Backup quarterback battle and an early take a look at for the switch portal will take middle stage
BYU quarterback Jaren Corridor (3) celebrates as teammate and working again Tyler Allgeier (25) crosses the aim line to attain a landing as Baylor security JT Woods (22) defends in the course of the first half of an NCAA faculty soccer sport, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photograph/Ron Jenkins)
BYU’s spring apply begins Feb. 28 and runs via the tip of March. Listed here are three storylines to observe for over the subsequent 5 weeks.
Discovering a backup
There isn’t any doubt Jaren Corridor will likely be BYU’s beginning quarterback subsequent season. The one drawback is, the remainder of the quarterback room is crammed with query marks.
With out former quarterback Baylor Romney in this system, BYU is left with out a clear backup for the primary time in three years. And if historical past is any information, BYU will probably want to show to a backup in some unspecified time in the future this season.
Prior to now three years, no beginning quarterback at BYU has made it via a full yr. Zach Wilson was injured for 3 video games in 2019 and missed another in 2020. Corridor additionally missed three video games in 2021 throughout his lone season because the starter.
Search for spring apply to play out as an early battle for the emergency position. There are three quarterbacks within the working, however they’ve a mixed 5 faculty appearances and 227 passing yards.
Jacob Conover comes into camp because the probably backup. He has performed in two video games at BYU and had 45 passing yards. He’ll probably be pushed by Cade Fennegan, a Boise State switch who didn’t play final yr.
Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters is a darkish horse candidate within the spring, however is but to make his faculty debut after two years in this system. He has a special model of play than Conover and Fennegan, and is seen as a transparent fourth choice proper now.
A take a look at for the switch portal?
The protection has been BYU’s Achilles heel, and the treatment isn’t apparent in 2022. Though the unit returns all 11 starters, this group is younger and on the lookout for a real playmaker.
There have been flashes of consistency, however spring apply will likely be an opportunity for gamers like Tyler Batty and Gabe Summers to indicate clear progress on the line of defense. Within the secondary, BYU will likely be on the lookout for help round Malik Moore. And the linebackers may also want reinforcements.
One thing to watch is it’s early sufficient to dip into the switch portal if BYU doesn’t see clear development within the spring. BYU has saved two or three spots open — and extra will grow to be out there in the summertime — so as to add scholarship transfers. The protection is the obvious place the place this system may carry gamers in to contribute instantly and add extra depth.
Working again, working again, working again
BYU is returning 18 of twenty-two starters from final yr, however there may be one notable absence: Tyler Allgeier.
Allgeier accounted for nearly 30% of the offense by himself, dashing for a program-record 23 touchdowns and 1,606 yards. Changing him with one particular person will likely be almost unimaginable.
As a substitute, spring apply would be the first probability to see the committee of working backs to fill the void. Cal switch Chris Brooks and returning again Lopini Katoa will vie for a beginning spot. Youthful gamers may also be within the combine.
Of curiosity will likely be how BYU makes use of fullbacks to make up for the working again manufacturing. Kalani Sitake introduced in Stanford switch Houston Heimuli to pair with Masen Wake to beef up the throwback place. Now, it’s about incorporating these weapons into the offense.
