Unga: To stay or go?

Harvey Unga’s future seems to be a hot talking point among fans so let’s discuss it a bit more. 19 seniors were honored with blankets and farewell candy necklaces after the game Saturday but the one player whose absence might have the greatest impact next year – Harvey Unga – was not among them. The junior running back will face a similar decision to what Austin Collie faced last year. Collie decided to go pro and that choice could not have worked out better for him.

As I see them, there are several arguments on both sides of Unga’s decision to stay or to enter his name in the 2010 NFL Draft:

To go …

Health, Health, Health: Whether it was his hip, hamstring or ankle, Unga was never at 100 percent at BYU. That didn’t stop him from breaking the all-time rushing record but another injury might cripple his chance at making it in the NFL. Professional running backs have a notoriously short shelf-life, and the general rule of thumb is that they’re washed up by the time they hit the age of 30. With his injury history it would seem like now is the time to jump ship.

Record holder: Like Collie, Unga has nothing left to prove. He already broke Curtis Brown’s all-time rushing record.

Smaller supporting cast: His quarterback, lead blocker and tight ends will be gone, leaving him as the lone target of opposing defenses. Dennis Pitta’s numbers declined drastically from last season until now because Collie was gone and defenses could consistently double team him. With Pitta gone, defenses can focus even more attention on Unga.

… or to stay

Star power: Even though he has been nothing short of spectacular, Unga has been largely overshadowed by Collie, Hall and Pitta. A big year next year could get him all the attention he needs to elevate his draft stock.

Experienced offensive line: The Cougars return four of five offensive linemen, which could be a huge benefit to Unga if he chooses to stay.

Numbers game: One more productive year from Unga would put the all-time rushing record nearly out of reach for any future backs.

If I had to guess, I would say that Unga tries his luck at the next level. He has too much too lose and not much to gain by coming back.