BYU Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017
By Zach Bigalke
Quarterbacks
Starting quarterback: Tanner Mangum
Backup: Beau Hoge
Losing starting quarterback Taysom Hill could be a blessing in disguise for the Cougars’ passing attack. Tanner Mangum was pressed into service in 2015 when Hill went down. At a school that has produced multiple NFL quarterbacks (and where his offensive coordinator won a Heisman Trophy), Mangum responded with the best freshman season in BYU history. In 12 starts, Mangum threw for 3377 yards and 23 touchdowns.
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But with Hill healthy for his senior year, Mangum was relegated back to the bench. He saw only spot duty in 2016, but presents a far more dynamic arm than Hill brought to the table. If he meshes quickly with his receivers, Mangum could be among the nation’s most prolific passers in 2017.
Barring an injury like the one that pressed Mangum into service as a freshman, that should leave few snaps for others on the depth chart. Redshirt sophomore Beau Hoge will likely back up Mangum this season. Hoge used his redshirt last year, working with the scout team. He is the most polished of the options among a group of young quarterbacks on the BYU roster.
Make no mistake, though. This is definitely Tanner Mangum’s offense to run, and BYU will go as far as the junior quarterback can take them in 2017.