright MWC title, finishing the season with a 12-2 record, having two Heisman Trophy candidates, a Consensus All-American, a Doak Walker Award winner, a National Coach of the Year finalist, 20 All-MWC performers and leading the nation in total offense and scoring wasn't good enough, the BYU coaching staff has been hard at work assembling one of the top recruiting classes in the West. Today, BYU head coach Gary Crowton released the names of the prospective student-athletes who have signed a National Letter of Intent to play football for the Cougars next season.

"We are very pleased with the student-athletes who have signed with our program," Crowton said. "We want to express our appreciation to them and their parents, as well as all those involved in the recruiting process, for trusting us and making the committment to attend this great University. Each one of these players will be able to play a major roll in our future success.

"I also want to recognize the coaches who have worked so hard to make this one of the best recruiting classes at BYU," Crowton added. "I'm pleased with their efforts and want to express my appreciation to them."

Ben Olson

6-4 • 210 • Quarterback

Thousand Oaks, Calif. (Thousand Oaks HS)

A native of Thousand Oaks, Calif. ... born Feb. 28, 1983 ... parents are Rick and Annie Olson ... listed as the top-rated high school quarterback in the country ... ranked as the top high school prospect at any position by SuperPrep ... a First-Team All-CIF performer ... led Thousand Oaks to a second-round appearance in the California High School playoffs ... a USA Today First-Team All-American ... a Parade All-American ... led Thousand Oaks High School to the state quarterfinals ... threw for 2,989 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior ... holds three single-game records at Thousand Oaks HS, including longest pass play (86 yards), most touchdowns (6) and most yards passing (497) ... holds single season records for most yards passing (2,913) and most touchdown completions (32) ... also holds career records for most pass attempts (702), most completions (421), passing yards (6,401) and touchdown completions (54) ... named Marmonte League Offensive Player of the Year as a junior and senior ...earned Ventura County Co-Offensive Player-of-the-Year honors ... named CIF Div-IV Offensive Player of the Year ... recognized as the Sports Illustrated Old Spice Athlete of the Month (September, 2001).

Jake Kuresa

6-4 • 310 • Defensive Line

Millville, Utah (Mountain Crest HS)

A native of Millville, Utah ... born Oct. 2, 1983 ... parents are David and Susanne Kuresa ... listed on the Honor Roll at Mountain Crest HS ... a four-year letterwinner ... listed as a top-five defensive line prospect in the nation ... the 13th ranked player in the Midland region by Superprep Magazine ... led Mountain Crest to a state championship as a senior ... twice earned All-State First-Team honors ... a three time all-region selection ... earned Student Sports Magazine All-American honors as a junior and senior ... listed as a Rivals.com top-100 prospect ... earned PrepStar Magazine All-America honors ... a three time All-Cache Valley selection ... a four-year letterwinner in basketball ... earned all-region honors as a junior in basketball ... recruited by USC, Oregon, Washington, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Stanford, Penn State, and Miami.

Curtis Brown

5-11 • 185 • Running Back

Palmdale, Calif. (Paraclete HS)

A native of Palmdale, Calif. ... parents are Herman and Cheryl ... listed on the Honor Roll at Paraclete HS ... name offensive player of the year as junior ... earned All-CIF Section 12 ... recorded over 7,000 career rushing yards at Paraclete HS ... led team to a 12-0 record as a senior ... won four consecutive CIF Div. XII titles ... scored 27 TDs as a senior ... All-state selection as a sophomore ... rushed for 2,600 yards as a sophomore ... set a state single-season rushing record as a sophomore, recording 2,645 yards ... earned All-CIF Southern Section Academic Team (honorable mention) honors as a sophomore ... named to the 1999 All-CIF Div. XII team ... eared second-team All-CIF Div. XII honors as a junior ... Named the All-CIF Div. XII Co-Offensive Player of the Year ... nominated for California's Mr. Football by Student Sports Magazine ... rushed for 1,094 yards as a freshman ... listed as the 39th-ranked running back in the nation by Rivals.com ... set a region career rushing record with 7,045 yards ... rushed for 1,500 yards as a senior ... an All- Los Angeles Times Offensive Team member ... named as the Los Angeles Daily News Small Schools Player of the Year.

