BYU football: Defense is quicker, Mendenhall says

He doesn't know for sure until fall practice begins, or even the first few games are over, but his defense might be faster than the one that led the Mountain West Conference with the likes of Bryan Kehl, who's now in the NFL.

Is it faster?

"I think so. I haven't watched any seven-on-sevens this summer, and I've only been in the office a few times this month, but I have had players come in and say they really like so-and-so and he's fast. We may be faster," Mendenhall said at this week's MWC football meetings.

The majority of BYU's defense from the 11-2 season of 2007 is gone, including linebackers Kehl, Kelly Poppinga and three of their four starting defensive backs. Up front, the Cougars may have acquired more foot speed in the transition from last year, and at least one player, MWC sack leader Jan Jorgensen, says he has the proof — his own case.

"I'm bigger, faster and stronger than I've ever been.

I'm pushing 270 now, but I'll lose five of that soon during two-a-days," he said.

"But when we were timed in 40s, I ran the fastest time since I was 230 pounds and in high school. My pro agility times and strength were really good."

Jorgensen ran a 4.71 time in the 40-yard dash last month. "I was very happy with it," he said.

And the rest of the defense?

"I can't say for everybody. But a lot of guys have improved a lot.

"We should be very good, if we stay healthy," said Jorgensen.

He also believes the return of nose tackle Russell Tialeavea from an ACL injury in two-a-days last summer will boost the Cougars' defense. He told reporters on Monday that at times, when Tialeavea is on the field, he is the best player on both sides of the line.

"Russell is amazing," said Jorgensen. "For a 300-pounder, he has the quickest feet and the quickest hands. It's nice to play with him because he's one of those guys who you can look over the line in his eyes and we both automatically know what the other is thinking."

Tialeavea weighs in at 305 pounds, a loss of 30 pounds from last summer, when he planned on playing his sophomore season after starting as a freshman in 2006.

"So, to have someone like that to line up with gives me so much more confidence," Jorgensen said. "That's not to say I didn't have confidence in Ian (Dulan) playing the nose guard last year. I was just so comfortable with Russell out there and I was used to playing with him."

Tialeavea spent the year out of football, forging a close relationship with BYU conditioning coach Jay Omer. That link helped cement Tialeavea's passion to work hard and get the most out of himself.

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