Five Freshmen to Watch in BYU's Season Opener Against Sam Houston State

15 freshmen were listed on BYU's depth chart for Sam Houston State

On Monday, BYU released the official depth chart for the season opener against Sam Houston State. Excluding specialists, 15 freshmen were listed on the depth chart. Here are five BYU freshmen to watch against Sam Houston State. 

5. #33 Raider Damuni - S

Credit: BYU Photo

True freshman safety Raider Damuni is just eight or nine months removed from missionary service. Damuni, who was a four-star prospect when he signed with BYU in 2021, was expected to be a big part of BYU's defensive plans in the future. He wasn't, however, expected to see the field right away. Between learning a new scheme and shaking the mission rust, it typically takes at least a year for returned missionaries to see the field.

The Cougars were set to start veteran Micah Harper at strong safety before he suffered a season-ending injury during Fall camp. Harper's backup, Talan Alfrey, also suffered an injury in Fall camp that will keep him out at the start of the season. Without Harper and Alfrey, BYU will start former Orem High School standout Ethan Slade. However, BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill said BYU would approach the safety position "by committee."

That opens the door for Raider Damuni to see the field right away. Damuni is listed as a co-backup behind Slade with Crew Wakley. Damuni has the talent to emerge as the starter over if he can show that he's ready - he's certainly a name to watch against Sam Houston State.

4. #11 Harrison Taggart - LB

Credit: BYU Photo

Redshirt freshman Harrison Taggart transferred from Oregon to BYU this Summer. Once Taggart settled into Provo and the new scheme, he started climbing the depth chart. On Monday, Taggart was listed as the backup linebacker behind Ben Bywater.

Taggart is one of the fastest, if not the fastest, linebackers on the roster - Taggart was a star sprinter at Corner Canyon High School during his prep days.

Taggart has a nose for the football. Whether its a run up the middle or a pass to the boundary, Taggart is usually around the football. Taggart will make his BYU debut on Saturday and he could see a handful of reps depending on the situation and score.

3. #82 Parker Kingston - WR

Credit: BYU Photo

Speaking of high school track stars - redshirt freshman wide receiver Parker Kingston was one of the fastest 100M sprinters to ever come out of the state of Utah. Now in his second year in the program, Kingston has emerged as one of BYU's top six wide receivers.

Kingston is the fastest BYU player in pads, and Aaron Roderick will get creative with how he uses Kingston in both the passing game and the running game. Kingston could be a weapon on jet sweeps, screens, and reverses. He could also factor into the return game at some point.

There's been a lot of buzz surrounding Kingston since 2022 Fall camp. The buzz continued in 2023 Spring camp until Kingston suffered a hand injury. 2023 will be the year that Kingston gets to show BYU fans what he can do.

2. #16 Isaiah Glasker - LB

Credit: BYU Photo

Even if you're not looking for Isaiah Glasker on the field, he'll probably catch your eye. Glasker is all of 6'5 and his fluidity at his size stands out. Glasker ran with the first-team defense throughout the Spring while the veteran linebackers were out with injuries. The Cougars named three starting linebackers on Monday, but if they had to name a fourth, Glasker would have been that fourth starter.

Glasker was a local standout from Bingham High School that signed with BYU as part of the 2021 signing class. Glasker had a relationship with now BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill in high school. Hill and Weber State offered Glasker a scholarship when he was at Bingham. 

Glasker has done nothing but impress the new defensive staff since they've been on campus. Even though he's not listed as a starter on the depth chart, Glasker will factor in this season.

1. #27 LJ Martin - RB

Credit: BYU Photo

No freshman received more praise from the coaching staff than true freshman running back LJ Martin. Martin, a former four-star recruit (ESPN), was downright dynamic during his prep days in Texas. He was named to the TSWA Class 5A First-Team All State last season after eclipsing 1,900 rushing yards and tallying 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022. In 2021, Martin ran for over 2,700 yards which ranked in the top five in Texas.

Physically speaking, Martin arrived on campus ready to compete for playing time. He is listed at 6'2 and 205 pounds on BYU's roster. When Martin signed with BYU, he was the highest-rated running back to sign with the Cougars. He has lived up to that rating so far. 

BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick gave a glowing review of Martin midway through Fall camp. "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...I try not to get too excited about freshman sometimes. But he's already proven that he's going to be a player for us this season."

Roderick doubled down on those comments later, saying Martin will play for BYU this season. Aaron Roderick isn't the kind of coach that is unintentional with his comments. When Roderick says something, we tend to believe it here at Cougs Daily. LJ Martin will play for BYU against Sam Houston State and he has the talent to become a fan favorite over the course of his career.

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