BYU Football: Position preview: Running backs

BYU Football saw players go to the NFL from every offensive position group with an exception of the running backs.

BYU Football lost players to the NFL from the receiver, quarterback and offensive line positions. While the backups are more than capable of leading the Cougars to another successful season, having returning players is priceless, and that is exactly what the running backs will provide for the Cougars next season.

Experience Returning from 2020

Starters: 2

Returning Production: 1,769 yards rushing, 510 yards receiving, 24 TD

Likely Starters: Tyler Allgeier, Lopini Katoa

Experience Coming Back

Outside of Kavika Fonua who played some at running back, the Cougars are returning just about every non quarterback rushing yard they had last season. In total, they are returning 2,279 yards of production and lots of playing experience. While the competition will be tougher and the offensive line may not be as strong as this past season, the running attack of Tyler Allgeier and Lopini Katoa will be a huge strength of the team, especially early on as the new starting quarterback gets completely comfortable with the offense.

Prediction

Don’t be surprised if the running backs combine for 2,000 yards again this season between rushing and receiving. Even though the wide receiver room is as deep as it has ever been, the play style of both Hall and Romney seem to favor dumping the ball off short if the first or second option isn’t open.

While I do believe that Allgeier will be the primary starter and rushing back, Katoa will emerge as the primary receiving back. If both of these guys stay healthy, along with the supporting cast of Miles Davis and Jackson McChesney, this group could realistically go for 25 touchdowns in 2021.