Daniel Coats

6-2 • 200 • Wide Receiver

Layton, Utah (Northridge HS)

A native of Layton, Utah ... born April 16, 1984 ... son of Judy Coats ... Utah State Player of the Year ... named the 2001 Deseret News Mr. Football ... earned 5A MVP honors as a junior ... led Northridge HS to back-to-back 5-A state championships as a junior and senior ... ranked nationally among top receivers by Student Sports ... USA Today Utah State Player of the Year as a junior ... recorded 2,386 yards and 23 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Northridge HS, including 47 receptions for 1,247 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior ... led Northridge to a combined 23-2 record during his junior and senior seasons.recruited by UCLA, Washington, Washington State, Cal, Nebraska and Clemson.

James Allen

5-10 • 170 • Defensive Back

Inglewood, Calif. (LA Southwest JC)

A native of Inglewood, Calif ... born March 10, 1982 ... parents are Norma Smith and James Allen ... suffered knee injury mid-way through last season ... listed as a Student Sports Magazine "Player to Watch" ... will have three years of eligibility remaining ... a three-year letterwinner in high school ... named defensive MVP as a senior ... lettered twice in track, competing in the 200- and 400-meters ... he also led his 400-meter relay team to a league championship and was named MVP as a senior ... recruited by Oregon, USC, New Mexico and Iowa State.

Chad Barney

6-2 • 190 • Defensive Back

Orem, Utah (Dixie College)

A native of Orem, Utah ... born March 27, 1980 ... parents are David and Patty Barney ... two-year starter at corner at Dixie College ... two-time NJCAA All-American ... talented punt returner ... prepped at Orem HS ... served an LDS Church mission.

Reynaldo Brathwaite

5-10 • 170 • Running Back

Spring Valley, Calif. (Grossmont JC)

A native of Spring Valley, Calif. ... born Aug. 15, 1982 ... parents are Ernesto and Donelle Brathwaite ... while prepping at Monte Vista HS, rushed for 314 yards and scored seven TDs in a 64-30 win over Granite Hills ... set CIF scoring record, scoring seven TDs in a single game ... tied Marcus Allen for the FIC single-game rushing record ... missed part of last season with a knee injury ... second team All-Pacific Coast Conference selection ... recruited by Colorado and Arizona.

Tyson Dunham

6-2 • 190 • Punter

Worland, Wyo. (Dixie JC)

Born Dec. 30, 1980 in Worland, Wyoming ... parents are Dave and Jo Ellen Dunham ... a National Honor Society member at Worland High School ... a three-year letterwinner in high school ... holds school record for the longest punt ... listed as the winning pitcher in the state high school championship game ... earned Second-Team All-Region honors as a freshman ... earned First-Team All-Region and First-Team All-WSFL honors as a sophomore ... recruited by Oregon, Wisconsin and Stanford.

Paulo Fuaalii

6-2 • 240 • Linebacker

Kearns, Utah (Kearns HS)

A native of Kearns, Utah ... born Aug. 6, 1984 ... son of Luisa Fuaalii ... earned all-league and all-region honors as a senior ... totaled 134 tackles including 93 solo takedowns ... originally from Hawaii, but moved to Utah in 1998.

Jonathan Fanene

6-5 • 280 • Defensive Line

Pago Pago, American Samoa (College of the Canyons)

A native of Pago Pago, American Samoa ... born March 19, 1982 ... parents are David and Ana ... a JC Gridwire All-American (honorable mention) ... prepped at Tafuna High School in Pago Pago, American Samoa ... also played QB in high school ... also recruited by Hawaii, UNLV, Oregon and Washington.

Jonny Harline

6-4 • 215 • Tight End

Orem, Utah (Ricks College)

A native of Orem, Utah ... born Nov. 6, 1982 in North Brunswick, N.J. ... parents are Craigh and Paula Harline ... prepped at Orem High School, earning first-team all-region and first-team all-state honors ... led Orem HS to a second-place finish in the state playoffs ... named Orem HS team MVP ... earned honorable mention all-region honors at Ricks ... plans to serve an LDS Church mission.

