What to Look for When BYU Releases the First 2023 Depth Chart
It's game week. After months of recruiting, transfer portal, and conference realignment, the college football season is finally hear. On Saturday, BYU kicks off its 2023 season at home against Sam Houston State. The Cougars will release their first official depth chart of the 2023 season on Monday. Here are [x] things to watch for on the depth chart for Sam Houston State.
1. Who starts alongside Malik Moore at safety?
The depth at safety is a concern for BYU heading into the 2023 season. Starting strong safety Micah Harper will miss the entire season after suffering an injury in Fall camp. Redshirt sophomore Talan Alfrey was expected to replace Harper in the starting lineup. However, rumors surfaced that Alfrey suffered an injury late in Fall camp. BYU has not confirmed that rumor, but it's possible that BYU will be without Alfrey to start the season.
Whether Alfrey is in fact injured or not, he will likely be listed on the depth chart. If he is listed as the starter, pay attention to his backup. The backup could start against Sam Houston State.
2. The two remaining OL starting spots
BYU announced three starters along the offensive line at the end of Fall camp: Kingsley Suamataia, Connor Pay, and Paul Maile. The last two starters will be named on the depth chart. Oklahoma State transfer Caleb Etienne is expected to lock up the starting job at right tackle while multiple players have been competing for the last guard spot.
3. Keep an eye out for true freshman LJ Martin
True freshman running back LJ Martin was a standout of Fall camp. BYU offensive coordinator said Martin will play this year. Could he see the field in the season opener? Veteran transfers Aidan Robbins and Deion Smith have been the presumed starterKeep an eye out for LJ Martin on the depth chart. If he's not listed in the two-deep at running back,
4. Transfers in the starting lineup
BYU brought in more than 20 transfers after last season. In an earlier article, we predicted that as many as half of BYU's starters could be transfers in 2023. Whether it's half or just under half, a large chunk of BYU's starting lineup will be comprised of transfers.
BYU turned to the transfer portal this offseason to bolster the roster for the Big 12. The fruits of those recruiting efforts will be on display in the season opener.
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