NFL Draft: Are Chargers especially interested in BYU's Kyle Van Noy?

At BYU's Pro Day in March, All-American linebacker Kyle Van Noy didn't hesitate when he was asked which of the 32 NFL teams he would like to play for next fall. "I think every team is showing a lot of interest," Van Noy said. "The [San Diego] Chargers happen to be the ones that did the drills today. I was happy for that. I love the Chargers and would love to be in that power blue." It appears that the feeling is mutual. The San Diego Union-Tribune profiled Van Noy on Wednesday as a draft possibility for the Chargers and offered this analysis: "Think of Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle if he were 6-3 and 243. Van Noy is slippery, unpredictable, and football-aware. A durable, "360-degree" performer, he succeeded as an upright edge rusher, a spy over the middle, an inside blitzer, a pass defender 10-20 yards deep and as a punt blocker firing out of a 3-point stance. Used a spin move against two Texas Longhorns linemen to create a third-and-1 stop. Devastated so-so tackles with a quick-footed inside move. Will need to get stronger. Against NFL linemen, will likely struggle to set the edge. Arms are short. Is 23 years old." At Pro Day, Van Noy said he had talked to all 32 teams in the league. "So, who knows? I am looking forward to this last segment," he said. "It is kinda now a waiting game, and I am just looking forward to this final segment of going places, and having people coming in to workouts. So, it is going to be good."——————————— Van Noy can now add the title of "Male Collegiate Athlete of the Year" for the state of Utah to his lengthy list of accolades. He earned that honor at the third-annual Utah Governor's State of Sport awards banquet at EnergySolutions Arena on Tuesday night. Utah gymnast Georgia Dabritz won the Collegiate Female Athlete of the Year Award, beating out BYU's Jennifer Hamson and others. Organizers said more votes than ever before were cast online this year. Timpview quarterback Britain Covey won the Male Prep Athlete of the Year after he led the Thunderbirds to the 4A state title last fall. San Juan softball and volleyball star Tatiana Su'e Su'e won the Female Prep Athlete of the Year award. Timpview's Kristen Bailey won Coach of the Year after leading her volleyball team to the 4A state title. Real Salt Lake won Team of the Year and RSL's Kyle Beckerman won the Professional Male Athlete of the Year award. Ski jumper Sarah Hendrickson won the Professional Female Athlete of the Year honors. Utah's football win over No. 5 Stanford was deemed the Game or Event of the Year. RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando's save was voted as the highlight of the year. Former BYU golfer Johnny Miller earned a Lifetime Achievement in Sport Award along with Billy Casper, another former professional golfer.