Nate Hutchinson

6-2 • 180 • Defensive Back

St. George, Utah (Pine View HS)

A native of St. George, Utah ... born April 10, 1984 ... parents are Terry and JeNee Hutchinson ... helped lead Pine View HS to a 10-2 record as a senior ... named Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune First-Teamm All-State ... voted Most Inspirational Player at Pine View ... listed on the Pine View HS Honor Roll ... recruited by UNLV, Navy, Princeton and Arizona State.

Andrew George

6-4 • 210 • Tight End

Englewood, Colo. (Cherry Creek HS)

A native of Englewood, Colo. ... born July 23, 1984 ... parents are Richard and Jennifer George ... father was a member of the 1976 U.S. Olympic Track Team ... plans to serve an LDS Church mission before enrolling at BYU ... a two-year letterwinner at Cherry Creek HS ... averaged 23.1 yards per reception as senior ... ranked 73rd nationally by PacWest Football ... First-Team All-Centennial League ... Second-Team All-State selection by Rocky Mountain News ... a first-team Class 5A All-State selection ... earned "Best Hands" award at BYU Football Camp ... lists former Cougar and NFL All-Star Chad Lewis as his favorite athlete ... recruited by Wyoming, Oregon, Stanford and Air Force.

Travonne Jackson

5-11 • 180 • Wide Receiver

Los Angeles, Calif. (Thomas Jefferson HS)

A native of Los Angeles, Calif. ... born Oct. 2, 1984 ... son of Rosalind Wright ... played running back during senior season ... missed part of year with a knee injury ... originally committed to USC during junior year ... finished ninth in state in 200 meters ... versatile athlete who could play wide receiver or defensive back.

Bryan Kehl

6-2 • 225 • Linebacker

Salt Lake City, Utah (Brighton HS)

A native of Salt Lake City ... born June 16, 1984 ... paretns are Gary and Nancy Kehl ... older brother, Ed, was a starter for the Cougars at defensive end ... committed to BYU during junior year ... a First-Team All-State selection by Salt Lake Tribune ... outstanding academic student at Brighton HS.

Shaun Nua

6-6 • 270 • Defensive Line

Pago Pago, American Samoa (Eastern Arizona JC)

A native of Pago Pago, American Samoa ... born May 22, 1981 ... parents are Sao and Usu Nua ... earned All-America recognition ... started nine games as a freshman ... a Second-Team All-ACCAC performer ... recognized as the Special Teams Player of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week during the season ... prepped at Tafuna High School ... an all-league performer at Tafuna High School.

Scott Young

6-5 • 305 • Defensive Line

Salt Lake City (Dixie JC)

A two-year starter at Dixie College ... led Dixie the Rebels with 15.5 sacks as a sophomore ... earned both NJCAA and JC Gridwire First Team All America honors ... led the third-ranked Rebels to an impressive 11-1 record on the season, including 40-14 win over Rochester CC in the Rotary Bowl ... named the NJCAA Region 18 Player of the Year.

Thomas Stancil

5-7 • 165 • Running Back

Bakersfield, Calif. (Bakersfield HS)

A native of Bakersfield, Calif. ... born Jun 7, 1984 ... son of Tommy Stancil and Tona Lyn Lewis ... led Bakersfield HS to CIF title and an undefeated season ... scored 20 TDs and rushed for 1,772 yards as senior ... Named Pepsi Athlete of the Year ... earned team MVP honors ... carried the ball for 1,995 yards as junior ... Bakersfield Californian Offensive Player-of-the-Year ... First-Team All-CIF ... recruited by Arizona and Cal.

Walt Williams

6-0 • 170 • Defensive Back

Miami, Fla. (Eastern Arizona JC)

A native of Miami, Fla. ... born March 1, 1977 ... parents are Shellie Hill and Walter Williams Jr. ... listed as a JC Football.com Top-100 Top 100 ... named Defensive player of the year in Dade County during his senior year ... a First-Team All-ACCAC as a punt returner and second-team defensive back ... listed as the 21st-ranked junior college player in the nation by TheInsiders.com ... recruited by Wisconsin, East Carolina, Auburn, Mississippi State and Kansas State.

