BYU football: Post-camp position group grades for the Cougars

Now that BYU football’s fall camp is coming to an end, we can start to examine just how good the Cougars really are. So let’s go position by position.

These grades are based on talent, depth and experience.

Offensive Line:

Experience is a big strength here. Center Tejan Koroma (38 starts), right guard Tuni Kanuch (16 starts), left guard Keyan Norman (13 starts) and left tackle Thomas Shoaf (nine starts) all remain in the starting line-up.

Austin Hoyt (four starts) won the fierce battle for right tackle and has proven capable of the role.

This is a very physical, technically sound bunch. They are also big, strong, and quick. They’ve put on an impressive performance so far.

The only knock on group is that they’ve never been elite pass blockers. But during fall camp, they showcased improvement against the stiff competition provided by BYU football’s d-line.

Grade: A (95%)

Running Backs:

Squally Canada and Riley Burt have pulled away from the pack as the No.1 and No. 2 options at halfback. Although inexperienced, both have shown flashes of brilliance and potential.

At fullback, Braden El-Bakri has held on to the top spot, with Kyle Griffitts right behind him. Both are adequate lead blockers, and have shown some ability to catch the ball in the flat.

Inexperience hurts this groups’ grade a little. Of course, if these guys don’t perform, there’s a whole bunch waiting to take up the slack.

Grade: B- (80%)

Quarterbacks:

Tanner Mangum is special. In fact, he may end up being the best quarterback BYU football has ever had (yes, I realize what I just said).

We all remember the “Elite 11” quarterback competition of 2011. Camp directors had all but placed the engraved plate with Jameis Winston’s name on the MVP trophy.

Tanner could not be denied, and wasn’t. He performed so well, he was named co-MVP along with Winston and Neal Burcham. It cannot be overstated how amazing a feat this was.

Four years later, Mangum came in unexpectedly off the bench just weeks from returning from a mission. He did not disappoint.

A few errant passes during the rainy Poinsettia Bowl and spring game have gotten fans a little nervous. I, on the other hand, have complete confidence that Tanner Mangum will be one of the best.

He has thrown nothing but perfect passes, day in and day out during fall camp. I have no concerns that he won’t do the same throughout the season.

Beau Hoge will serve as the replacement, in the case that Tanner goes down.

Grade: A+ (100%)

Wide Receivers:

This relatively unknown group has made a name for themselves the last few weeks. They have provided plenty of highlights for on-lookers. Because of it, they’ve raised their grade a bit.

It appears that Jonah Trinnaman, Talon Shumway, and Aleva Hifo will start.  Micah Simon, Neil Pau’u, and Beau Tanner will also be part of the arsenal.

Receivers coach Ben Cahoon has been adamant about catching the ball as a huge priority this season. They definitely have shown progress, as of late, in this category.

More experience would elevate this rating even more, but at this point, this is where they stand.

Grade: B- (80%)

Tights Ends:

This may be the nicest surprise of fall camp for BYU football. Fans hoped that they’d come through for them after spring ball. During the last few weeks, they most certainly have.

Matt Bushman and Moroni Laulu-Pututau have leaped returners Tanner Balderree and Hunter Marshall as the top two tight ends. Though all four are able, the former pair are incredible receivers.

Their size and speed will allow them to be easy targets for Mangum. Both gifted with catching and blocking skills, this may be the best tight end duo we’ve seen since Chad Lewis and Itula Mili.

The only downside here, is that neither of these two have ever been in a three point stance during a real college football game. Otherwise, this mark would be higher.

Grade: A- (90%)

Defensive Line:

Coach Ilaisa Tuiaki plans to use at least five ends and tackles on his defensive front each game. It has been a dog fight for playing time during these practices.

At end, returners Corbin Kaufusi and Sione Takitaki look strong as they continue to lead the group. Inexperienced, but capable Uriah Leiataua and Trajan Pili have worked themselves into this rotation.

