Nov 11, 2023; Provo, Utah, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back Eli Sanders (6) runs through a tackle by Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Harrison Taggart (11) in the first quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
BYU Football may have had a rough season but they did have some good stats on the board at the end. Check out the top five freshmen. This looks at how many games they played in, what they did for the team and at their position and will also look at what they could do for BYU next season.
5. Isaiah Glasker LB
Isaiah Glasker is a 6-5 220 lbs freshman from South Jordan, Utah. He played in eight games this season with three tackles for the Cougars. Glakser comes in at number five because he didn’t have much playing time this year but he will have a big impact in his next couple of years at BYU.
4. Marcus McKenzie CB
Marcus McKenzie is a 5-11 172 lbs freshman from St. George, Utah. McKenzie played all special teams this season and played in six games until he went down with an injury. During those six games he had seven tackles and some of those helped flip the field for the defense. McKenzie is at four because he only played in six games and the three above him played in more but he still had his impact on BYU football this year. McKenzie will be great for special teams and for the cornerback once he gets his chance there.
3. LJ Martin RB
LJ Martin is a 6-1 207 lbs from El Paso, Texas. Martin stepped up when the running backs couldn’t get anything going all season long. He will definitely be in a sport for the coaches to consider him for a starting position this coming season. Martin played in 10 games this season and had 109 attempts for 509 yards and four touchdowns. He also had 45 receiving yards and one touchdown. Martin will probably see a ton of reps at running back next year as he was the most productive last season.
2. Parker Kingston WR
Parker Kingston is a 6-0 180 lbs freshman from Layton, Utah. Kingston played a bigger role on the Cougar offense than many thought he would. He played in 12 games with 19 receptions for 207 yards and one touchdown. Kingston also completed two passes for two touchdowns for 63 yards. Kingston is going to have some big shoes to fill but he will be able to do it.
1. Harrison Taggart LB
Harrison Taggart is a 6-1 216 lbs freshman from Draper, Utah and a transfer from Oregon. He played nine total snaps as a redshirt freshman last season. Taggart stepped up in times of need this season for the linebackers when Bywater got injured. He played in all 12 games this year and had 28 tackles for the Cougars. Taggart sits at the number one spot because of the role he had to step into when Bywater went down as a middle linebacker. Taggart showed that he could easily step into Max Tooley’s spot and play alongside Ben Bywater.
