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BYU Football: Squally Canada is Cougars’ secret weapon for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 21: Squally Canada #22 of the Brigham Young Cougars runs past Logan Wilson #30 and Taniela Lolohea #58 of the Wyoming Cowboys during the first half of the Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium on December 21, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 21: Squally Canada #22 of the Brigham Young Cougars runs past Logan Wilson #30 and Taniela Lolohea #58 of the Wyoming Cowboys during the first half of the Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium on December 21, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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BYU football opens its season on Saturday afternoon and junior running back Squally Canada could be the team’s secret weapon.

With the return of the 2017 BYU football season coming sooner than most, the Cougars are looking forward to getting a head-start on evaluating their 2017 squad. Unfortunately, they will do so this season without star running back Jamaal Williams.

More: BYU Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

Last season, the senior running back finished with 1,375 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers and is expected to have an instant impact in the NFL.

However, he leaves behind an offense that is looking to replace his production. He led the Cougars’ offense to over 200 rushing yards per game, ranking 41st nationally, but who can replace him? The answer: Squally Canada.

The junior running back from Milpitas, Calif., has a frame similar to Williams, standing 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds. He’s just one inch shorter and about eight pounds lighter than his predecessor. Still, he has the potential to reach the 1,300-yard mark like Williams did last season.

Not many are talking about the junior running back, but he actually played well in limited action as a sophomore. He finished third on the team, behind Williams and quarterback Taysom Hill, in rushing with 316 yards and two touchdowns on only 75 carries.

Although he only averaged 4.3 yards per touch, it was his first season with more than one carry at the collegiate level. He was just getting used to the change of pace in live action. Now that the keys to the backfield are his, he’s going to have a monster year behind a veteran offensive line.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

Looking for the Cougars’ secret weapon in 2017? Look no further than the strong running back who was No. 2 behind Jamaal Williams.

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