BYU Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017
By Zach Bigalke
Running Backs
Starting running back: Squally Canada
Backups: Ula Tolutau
Jamaal Williams, one of the deceptively great running backs in all FBS last season, has graduated from Provo. Williams ranked fifth nationally in rushing yards per game and finished the year with 12 touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Ty Detmer will have to find a way to replace all that hard-fought yardage on the ground.
BYU will most likely a thunder-and-lightning combination that originally committed to other schools. in the backfield if all goes right. BYU will likely start diminutive redshirt junior Squally Canada as the thunder. The former Washington State running back finished third behind Williams and quarterback Taysom Hill in rushing last year. Canada averaged over four and a quarter yards per carry in his first season on the field in Provo. He could be pushed by sophomore KJ Hall for time in the backfield.
The thunder part of the equation is Ula Tolutau, a freshman who originally committed to Wisconsin before going on his LDS mission. Eligible to play immediately after enrolling at BYU, Tolutau was the 2013 Utah Mr. Football as named by Deseret News. He offers a bruising option at 6’1″ and 255 pounds, capable of showing fullback size and halfback versatility. By the end of the year, we could see Tolutau getting the bulk of the carries.
When they need to turn to a traditional fullback, Detmer can turn to a pair of redshirt juniors. Brayden El-Bakri was the primary fullback in 2016 for Williams. If he gets injured, Creed Richardson offers a viable backup at the position.