BYU Football: 3 players who could surprise in 2021

BOISE, ID - NOVEMBER 6: Tight end Isaac Rex #83 and offensive lineman Tristen Hoge #69 of the BYU Cougars celebrate Rex's touchdown during second half action against the Boise State Broncos at Albertsons Stadium on November 6, 2020 in Boise, Idaho. BYU won the game 51-17. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - NOVEMBER 6: Tight end Isaac Rex #83 and offensive lineman Tristen Hoge #69 of the BYU Cougars celebrate Rex's touchdown during second half action against the Boise State Broncos at Albertsons Stadium on November 6, 2020 in Boise, Idaho. BYU won the game 51-17. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TEXAS – Masen Wake #13 of the BYU Cougars reacts in the second half against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium on October 16, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – Masen Wake #13 of the BYU Cougars reacts in the second half against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium on October 16, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Masen Wake – Tight End (Fullback/Wildcat?)

Masen Wake made a big splash during 2020 that turned into small ripples by the end of the season. Wake actually didn’t touch the ball very often in 2020 with only 13 touches between catches and runs, but when he got the ball it was fun to watch. Of his eight receptions, he hurdled (or tried) five times. Wake spent most of the time as a tight end, but I expect him to be moved to the fullback position full time.

While BYU doesn’t utilize the fullback often in the running or passing game, they are still used. Given Wake’s natural ability to get guys pumped up around him, maybe the offense will adjust a bit to allow Wake to make some plays. Or perhaps they will use him in even a weirder role like a wildcat. He played running back in high school and is 6-1, 250 pounds, exactly the kind of player you want in shotgun for a run up the middle on a goal line play as opposed to someone like Jaren Hall who has a history with concussions.

Regardless of where Wake ends up, he may surprise us all.