What's in a numberfi

Some players try to get the same number they wore in high school, or the number their father wore when he played. Sometimes, as freshman, it's just whatever the equipment manager hands them.

We know (but can't prove) that haggling goes on between players over numbers.

"I'll do your laundry for the entire semester if I can have No. 24," or "I'll let you date my sister if I can have No. 4," or something like that.

In football, the number you wear is also determined by what position you play. Offensive linemen, for instance, must be Nos. 50-79 and generally quarterbacks are 1-19. Tight ends are generally in the 80's.

The No. 1fi Very cool.

The No. 9fi It used to belong to crazy linebackers (J.C. Von Collin, Chad Robinson). And the ultimate bad guy, Jim McMahon, wore it.

The No. 46fi Kelly Poppinga thought it was cool because it's the number former BYU linebacker Shay Muirbrook wore. After watching Poppinga play, I'd say he has a little Muirbrook in him.

Here's a test: Think about when you played football (or other sports) in high school, and what number you wore.

For me, 24 in basketball, 80 and 52 in football.

I'll bet you remember yours, too. Numbers do mean something.

So here's a look at uniform numbers 1-99 in BYU history and some of the guys who wore them.

By the Numbers

1 RB Fui Vakapuna (2007) The fans chant "Fuuuui!" when he carries the ball.

2 DB Norm Dixon (1990) A starter from New Orleans during the Detmer era.

3 WR K.O. Kealaluhi (1996) Best known for big catches during the 14-1 1996 season.

4 WR Tyler Anderson (1993) Maybe the fastest Cougar everfi

5 DB Kyle Morrell (1984) Flashback: Morrell leaping over the line to stop Hawaii at the goal line.

6 QB Robbie Bosco (1984), RB Luke Staley (2001), RB Curtis Brown (2006)

All of these guys should have their number retired.

7 WR Glen Kozlowski Outspoken receiver who played with McMahon, Young and Bosco.

8 QB Steve Young (1983) Super Bowl MVP now works as a studio host with ESPN.

9 QB Jim McMahon (1981) Will never have his number retired, for obvious reasons.

10 LB Brad Martin (1998) Died tragically last year.

11 QB Brandon Doman (2001) The "Domanator" had a terrific senior year.

12 QB John Beck (2006) Now with the Miami Dolphins.

13 TE Jonny Harline (2006) "The Answered Prayer" against Utah will never be forgotten.

14 QB Ty Detmer (1991), QB Gifford Nielson (1977) Number retired in 2007.

15 QB Max Hall (2007) Hall has two more years at the helm.

16 RB Ronney Jenkins (1998) One of BYU's most explosive players ever.

17 WR Andy Boyce (1990) Piled up huge yards playing with Detmer.

18 WR Eric Drage (1993) Came from nowhere to become one of BYU's top all-time receivers.

19 WR Matt Braga (1980) On the 1980 Miracle Bowl team.

20 WR Reno Mahe (2002) More than 1,000 yards receiving in 2001.

21 RB Stacey Corley (1990) Two kickoff returns for touchdowns against Air Force.

22 RB Mike Salido (1990) Famously crossed himself after scoring TD vs. Miami in 1991.

23 KR Vai Sikahema (1985) Played in the NFL, now a TV sportscaster in Philadelphia.

24 RB Bill Ring (1978) Earned a couple of Super Bowl rings with the 49ers.

25 RB Steve Christiansen (1993) Brother McKay spurned BYU for major league baseball.

26 TE David Miles (1987) Manages BYU ticket office.

27 K Owen Pochman (2000) Owns most BYU kicking records.

28 DB Dustin Gabriel (2007) Has managed to have a good career despite injuries.

29 RB Jamal Willis (1994) Second-leading rusher in BYU history.

30 DB Brian Mitchell (1990) One of BYU's fastest players and a former coach for the Cougars.

31 DB Brad Clark (1992) A pretty good punt returner, too.

32 RB Peter Tuipulotu (1991) Dependable runner in Detmer era.

33 TE Todd Christensen (1977), DB Aaron Francisco (2004), LB Thor Salanoa (1987), RB Fred Whittingham (1989) A popular number with some legends wearing it.