Langi Tuifua has been the most impactful true freshman of fall camp. His dynamic quickness and surprising strength have earned him a place on the field at this position as well.

Handsome Tanielu and Kesni Tausinga have become the forerunners at tackle. Merrill Taliauli and Tevita Mo’unga have secured playing time from their camp performances, also.

Solomone Wolfgramm and Kainoa Fuiava have been impressive enough to be a part of this discussion. BYU football coaches imply that latecomer Khyiris Tonga has the ability necessary to contribute right away, too.

These guys have looked tough. The group is deep. Unfortunately, because of a need for more veterans at tackle, they find themselves in the “B” range.

Grade: B (85%)

Linebackers:

Last year, coaches assured that Butch Pau’u, Francis Bernard, and Fred Warner were talented linebackers. It didn’t take long for them to validate those words.

The three would have been one of the best linebacking corps in the nation. Sadly, Bernard is now on his way out. This is a huge loss and changes the situation tremendously.

Matt Hadley has changed from his free safety position to take over this vacancy.  His experience and athleticism help him to be the most viable option as a replacement.

Coaches claim that back-ups Adam Pulsipher, Morgan Unga and Isaiah Kaufusi are capable to fill in when called upon. Safety Chaz Ah You has changed positions to add depth here as well.

Regardless of how good Pau’u and Warner are, without Bernard, there will be a drop off.  This grade was an A+, but with the circumstances, that has changed for BYU football.

Grade: A- (90%)

Cornerbacks:

Two starters returned from last season, along with a lot of unproven, highly athletic prospects. This is how things shaped out.

Dayan Ghanwoloku and Troy Warner maintain the starting spots, while Chris Wilcox and Michael Shelton have earned back-up roles. Very little drop off can be noticed when the second string comes in.

Coaches have repeatedly told us that they feel comfortable going three-deep here. That would include Isaiah Armstrong and Trevion Greene, who have gained coach Jernaro Gilford’s trust recently.

It is very apparent that lack of ability will not be an issue for the corners this season. These six appear to be the lock down corners Cougar fans have been looking forward to for years.

Grade: A- (90%)

Safeties:

The Cougars started camp with a stable of experienced players at this position. Now that things have been sorted out, we know where they stack up.

Zayne Anderson and Micah Hannemann will serve as the primary free and strong safeties.  Tanner Jacobson, who will rotate in, has been impressive as well.

Between the three of them, they have played in 82 Division I football contests. This game-time experience will be invaluable.

We’ve been told that coaches feel confident having any of the two on the field at any time. By all accounts, every one of them is trustworthy and can be relied on.

Austin Lee, Kamel Greene, and Marvin Hifo have earned back up rolls. With the departures of Hadley and Ah You, it can be assumed that coaches feel comfortable with their talents.

Grade: A- (90%)

Special Teams:

Maybe the most undermentioned of all the positions for BYU football, this group is stacked with proven returners. They may be the most skilled, deep, and experienced of all.

Jonny Linehan comes back as an accomplished rugby style punter, who has improved considerably at the standard approach.

Rhett Almond, already an accurate place kicker, has added distance to his resume. With this addition, he has transformed himself into a complete field goal kicker.

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Place kicking duties remain in the hands of Corey Edwards and Andrew Mikkelsen.  Both can boot the ball, and have improved the art of getting it to the one-yard line with good hang time.

Ed Lamb has revealed that punt returner Tanner Jacobson continues to be sure handed and the best candidate for this assignment. He also affirms that kick-off returners Aleva Hivo and Matt Hadley can still be depended on.

This is the strongest special teams group that BYU football has had for many years.

Grade: A- (95%)

Overall Team Average: Grade: A- (90%)

Not too shabby.  I know the BYU football team has a few A+ teams on the schedule, but where I’m from, an A- average still equals a 4.0 g.p.a. I like their chances.

Overall, the product of fall camp has been a pleasant surprise. Now it’s time to put it on the market to see how it fairs against the competition.