BYU is closing in on the opener against Utah Tech, and after two weeks of fall camp, the picture is getting a little clearer.
The Cougars finished week two with a scrimmage inside LaVell Edwards Stadium, and with practice resuming Monday, the program is moving into the final stretch of camp. That makes this a good time to take another swing at projecting how BYU will line up when the season begins.
On offense, most of the puzzle pieces already look set. The offensive line has a shape to it, the backfield appears to be Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin, and the tight ends are expected to be a major part of the attack. That leaves the pass-catcher spots as the main question.
For now, the projection stays the same at wide receiver: Walker Lyons, Roger Saleapaga, Jojo Phillips, and Kyler Kasper. But there’s pressure building behind them. Legend Glasker and Reggie Frischknecht have made strong pushes, and even if they don’t crack the starting group, both are expected to have real roles in the offense.
There’s also a health note worth watching up front. After the scrimmage, Kalani Sitake said several offensive linemen are banged up.
Here’s how the projected offense stacks up: Quarterback: Bear Bachmeier
Running Back: LJ Martin Wide Receiver: Jojo Phillips
Wide Receiver: Kyler Kasper Tight End: Walker Lyons
Tight End: Roger Saleapaga Left Tackle: Paki Finau
Left Guard: Sonny Makasini Center: Bruce Mitchell
Right Guard: Kyle Sfarcioc Right Tackle: Andrew Mitchell
Defensively, BYU looks like a unit that will keep rotating bodies, especially in the front seven. Hunter Clegg didn’t land in the projected starting group, but he’s still expected to see plenty of snaps.
The same goes for Tausili Akana, Tommy Prassas, Jayven Williams and Jake Clifton. Two true freshmen, Braxton Lindsey and Kennan Pula, are also on track to help.
The biggest defensive storyline in the back half of camp is safety Faletau Satuala. He’s working back from a foot injury suffered in the offseason, and BYU needs him ready by week two at the latest.
The projected defense: Defensive End: Bodie Schoonover
Defensive End: Nusi Taumoepeau Defensive Tackle: Keanu Tanuvasa
Defensive Tackle: Justin Kirkland Linebacker: Isaiah Glasker
Linebacker: Cade Uluave Linebacker: Siale Esera
Cornerback: Evan Johnson Cornerback: Therrian Alexander III
Safety: Faletau Satuala Safety: Raider Damuni
Special teams remains the least settled area. For now, experience gives Matthias Dunn the edge at kicker and Fuller Shurtz the nod at punter.
Kalani Sitake said 5-6 players are rotating at punt and kick return, and Cannon DeVries is the current pick at punt return. Tiger Bachmeier and Devaughn Eka are the names being used at kick return.
Projected special teams: Kicker: Matthias Dunn
Punter: Fuller Shurtz Punt Return: Cannon DeVries
Kick Return: Tiger Bachmeier & Devaughn Eka
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