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Archive (2003-2004)

Receivers beginning to make noise

By Colby O'Very

Spring football is going strong at BYU, and fans have questions conerning what the football team is doing, and who is doing well.

The revamped BYU defense has been getting most of the attention because of its complete overhaul with former University of New Mexico defensive coordinator Bronco Mendenhall taking over for long-time defensive coordinator Ken Schmidt. But the offense also is starting to develop a new face.

BYU lost its leading receiver, Reno Mahe, to graduation, and is now waiting for new players to emerge.

Head coach Gary Crowton said several wide receivers have made some noise in practice.

Chris Hale, a sophomore from Orem who has good speed, made a reception gaining 24 yards in a scrimmage that took place on Saturday. Crowton said Hale is doing a good job.

Rod Wilkerson, a junior, also from Orem, has made several good catches in practice. On Wednesday morning he caught a long bomb down the sideline from freshman back-up quarterback John Beck.

Beck, from Mesa, Ariz. has been throwing well in practice but Crowton said he has been slowed by a hamstring injury.

Sophomore David Christensen, a wide receiver from Clovis, Calif. had a few big games last season before suffering an ankle injury, has also impressed Crowton. Unfortunately, Christensen separated his shoulder in practice and had to have surgery.

Daniel Coats, a redshirt freshman wide receiver from Layton, was highly recruited out of high school, but has moved from wide receiver to tight end this spring, and is beginning to learn the position. Crowton said Coats is a good blocker as well as an excellent receiver.

On the defensive side of the ball, Quinn Gooch, a freshman defensive back from Tucson, Ariz. had an interception in practice and Crowton said he''s been playing well and has a good nose for the ball.

Crowton said Gooch could make a good back up for junior Aaron Francisco who started at free safety last year.