William Tukuafu

6-3 • 270 • Defensive Line

Salt Lake City, Utah (East HS)

A native of Salt Lake City ... born Jan. 3, 1984 ... parents are Viliami and Ilaise Tukuafu ... a member of the East High School Honor Roll ... a three-year letterwinner at East High School ... a Salt Lake Tribune All-State selection at defensive end ... recorded 61 tackles as a senior, including 38 solo takedowns ... recorded 11 tackles for a loss ... recorded six sacks and 15 hurries ... named team defensive MVP as a senior ... a Polynesian All-State selection ... earned all-state honors as a junior at tight end ... named team MVP as a junior ... earned all-state honors in both the Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune ... led East HS to the state playoffs under former BYU assistant coach Jim Hamblin ... is also a starter on the East HS basketball team ... recruited by Utah and Stanford.

Aaron Singh

5-11 • 192 • Running back/Defensive back

Carlsbad Calif. (Carlsbad HS)

A native of Carlsbad, Calif. ... born Oct. 3, 1983 in Singapore ... parents are Adolf and Avis Singh of Carlsbad, Calif. ... a member of the Carlsbad High School Honor Roll ... Eagle Scout ... plans to serve an LDS Church mission before enrolling at BYU ... ranked by Rivals.com as the 19th best all-purpose back in the nation ... recorded 95 tackles, including 49 solos as a senior ... registered seven tackles for a loss, including two sacks ... credited with five forced fumbles and one interception as a senior ... excelled at BYU summer camp ... earned Prep Sports Magazine All-Western Region Team honors ... a Cal-High Magazine top-100 selection ... an All-Avacado Legaue first-team selection ... named to the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame - San Diego Chapter Scholar Athlete and MVP ... team MVP as a senior ... turned in a 4.51-40 at the Nike Training Camp in San Diego ... San Diego Union Tribune All-Academic team as junior and senior ... honorary captain of the Union Tribune All-Academic team ... First-Team All-San Diego Section as linebacker ... a two-year letterwinner at Carlsbad HS ... led team to a 10-3 record as a senior, finishing as co-league champions ... recruited by Colorado, Arizona State, Utah, Northwestern, San Diego State, Colorado State, New Mexico, Kansas State, UNLV and Wisconsin.

Taufui Vakapuna

6-0 • 210 • RB

Salt Lake City, Utah (East HS)

A native of Salt Lake City, Utah ... born March 9, 1984 ... parents are Semisi and Uina Vakapuna ... a three year letterwinner at East High School ... an all-state and all-region selection ... credited with 112 carries for 1,107 yards as a senior ... recorded 20 receptions for 215 yards ... tallied 15 punt returns for 434 yards and 11 kick returns for 293 yards ... registered 12 touchdowns as a snioer, including two defensive TDs. ... defensively, registered 41 total tackles, including 23 solos ... credited with three interceptions and four sacks and two forced fumples3 INT 4 sacks ... a Polynesian All-State selection ... earned defensive MVP honors as a junior and team MVP honors as a senior ... District 5 Offensive MVP.

Ferron Fonoimoana

5-8 • 165 • WR

Kahuku, Hawaii (Kahuku HS)

A native of Kahuku, Hawaii ... born May 5, 1984 ... parents are Kurt and Lilly ... led Kahuku HS to back-to-back state championships over perennial Hawaii private school power St. Louis ... All-State First-Team selection ... a versatile player, has also played QB when needed.

Mulivai Pula

5-11 • 215 • Running Back

Kahuku, Hawaii (Kahuku HS)

A native of Kahuku, Hawaii ... born June 6, 1983 ... parents are Stella and Mulivai ... help lead Kahuku HS to its second straight state championship over perennial Hawaii private school power St. Louis ... rushed for 209 yards on 23 carries and two TDs in title game ... rushed for over 1,200 yards and 18 TDs as a senior ... listed as the sixth-ranked running back in the nation by Student Sports Magazine ... earned First-Team All-State honors.