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

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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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Zach Wilson #11 of the Brigham Young Cougars warms up prior to their game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Zach Wilson #11 of the Brigham Young Cougars warms up prior to their game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

This is total speculation, but it seems sort of absurd to have ten quarterbacks on the roster. That is ten players fighting over one position. It is even more crazy when you consider that in most games, the most quarterbacks you see take the field is two. Just about every other position on the field sees backups get time, or only a few players in the position. For example, there are only five combined kickers, and they split up punts, place kicking and kickoffs. There are 17 defensive linemen, but they fight for four spots and constantly sub in for each other. Where I am getting at is, there is no logical reason in the world to have ten quarterbacks.

It should be very interesting to see if any of the quarterbacks are on other duties such as running back, kickoff team or even tight end. Quarterbacks aren’t always the most athletic players on the field as far as being able to play other positions, but don’t tell me that 6’2″ 207lb Hayden Griffitts who runs a 4.31 shuttle wouldn’t be a potentially good tight end or receiver. Oh yeah, and his twin plays fullback.

Other players who could play other positions potentially include:

  • Stacey Connor (6’6″ listed as a dual threat QB)
  • Talmage Gunther (6’0″ 195 lbs, 906 rush yards, 9 TD senior year in high school)
  • Isaiah Ramos (6’2″, played basketball and outside hitter on his high school volleyball team)

Will any of them see playing time on Saturday outside of the quarterback position? Probably not. But it is definitely something to look out for.