This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

OREM TIGERS

The Hurry-up — Orem finished 4-6 overall in 2015, 1-5 in Region 7, and failed to qualify for the postseason.

First-year Orem coach Jeremy Hill quoted "Braveheart" when asked about expectations this season.

"We didn't get dressed up for nothing," he said. "We're not here in the hot heat, sweating, and putting in the time to try take anything less than first in region and anything less than first in state. We set the goal up there, and that's our expectation. I think a lot of people will be happy if we're back in the playoffs or at Rice-Eccles stadium, but for us, we're really setting an expectation of state-champs-or-else kind of attitude."

Bold statement. Bold statement, indeed.

The championship-or-bust mentality is not new to the realm of sports, but not often do you actually hear it phrased publicly. Why? Because it adds more pressure to deliver, as if there wasn't enough already. But Hill and Co. aren't shying away from their lofty aspirations, evident by the players' willingness to buy into the product the coaches are selling.

"We've got an all-in attitude, and it's been fun to watch," Hill said. "Orem has had a lot of talent the last six years, but I don't think we've had that all-in attitude. We've had more kids out to non-mandatory practices and workouts. Kids are doing stuff on their own, which is great to see. The kids have bought in, they're excited, and they believe in the coaching staff. They believe in what we're doing."

Perhaps the biggest change schematically is prioritizing defense. Many of the players who played exclusively on offense in the past will be counted on to stop opponents now, Hill said.

"Orem, I think, has been known for putting up 40 points a game. I've really tried to focus on defense," Hill said. "I think if we can keep teams in single digits and really try to shoot for those shutouts, that's what I think is going to help us get to a championship."

Quarterbacks — Cooper Legas and Brooks Ringers, a transfer from Spanish Fork, are "leading the way right now" at quarterback, Hill said. Orem has a proud history of producing highly effective signal-callers, and Hill feels either of the prospects could evolve into exactly that.

Running backs — After leading the team in rushing with 780 yards and five touchdowns on 162 carries, D'Arman Notoa is back again this year. However, the Tigers will employ a two-back system, with sophomore Wes Alo-Maiva providing a change of speed.

Receivers — Alex McDougal and sophomore Puka Nacua — who started as a 14-year-old freshman — both return on the hashes, while Zach Ortiz and Jairus Satiu, a sophomore with only one year of football experience but has "done some great things for us," according to Hill, create additional targets through the air.

Offensive linemen — While Dylan Frame and Nick Child return up front, there will be several new faces in the trenches this year. Cole Watts and Kaisa Fiatoa-Holani are new to the program but are expected to start, and Nick's younger brother, Luke, is taking the majority of the reps at center.

Defensive linemen — The Tigers' talent on the defensive line is percolating. Tausili Fiatoa and CJ Alatini are both highly-recruited sophomore prospects, and Aaron Faumui — who Hill said is "a kid who is going to make a big splash this year" — and Brad Crockett are no chumps, either.

Linebackers — Freshman JL Lavea highlights the linebacking corps at middle linebacker, but look for LT Tupola to contribute extensively, too.

Defensive backs — Keven Balser returns as the veteran leader at safety, with sophomore Ma'a Notoa joining him on the last line of defense. Riki Peters has locked down one cornerback position, while the other is still open for competition.

Key Players

D'Arman Notoa, RB — Explosive player with proven success at the varsity level. His name will be called frequently.

Puka Nacua, WR — The last name should be very familiar. Only a sophomore, Nacua is the next player in his family with Division I talent.

Tausili Fiatoa and CJ Alatini, DL — Both players get their name listed here. As four-star recruits on the defensive line, these two can create havoc.

Key Losses

Kody Codner, WR — Led the team in receiving touchdowns.

Chase Herrmann, WR — Monster threat for two consecutive seasons on the hashes.

Gunnar Legas, QB — Although he struggled stay healthy his senior year, he was very efficient when he was on the field.

Name To Know: Brad Crockett has impressed his new coaches from the onset, leading Hill to say he's "just been killing it for us." With Fiatoa and Alatini demanding extra attention, that leaves extra space for Crockett to hunt.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — SIERRA CANYON (Calif.), 7 p.m.

Aug. 27 — EAST, 4 p.m.

Sept. 2 — at Arbor View (Nev.), 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 — at Corner Canyon, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 — ALTA, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 — at Timpview, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 — PROVO, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 — at Timpanogos, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 — SKYRIDGE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 — MOUNTAIN VIEW, 7 p.m.

Verdict: Orem could have a rude awakening with its difficult preseason schedule, but as Hill explained, he's trying to prepare his troops for November. This team has talent, no doubt, but the overwhelming theme is youth. Hill said: "They're definitely physically ready for it. We just got to handle the mental side of it and the speed of varsity football. We know we're young, which is great for the future, but this year, we'll probably have some breakdowns because of that youth." The Tigers are on the precipice of returning to the postseason, which makes every single region game critical.

Projected finish in region: Fifth.