BYU Tweaks the Depth Chart for Conference Opener at Kansas

Changes at running back and free safety headline the depth chart changes for Kansas

After two years of waiting, the Big 12 era is officially here as BYU hits the road to take on the Kansas Jayhawks. For the second consecutive week, the Cougars will travel across the country for a road game. On Monday, BYU released the official depth chart for the game at Kansas. A few key changes were made to the starting lineup. 

True freshman LJ Martin is listed as the outright starter at running back. Martin got his first start for BYU last week against Arkansas. Aidan Robbins and Deion Smith are listed as co-backups.

At free safety, Tanner Wall replaced Malik Moore in the starting lineup.

It's also worth noting that Caleb Etienne is still listed as the starter at right tackle. Etienne was replaced by Brayden Keim in the second half. Below is the full depth chart and analysis.

Quarterback

1. Kedon Slovis
2. Jake Retzlaff
   
3. Cade Fennegan

Kedon Slovis will be the starter as long as he's healthy. After Kedon Slovis, Jake Retzlaff is the backup quarterback and Cade Fennegan is the third-string quarterback. Fennegan, however, will play in garbage time like he did against Southern Utah. BYU is attempting to preserve Retzlaff's redshirt.

Running Back

Credit: BYU Photo

1. LJ Martin
2. Aidan Robbins OR Deion Smith

The depth chart at running back reflects the rotation BYU used against Arkansas. LJ Martin has been the best running back for BYU.

Wide Receiver

1. Darius Lassiter OR Kody Epps OR Parker Kingston

1. Keanu Hill OR Keelan Marion

1. Chase Roberts OR Jojo Phillips

No changes to the depth chart at wide receiver. Epps and Hill were both available against Arkansas.

Tight End

1. Isaac Rex
2. Mata'ava Ta'ase
3. Jackson Bowers

No changes to the tight end depth chart after week three.

Fullback

1. Mason Fakahua
2. Ray Paulo

Offensive Line

Left Tackle
1. Kingsley Suamataia
2. Simi Moala

Left Guard
1. Weylin Lapuaho
2. Ian Fitzgerald

Center
1. Paul Maile
2. Connor Pay

Right Guard
1. Connor Pay
2. Tyler Little

Right Tackle
1. Caleb Etienne
2. Brayden Keim

Caleb Etienne is still listed as the starter at right tackle. Etienne was replaced by Brayden Keim in the second half against Arkansas. Etienne is the lowest-grade player on BYU's offense by a wide margin.

Defensive Backs

Cornerback
1. Eddie Heckard
2. Mory Bamba
3. Marcus McKenzie

Cornerback
1. Kamden Garrett
2. Caleb Christensen

Strong Safety
1. Ethan Slade
2. Raider Damuni OR Crew Wakley

Free Safety
1. Tanner Wall
2. Malik Moore OR Chika Ebunoha OR Preston Rex

Cornerback
1. Jakob Robinson
2. Evan Johnson

Tanner Wall replaced Malik Moore in the starting lineup. Wall came to BYU as a preferred walk-on wide receiver.

Linebackers

Outside

1. Max Tooley
2. Ace Kaufusi OR Chaz Ah You

Mike

1. Ben Bywater
2. Harrison Taggart
3.  Siale Esera

Sam
1. AJ Vonphachanh
2. Isaiah Glasker OR Fisher Jackson

A few minor changes were made to the second and third-string at linebacker.

Defensive Line

Defensive End
1. Isaiah Bagnah
2. Michael Daley OR Nuuletau Sellesin

Defensive End
1. Tyler Batty
2. Blake Mangelson
3. Bodie Schoonover

Nose Tackle
1. Atunaisa Mahe OR Caden Haws
2. Joshua Singh

Defensive Tackle
1. Jackson Cravens
2. John Nelson
3. David Latu

No changes to the depth chart along the defensive line.

Specialists

Place Kicker
1. Will Ferrin
2. Matthias Dunn

Punter
1. Ryan Rehkow
2. Landon Rehkow

Kick Returners

1. Hobbs Nyberg
2. Parker Kingston
3. Talmage Gunther
4. Keelan Marion

Follow us for future coverage:

Facebook - @CougsDaily

Twitter - @Cougs_Daily and Casey Lundquist at @casey_lundquist

Instagram - @cougs_daily