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BYU Football: 5 things to watch for during Saturday’s open practice

By Adam Gibby

BOISE, ID - DECEMBER 21: Defensive back Dayan Ghanwoloku #5 of the BYU Cougars celebrates a touchdown on a wildcat play during second half action against the BYU Cougars at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on December 21, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. BYU won the game 49-18. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - DECEMBER 21: Defensive back Dayan Ghanwoloku #5 of the BYU Cougars celebrates a touchdown on a wildcat play during second half action against the BYU Cougars at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on December 21, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. BYU won the game 49-18. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /
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BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 3: Running back Lopini Katoa #4 of the BYU Cougars pushes off of linebacker Curtis Weaver #99 of the Boise State Broncos during second half action between on November 3, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 21-16. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 3: Running back Lopini Katoa #4 of the BYU Cougars pushes off of linebacker Curtis Weaver #99 of the Boise State Broncos during second half action between on November 3, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 21-16. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

Running backs

The past two seasons have been really hard on the running backs with injuries and suspensions. Just last season, the Cougars saw Beau Hoge, Squally Canada, Matt Hadley, and Lopini Kotoa all deal with injuries. Going into this season, Lopini Katoa and Kavika Fonua seem to be getting a majority of the reps with Tyler Allgeier not far behind. If the Cougars are able to stay healthy this season, having three running backs would be enough, but with recent history showing otherwise, the Cougars are going to either have to find someone else, or recruit someone else. As of right now, only Katoa has more than 100 career yards.

Sione Finau seems like a good prospect to join the group. In high school, Finau was ranked as the No. 98 running back recruit in the nation and is a one cut speed back. Finau’s speed was good enough in high school to earn him the state championship in the 110m hurdles. His running style would go well with Katoa’s shifty style and Fonua’s more power style running. So if No. 23 is taking some reps pay close attention.

As far as players coming in, there is a really good chance that Ty’Son Williams from South Carolina will be joining the Cougars in the fall, but there are no guarantees. There is also hope that Ula Tolutau returns following his suspension, but that is all speculation at this point.

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