Van Noy headlines 10 Cougars honored with midseason accolades

PROVO, Utah — Ten BYU football players were named to the Phil Steele Midseason All-Independent Team announced Tuesday, including six first-team selections. 

Headlined by All-American linebacker Kyle Van Noy, the Cougars were recognized with two first-team selections each on offense, defense and special teams by Phil Steele, whose College Football Preview magazine is annually one of the nation’s most informative preseason football publications.

Senior safety Daniel Sorensen joined Van Noy on the first-team defense while sophomore Taysom Hill was named the first-team quarterback and sophomore running back Jamaal Williams joined Army’s Terry Baggett to round out the first-team backfield.  The strength of BYU’s return game was reflected with senior JD Falslev named the first-team punt returner and sophomore Adam Hine the first-team kick return specialist.

Four Cougars received second-team recognition. Senior receiver Cody Hoffman was named on offense while senior linebacker Uani ‘Unga, senior defensive tackle Eathyn Manumaleuna and sophomore defensive end Bronson Kaufusi were each selected on defense.

The team consisted of players from seven teams with Notre Dame leading all independent programs with 18 total selections, followed by BYU’s 10 honorees. For a complete list of the 2013 Midseason All-Independent Team as well as other midseason all-conference teams, visit PhilSteele.com.