BYU football: Five things we already know about the 2019 team
By Ron Jensen
It’s a long way to the start of next season, and there are plenty of questions, but the past few games have answered some questions about BYU Football in 2019.
There’s a lot that we don’t know about the 2019 BYU football team. And though there’s plenty to speculate, let’s focus on what we can count on as we look forward to next season. Here’s five things that you can be sure of:
No. 1- Zach Wilson is a capable quarterback
Though some are laughing at how obvious this statement now seems, before the bowl game people weren’t so sure. Wilson’s inconsistency through his freshman campaign had some Cougar supporters unsure of what a future with the trendy newcomer might bring.
After his performance in Boise, a lot of those doubts were put to rest. Completing 18 consecutive passes and finishing with a 100% completion rate is something special. It’s pretty fair to say at this point, that Cougar Nation can feel moderately confident about the position heading into next season.
When coaches chose to put all their eggs in one basket and start the true freshman, a large portion of the fanbase reluctantly accepted the decision. And though a few still feel that his success was at the expense of Tanner Mangum and his BYU football legacy, it appears that the gamble paid off.
No. 2- Riley Burt is still here, and he’s still good
The curious case of Riley Burt has had fans scratching their heads for years now. It’s just hard to understand why he hasn’t had more opportunities in the last three seasons.
It’s not difficult, however, to figure out the reasoning behind the coaches’ decision. And while it is evident that his block reading and field vision are not on the level of a Katoa or Hadley, it is also just as obvious that he possesses something the others simple don’t; explosiveness and speed.
What he lacks in skills is not enough to justify the limited amount of touches he’s received the past three seasons. Fact is, he has the ability to break the long one at anytime and against any opponent. That alone merits more involvement in the future.
No. 3- Ilaisa Tuiaki is an adept Defensive Coordinator
After last season, there were a variety of questions concerning the competency of defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki. This year Coach Tuiaki strung together quite a run of defensive game-plans that not only changed opinions, but proved his effectiveness this season. He has quietly established himself as a viable leader of a strong defense.
It seems that the talent coming to BYU football is finally catching up with Tuiaki’s philosophy and expectations. If he continues to find the balance necessary to run his conservative yet disruptive approach, he should be able to keep the defense on the same level as some of the programs’ best groups.
No. 4- Defensive personnel should be just as strong, if not stronger next season
It is clear that coaches have established a great amount of depth in the defensive secondary, as well as on the defensive line. What they set out to do a few years ago, is finally coming to fruition.
Honestly, the only holes that need filling for next season are found at the linebacker position. If they can develop a few to accompany returners Isaiah Kaufusi and Zayne Anderson, the unit will be very stout again.
With so many coming back to a defense that ranked relatively high in several categories, there’s much to be excited about when the Cougars take the field against the Utes on August 29.
No. 5- Offensive Line has a bright future
More from Lawless Republic
- BYU Football: Comparing the new and old schedules
- BYU Football: Have the Cougars hit an all time low?
- BYU Football needs to fix issues before Notre Dame
- BYU Football: Why fans shouldn’t be so worried about USF
- How to watch BYU Cougars football in 2022
Austin Hoyt is the only significant loss the offensive line will deal with next season. Starters Tristan Hoge, James Empey, and Brady Christensen are all back. Then you have two-year starter Thomas Shoaf, who all battled for and lost the left guard position to newcomer Keanu Saleapaga. Then Kieffer Longson entered the picture and took possession of the position.
The emergence of Saleapaga and Longson, along with Chandon Herring, provide competition necessary to produce an extremely successful front. Collectively, these athletes are an experienced and talented bunch that showed flashes of both brilliance and inconsistency in 2018. Progress in pass protection and run blocking should be expected, and there’s no reason to believe that they won’t dominate most opposing fronts in the season to come.