Final Predictions for BYU's Depth Chart Against Sam Houston State

BYU's season opener against Sam Houston State is just days away

On Tuesday, BYU wrapped up Fall camp. The Cougars now officially turn their attention to the Sam Houston State Bearkats. On Monday, BYU will release the official depth chart for the season opener. Today, we'll update our final predictions for BYU's 2023 depth chart.

Quarterback

Credit: BYU Photo

1. Kedon Slovis
2. Jake Retzlaff

No surprises here at the starting quarterback spot. Kedon Slovis was named the starter clear back in the Spring. Slovis will be the guy as long as he's healthy.

After Kedon Slovis, Aaron Roderick named JUCO transfer Jake Retzlaff as the backup quarterback. Retzlaff makes throws from all arm angles while maintaining accuracy, and now that he has won the backup job, he has the leg up to be the starting quarterback in 2024.

Running Back

Credit: BYU Photo

1. Aidan Robbins
2. Deion Smith

UNLV transfer Aidan Robbins is expected to start at running back for BYU. Robbins ran for 1,000 yards last season for the Rebels. Robbins has been the presumed starter since he signed with BYU clear back in December.

Another running back that will factor in is Colorado transfer Deion Smith. Smith led the Buffaloes in rushing last season, and BYU brought him in to make an immediate impact. 

For those that haven't been following Fall camp, true freshman running back LJ Martin has been one of the surprises of camp. Last week, Roderick gave a glowing review of the true freshman. "LJ Martin is a standout in camp so far," Roderick said. "He's one of the best players on this team. He will play this year. He's a very good football player."

LJ might not officially be named as the backup or appear on the two-deep, but he will factor in. He's simply too good to keep off the field even as a true freshman.

Wide Receiver

Credit: BYU Photo

1. Kody Epps
2. Parker Kingston

1. Keanu Hill
2. Keelan Marion

1. Chase Roberts
2. Darius Lassiter

Aaron Roderick and Fesi Sitake have been transparent in naming the top six at wide receiver: Kody Epps, Keanu Hill, Chase Roberts, Keelan Marion, Darius Lassiter, and Parker Kingston. Whether they name outright starters or not, all six of those wide receivers will be in the rotation. 

Tight End

Credit: BYU Photo

1. Isaac Rex
2. Mata'ava Ta'ase

Veteran Isaac Rex will be the starter at tight end against Sam Houston State. Aaron Roderick announced that SUU transfer Mata'ava Ta'ase has won the backup job. Ta'ase started out at eighth-string on the depth chart after walking on this year. Ta'ase has climbed all the way up to second on the depth chart and will play a role in 2023.

We expect other tight ends like Mason Fakahua, Ray Paulo, and Jackson Bowers to see the field as well in 2023.

Offensive Line

Credit: BYU Photo

Left Tackle
1. Kingsley Suamataia
2. Simi Moala

Left Guard
1. Tyler Little OR Weylin Lapuaho OR Ian Fitzgerald
2. Trevin Ostler

Center
1. Connor Pay OR Paul Maile
2. Peter Falaniko

Right Guard
1. Paul Maile OR Connor Pay
2. Ian Fitzgerald

Right Tackle
1. Caleb Etienne
2. Brayden Keim

Roderick named Kingsley Suamataia, Connor Pay, and Paule Maile as three of the starting offensive lineman for week one. BYU hasn't communicated whether Pay or Maile will start at center. Roderick also said Caleb Etienne would likely start at right tackle. Tyler Little, Weylin Lapuaho, Ian Fitzgerald, and Trevin Ostler are among the other players competing for the final starting spot. 

We expect Utah transfer Simi Moala to be in the two-deep at one of the tackle spots along with returning veteran Brayden Keim.

Defensive Backs

BYU cornerback Kamden Garrett / Credit: BYU Photo

Left Cornerback
1. Kamden Garrett
2. Marcus McKenzie OR Jayden Dunlap

Nickel
1. Eddie Heckard
2. Caleb Christensen

Strong Safety
1. Talan Alfrey
2. Raider Damuni OR Crew Wakley

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

Right Cornerback
1. Jakob Robinson
2. Mory Bamba

Jay Hill named Jakob Robinson, Eddie Heckard, and Kamden Garrett as the top three cornerbacks coming out camp. It's unclear whether BYU will name the two-deep at four positions in the secondary or five (including the nickel position). Regardless, those three will be the top cornerbacks with youngsters like Marcus McKenzie, Jayden Dunlap, and Mory Bamba competing for the next spot in line.

Without Micah Harper in the secondary, we expect sophomore Talan Alfrey to step into the starting lineup. The backup spot behind him is up for grabs - a host of players including Raider Damuni, Chika Ebunoha, Crew Wakley, or Tanner Wall could be listed as the backup.

Linebackers

BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker / Credit: BYU Photo

Outside

1. Max Tooley
2. Isaiah Glasker

Mike

1. Ben Bywater
2. Harrison Taggart

Outside
1. AJ Vonphachanh
2. Ace Kaufusi

Max Tooley, Ben Bywater, and AJ Vonphachanh are locks to be on the depth chart that BYU releases for Sam Houston State. Behind those three, Isaiah Glasker is a lock to be a backup at minimum, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him listed as a co-starter. 

After those four, BYU has a large group of talented linebackers that could be on the depth chart. We expect Harrison Taggart and Ace Kaufusi to be listed, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Chaz Ah You, Maika Kaufusi, or Siale Esera either. 

Defensive Line

BYU defensive end Isaiah Bagnah / Credit: BYU Photo

Defensive End
1. Isaiah Bagnah
2. Aisea Moa OR Michael Daley

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

Defensive Tackle
1. Atunaisa Mahe
2. David Latu OR John Nelson

Nose Tackle
1. Jackson Cravens
2. Caden Haws

It would be surprising if Isaiah Bagnah, Jackson Cravens, and Tyler Batty are not listed as starters come Monday. The other starting spot could be claimed by Atunaisa Mahe or John Nelson. For today, we're expecting Atunaisa Mahe to be the starter.

Behind the starting defensive ends, we expect some combination of Blake Mangelson, Aisea Moa, Michael Daley, and Bodie Schoonover.

Specialists

Place Kicker
1. Will Ferrin
2. Matthias Dunn

Punter
1. Ryan Rehkow
2. Landon Rehkow

Kick Return

1. LJ Martin
2. Hobbs Nyberg

Punt Return

1. Hobbs Nyberg
2. Talmage Gunther

True freshman running back LJ Martin is a weapon for BYU, and he could be used as a kick returner. Behind Martin, Hobbs Nyberg and Keelan Marion could be used on kick return as well. Hobbs Nyberg is trusted by the coaching staff and will likely be the punt returner.

We fully expect Boise State transfer Will Ferrin to be named the starting placekicker with Ryan Rehkow as the starting punter.

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