50 Best of the Non-BCS: Number 9
# 9: RB Harvey Unga, BYU
The Verdict: I can't even begin to imagine what it's like to be a defensive cornerback and see BYU's two-year starter at running back running me. At 6-foot, 240-pounds, Harvey Unga is not just a linebacker trapped in a tailbacks' body, but he's Brahman bull of a young man who runs with all the tenacity of and force of an Abrams tank. A Freshman All-American in 2007, Unga, returned to the field for the Cougars last year en route to earning Second Team All-Mountain West accolades. Not only did Unga record his second straight 1000-yard rushing season, but he scored 11 touchdowns on the ground and another four through the air. Unga's greatest asset may be his incredible versatility. He has the vision and quickness to run the inside draw from the zone read, while at the same time the power and strength to run off tackle from a more traditional ‘Ace' formation. And that's not even taking into account his ability as a pass catcher, as the Provo, Utah native has snagged 86 passes for 964 yards and eight touchdowns over the course of his first two years as a Cougar. What's amazing about Unga is that he has the proverbial ‘second gear' so many bigger backes lack, yet still shows uncanny ability to work quickly within tight spaces and to cut on a dime. An elite athlete in every sense of the word, Unga makes BYU's offense the best in any non-BCS conference, and should help the Cougars contend for a BCS Bowl at-large bid in 2009
