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BYU Football: Three players that could be clutch for the Cougars in 2018

By Adam Gibby

PROVO, UT - SEPTEMBER 9: Corbin Kaufusi #90 of the Brigham Young Cougars hits quarterback Tyler Huntley #1 of the Utah Utes after Huntley's pass, in the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
PROVO, UT - SEPTEMBER 9: Corbin Kaufusi #90 of the Brigham Young Cougars hits quarterback Tyler Huntley #1 of the Utah Utes after Huntley's pass, in the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /
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Offense

Moroni Laulu-Pututau

Moroni Laulu-Pututau was a good receiver as a freshman in 2016 but did not play due to injury in 2017. He’s now listed as a tight end, which could make him a dangerous option alongside Matt Bushman.

Last season, when Bushman wasn’t in the game, defenses did not have to worry as much about covering the tight ends in the passing game. It also hinted that it may be a running play.

If Laulu-Pututau can be a receiving threat, defenses will constantly have to respect the passing game and won’t be able to let their linebackers cheat on coverage.

He won’t have to put up huge numbers to become a clutch player, but with his presence, he will open up other receivers and running backs to make the big plays that can keep drives alive.

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KJ Hall

KJ Hall probably won’t be the Cougars go-to running back. He can make goal line and short yardage plays really difficult to defend, though. Hall is an excellent speed back that can get to the outside and make defenders miss in the open field. He’s also good at catching the ball out of the backfield.

Imagine a play, with the Cougars in I-Formation with a bigger back (such as Squally Canada) and Hall. The options out of this formation are endless. The ball could go to Canada on a dive, a pitch to Hall on the outside, a screen pass to Hall, or a play-action pass. This would force linebackers to cover the whole field, making a dive play much easier to execute. With so many options, Hall could become a catalyst for conversion plays.

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These three players could be game changers for BYU football this season.

Kaufusi likely won’t lead the team in tackles and Laulu-Pututau probably won’t have more catches than Bushman. KJ Hall may be third or fourth on the team in rushing yards.

These three players, though, could make a huge difference in the Cougars’ season, especially in do-or-die situations.

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