BYU Football: Cougars look to shock the nation in 2019
By Zach Bigalke
Do Cougars have another star-in-the-making at QB?
Tanner Mangum has completed his time in Provo, and now the door is wide open for Zach Wilson to build on a solid freshman campaign as he approaches his first full season as the undisputed starter. At a school known for its quarterbacks, BYU could have another star-in-the-making in the three-star recruit from Draper, Utah.
Last year, Wilson became the youngest freshman ever to start for BYU when he took the field against Hawaii. By the end of the year, he finished with 1,578 yards through the air on 120-of-182 passing with 12 touchdowns and just three picks. While fans are justifiably wary of anointing another freshman to savior status after watching Jake Heaps and Mangum regress in recent years, Wilson offers real hope at the quarterback position.
Getting back nine receivers who caught at least 10 passes offers major depth. The backfield depth tapers off with the departure of Squally Canada and several other contributors. But with Lopini Katoa back, the Cougars return the most versatile back from the 2018 lineup. Former South Carolina rusher Ty’Son Williams and Rice transfer Emmanuel Esukpa will also offer new depth.
Focusing on the offensive line
Five players started on the offensive line for BYU last season, and four of the five return to Provo for the 2019 campaign. That level of stability will be foundational to whether or not Wilson can develop and whether or not Katoa and the new running backs find sufficient space to shine.
The one player lost from last year’s unit, tackle Austin Hoyt, opted to forgo a shot at a potential NFL career this spring. Despite receiving an invitation to the East-West Shrine Game, Hoyt decided to start his life after football. Losing a player of his caliber on the line was going to happen no matter what happened this year in Provo, but it is a testament to BYU’s recruiting depth that they can have a past starter step right in if they opt to go with experience over youth development.
Thomas Shoaf, a full-time starter in 2017, ceded his spot as a starter last season. He could easily slide back in at tackle and give Kalani Sitake and offensive coordinator a fully-experienced offensive line ready to face a string of tough tests right away.