BYU football: 5 Newcomers who will make an immediate impact in 2018

BYU football had a tough 2017, but there are some new players joining the team who may have things looking up.

BYU football spring practices are finally here. For an old football junkie, it’s like Christmas in March. Many questions are to be answered, and the stage for the entire 2018 season will be set.

BYU football embarks on a quest to change its offense, its culture, and in many positions, its personnel. In some cases, gaps that are left behind by exiting upperclassmen must be filled. In others, players who have underperformed will need to be replaced.

At any rate, it will be an exciting spring for curious fans to find out who coaches are thinking about and where they plan to play them. Here are five newcomers to the program that should make an impact this coming season:

Tristen Hoge, Center

Hoge was a 4-star recruit according to 247 Sports and Rivals coming out of Highland High School (Pocatello) in 2015. He signed and redshirted for Notre Dame in 2015. During the 2016 season, he saw time for the Irish in six games.

Hoge decided to transfer to BYU following that season. This was a huge get for the Cougars. Despite having to sit out 2017 per NCAA transfer rules, he is now eligible and ready to provide a much needed boost to the offensive line.

With loses of center Tejan Koroma, and guards Keyan Norman and Tuni Kanuch to graduation, there are definite openings. Look for the 6’5 305-pound redshirt sophomore to not only start in one of them, but to dominate the competition this fall.