Spring Camp 2024 BYU Photo
BYU Football Wraps up Spring Ball on Saturday, March 30th. This spring has shown a lot of what they have done this offseason and brought to light many battles, storylines, and new faces within the program. Below we will talk about the Quarterback battle, the runningbacks, and the new look of an offensive line. Also we we will talk about the new tight ends, how the defense has some seniority, and the new coaches.
Quarterback Battle
Starting
This battle has heated up once again as Kedon Slovis heads to the NFL. Jake Retzlaff was as good as he could down the stretch with injuries, and questionable play calling, and his lack of experience on a college field. Gerry Bohanon a USF transfer is the other one fighting for the starting role this season. He could also make his case. What would be in the Cougar’s best long-term interest is to stop bringing in transfer quarterbacks who are only here for one year. They can no longer do that because they have to build a Big 12 team, not an independent team.
3rd String
The third-string quarterback should be entertaining as well with Nick Billoups, Ryder Burton, and Cade Fennegan fighting for that role. Hopefully, BYU doesn’t need to use them this year and will have them ready to go if needed. Cade Fennegan would be the fan’s choice because of what he has done on a college field. My choice would be Ryder Burton after what he did for Springville High and what he could do on a college field if the coaches let him loose. Nick Billoups is probably the last choice because he hasn’t been in many talks about playing quarterback for BYU Football.
Other Backups
The rest of the quarterbacks will have to sit and ride the bench for another year as they are freshmen and sophomores who are still learning. Treyson Bourguet, Dane Christensen, Micah Fe’a, Cole Hagen, and Noah Lugo are around if the Cougars need them. As BYU fans know they might but every year they pray they don’t because then the season is going off the deep end.
Running Back Battle
The running game has to be a focus this season if the Cougars want to win more games. LJ Martin and Miles Davis are the headlines for BYU this season. Martin had a great year last season and was the one to spark the season’s run game. Davis has shown more than once that he should be in the starting role and coaches have pushed him aside for transfers.
Hinckely Ropati and Enoch Nawahine are the veterans on the team and they will need to step up and show the younger ones how it’s done at the college level. BYU needs them to have a big season to have a successful one. The other ones may get a chance if injuries occur or if they may be the better choice for the Cougars.
Offensive line
This offensive line has to be the heart and soul this season and be true leaders. Last season the offense fell apart when the line fell apart. With the return of Connor Pay, Sam Dawe, Caleb Etienne, Brayden Keim, and Weylin Lapuaho they should be solid. This could be a great Offensive line at the Power 5 level. The only problem would be injuries and they would have to bring in a backup.
Tight End
This position has to be utilized as both blockers and receivers this season so the Cougars can effectively win games. The biggest issue is that they have to replace Isaac Rex which is going to be hard but not impossible. Keanu Hill made the move to tight end to make this transition almost seamless this season. Hill has played wide receiver and with the size he has, he will make a great additional blocker for the starting quarterback. The Cougars see a lot of returns here but the fans don’t know what they look like because of the lack of use of tight ends over the past couple of years.
Defensive Seniority
This BYU Football defense sees a huge return in Tyler Batty and Ben Bywater. These two are going to be huge for the Cougars this season and will lead the defense. There are plenty of returning players and this should be a big advantage for the Cougars because of the offensives they are going to have to face this season. This defense showed us a glimpse of being under Jay Hill last season. Year 2 is always better than year 1 under a new coach, especially with returners.
New OL and TE coaches
BYU has added new Offensive line and Tight End coaches this off-season who bring experience and new ideas to the BYU Football team. TJ Woods has taken over the line and players have nothing but good things to say about his experience coaching the line. The Tight Ends have Kevin Gilbride as their new head coach. The tight ends have been getting to work with Woods.