34 LB Kurt Gouveia (1985) Went on to a long career in the NFL.

35 LB Cameron Jensen (2006) "The General" was a great leader.

36 LB Bob Davis (1990) Overachiever had a huge motor and played hard all the time.

37 K Ethan Pochman (1996) Kicked game-winning field goal in MWC title game.

38 K Matt Payne (2004) Put the hurt on a couple of Boise State kick returners.

39 LB Bryant Atkinson (2004) One of the most dominant high school players in Utah had career cut short by injuries.

40 RB Eldon Fortie (1962) Fortie's number is already retired.

41 LB Leon White (1985) Played eight years in the NFL.

42 WR Tim Nowatzke (1984) Prototype of overachieving BYU wide receiver.

43 DB Kirk Davis (1988) Overcame cancer to have productive career.

44 LB Rob Morris (1999) The "Freight Train" plays with the Indianapolis Colts.

45 LB Rocky Biegel (1991) Slightly crazed linebacker was a good one.

46 DB Tom Holmoe (1982) Now BYU's athletics director.

47 LB Paul Walkenhorst (2005) Overcame injuries and depression to finish career well.

48 LB Brian Hansen (1983) Local kid (American Fork) made good.

49 LB Brady Poppinga (2005) Now with the Green Bay Packers.

50 LB Stan Raass (1995) One of the great Ricks College transfers.

51 LB Justin Luettgerodt (2005) JC transfer was a ball hawk for Cougars.

52 C Trevor Matich (1984) Played in the NFL and now a college football analyst

53 C Tom Sorensen (2007) Hey, he's got three years to make good.

54 LB Derik Stevenson (1998) Climbed into stands after Utah game to fight a guy bothering his dad.

55 LB Justin Ena (2001) Team leader on 2001 Cougars.

56 DE Travis Hall (1994) Surprised everyone by becoming Pro Bowler with Falcons.

57 OL Robert Anae (1984) Now the Cougars' offensive coordinator.

58 DL Steve Kaufusi (1987) Now the Cougars' defensive line coach.

59 LB Kyle Whittingham (1981) Now the head coach of rival Utah.

60 LB Marv Allen (1984) On national championship team.

61 OL Mike Keim (1990) Protected Ty Detmer.

62 OL Larry Moore (1996) Anchored O-line for 1996 Cotton Bowl champs.

63 OL Ofa Mohetau (2004) Former top recruit transferred to Texas Tech.

64 OL Mohammed Elewonibi (1989) Won the Outland Trophy.

65 OL Dallas Reynolds (2007) Current starter for Cougars.

66 OL Mike Empey (1993) Former BYU O-line coach.

67 OL Sete Aulai (2007) All-MWC in 2006.

68 OL Jason Scukanec (2001) Outspoken leader on 2001 team.

69 OL Scott Fisher (2003) One of twins from St. George who never played a down at BYU.

70 OL Louis Wong (1984) Coaches Utah high school powerhouse Timpview.

71 OL Scott Brumfield (1992) Almost lost his life playing in NFL, but recovered and is a college coach.

72 DL Hans Olsen (2000) Local radio personality and Utah Blaze standout.

73 OL Jake Kuresa (2006) All-MWC was a converted defensive lineman.

74 OL Garrett Tujague (1991) Alright, I'll say it: Dude had biggest butt ever at BYU.

75 OL John Tait (1998) One of NFL's top tackles, now with Chicago Bears.

76 OL Eli Herring (1994) Famously told NFL teams not to draft him because he wouldn't play in Sunday.

77 OL Shawn Knight (1986) High draft pick never panned out with Saints.

78 OL Brian Sanders (2005) Called "Lunch" by his teammates.

79 OL Mike Jenkins (1991) Listed at 6-foot-7, 340 pounds, maybe biggest player ever at BYU.

80 WR Kaipo McGuire (1996) Tough receiver for Cotton Bowl champs.

81 WR Marion Probert (1954) Cougar great has number already retired.

82 WR Chuck Cutler (1988) Another one of those "how does he get openfi" guys.

83 WR Bryce Doman (1994) Number also worn by brothers Cliff and Kevin.

84 WR Kirk Pendleton (1983) One of Young's favorites.

85 TE Clay Brown (1980) Caught the Miracle Bowl game-winner.

86 WR Ben Cahoon (1997) Still having great career in Canada.

87 WR Micah Matsuzaki (1993) One of Detmer's favorites.

88 TE Itula Mili (1996) One of BYU's all-time great tight ends.

89 TE Spencer Nead (2002) Had some huge games.

90 DL Lenny Gomes (1993) Spoke the "They'll be pumping my gas" line after Utah game.

91 TE Tevita Ofahengaue (2000) Mr. Irrelevant in 2000 NFL draft.

92 DL Ryan Denney (2001) Number also worn by brothers John and Brett.

93 DL Brett Keisel (2001) Making a name for himself with Pittsburgh Steelers.

94 TE Chris Smith (1990) Over 1,000 yards receiving with Detmer throwing.

95 TE Gordon Hudson (1983) Young's favorite receiver.

96 TE Chad Lewis (1996) All-Pro three times for the Eagles.

97 DE Randy Brock (1994) Idaho native was ferocious.

98 DE Brad Hunter (1992) Known as "Hunter the Punter" for booming kicks.

99 DE Jason Buck (1986) Another Outland Trophy winner.