BYU wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) catches a pass under pressure from Kansas cornerback Mello Dotson (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan.Charlie Riedel, Associated Press
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 sophomores. This looks at how many games they played in, what they did for the team, and their position, and will also look at what they could do for BYU next season.
5. Kody Epps WR
Kody Epps is a 5-11 187 lbs sophomore from Los Angeles, California. He has played for two seasons for the Cougars and will be one of the three starters to see the field throughout the season. In 2020 he played in six games with five receptions for 47 yards. Epps didn’t play in 2021. During the 2022 season, he played in eight games with 39 receptions for 459 yards and six touchdowns. This past season Epps played in eight games with 21 receptions for 259 yards. Epps made this list because he had big plays during those eight games when he finally entered the Arkansas game.
4. Kingsley Suamataia OL
Kingsley Suamataia is a 6-6 315 lbs sophomore from Orem, Utah, and a transfer from Oregon. He played in 12 games for the Cougars in 2022. This season for Suamataia he played in 10 games and has entered his name into the NFL draft. Suamataia played his role on the offensive line well and stepped up in big moments.
3. Talan Alfrey S
Talan Alfrey is a 6-2 205 lbs sophomore from Auburn, Washington. In his first year, he played in one game. In 2022 he played in 13 games with 41 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery, and two pass breakups. This past season he suited up in three games this year for the Cougars. During those three games, he had 16 tackles. Alfrey was big for the safety position during those games and made an impact that he can hopefully carry into next season.
2. Ethan Slade S
Ethan Slade is a 6-0 190 lbs sophomore from Orem, Utah. During his first season, he played in two games with one tackle. In 2022 he played in 11 games with 17 tackles, one quarterback hit, and three pass breakups. Slade will have to fight hard to get into a role on Saturdays. During the 2023 season, he played in 11 games and had 60 tackles, four pass deflections, and one interception. Slade had a big showing during the Cougar’s first season in the Big 12.
1. Chase Roberts WR
Chase Roberts is a 6-4 210 lbs sophomore from Highland, Utah in his second year as a Cougar. Roberts will be the third starter on the field. In 2022 he played in 11 games with 22 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns. This season he played in all 12 games for the Cougars. In those 12 games, he had 42 receptions for 573 yards and five touchdowns. Roberts came out this season and showed why he should be a starting receiver. He also showed that he could make catches that were near impossible and score in big moments of the season.
