BYU Football: Five big questions as fall camp kicks off

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PROVO, UT – SEPTEMBER 9: Squally Canada #22 of the Brigham Young Cougars protects the ball as he runs during their game against the Utah Utes at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Running Backs

Last season, five different halfbacks saw significant action for the Cougars. That was partially due to injury, but also because the coaches decided to rotate the rushers often early in the season.

Kalani Sitake later admitted that they should have narrowed things down, giving the runners a chance to find a rhythm early in the season.

Expect to see that adjustment this year. Right now, there are four backs competing for touches, but that number should shrink before BYU takes on Arizona.

Squally Canada (Sr.) is still the best bet to get the lion’s share of the load, but that second spot behind the Doak Walker Award candidate is up for grabs.

Kavika Fonua (Jr.) looked good last year before going down with an injury. He rushed for 87 yards on 18 carries, good for nearly five yards per rush.

Riley Burt (Jr.) saw action late in the season and impressed. The speedster rushed 23 times for 111 yards, good for 4.5 yards per carry.

But the primary backup spot may be won outright by Zach Katoa. The redshirt freshman dominated on the scout team last year and had an impressive spring. He could establish himself as the primary back of the future, and the future could start sooner rather than later if Canada gets hurt or struggles.

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