Fall camp is coming to a close and game-week is fast-approaching. It's time to watch some film, finalize the roster and prepare for Southern Illinois.
Below are projections for BYU's starting roster for the kickoff of the Cougars second year in the Big 12 and 100th season.
This projection does not reflect who should start, but rather who I think will start for BYU's first game. I took into account observations at camp, rumblings from practice, and injuries that might keep some players off the field against the Cougars' week one FCS opponent on Aug. 31.
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Jake Retzlaff, RS-Junior
Gerry Bohanon, RS-Senior
The easy, cop-out thing to do here would be to put an "or" here but I'm not going to do that. I'm confident that the guy that takes the first snap under center next Saturday night is going to be Jake Retzlaff. That's not to say that will last all year, but opening night should feature Retzlaff first.
Running Back
Miles Davis, RS-Junior
Hinckley Ropati, RS-Senior
The obvious caveat here is that we're assuming LJ Martin will not play night one. Whether or not he is actually fully healthy, it wouldn’t make sense to trot out your slightly banged up starting running back against Southern Illinois unless it was absolutely necessary.
Tight End
Keanu Hill, RS-Senior
Ethan Erickson, RS-Junior
No real surprises here. The tight end room is deep and the upperclassmen have the edge over the plethora of young talent right now.
Wide Receiver
Chase Roberts, RS-Junior
Darius Lassiter, RS-Senior, Kody Epps, RS-Junior
Speaking of deep rooms, this is undoubtedly BYU's strongest position. Roberts, Lassiter and Epps are going to show up first on the depth chart, but we'll see plenty of guys getting time on the field. Parker Kingston, Keelan Marion, JoJo Philips and Prince Zombo will be featured throughout the season and even game one.
Center
Connor Pay, Senior
Perhaps the most secure spot on the team.
Guards
Weylin Lapuaho, Junior
Sonny Makasini, RS-Sophomore
Lapuaho looks to build on last year, whereas Makasini is new to the offensive line this year. The redshirt sophomore is a Provo native and has stood out in camp. The offensive line as a whole looks to improve after a disappointing year last year.
Tackles
Brayden Keim, RS-Senior
Caleb Etienne, RS-Senior
We heard many times out of camp that Etienne is much improved from last season thanks to new offensive line coach T.J. Woods. It's a good thing, because without a solid offensive line this offense could have problems night one.
DEFENSE
Defensive Tackle
John Nelson, Senior
Blake Mangelson, Senior
Nelson played more of a defensive end role last year but will be the starter on the interior line this year. Both him and Mangelson are coming off their most productive years of their respective careers.
Defensive End
Tyler Batty, Senior
Isaiah Bagnah, RS-Senior
If you're paying attention, every starter on the defensive line is a senior with a whole lot of experience, which bodes well for the Cougars who have recently struggled to generate pressure up front. BYU also has the luxury of young and up-and-coming backup defensive line talent that will make their presence known this season.
Linebacker
Harrison Taggart, RS-Sophomore (Inside)
Jack Kelly, RS-Junior / Isaiah Glasker, RS-Sophomore (Outside)
Kelly and Taggart are locks to start at linebacker and Glasker is pegged as the third 'backer in right now. That doesn't mean other young guys like Siale Esera won't get their opportunity throughout the season.
Cornerback
Jakob Robinson, Senior
Mory Bamba, RS-Junior / Marque Collins, RS-Senior / Evan Johnson, RS-Sophomore
The cornerback position will most likely be a grand rotation of guys throughout the season as coaches try to find the ones that stand out. Bamba, Collins and Johnson will all be in the mix for that second position behind Robinson.
Safety
Talon Alfrey, RS-Junior (Free)
Tanner Wall, RS-Junior / Micah Harper, RS-Junior (Strong/Nickel)
Alfrey and Harper are coming off of injuries last season that left the safety room on its last leg. Alfrey is back and ready to go, whereas Harper is less likely to be ready for week one after his ACL tear nearly a year ago. Don't worry, he is available this season but it seems likely he won't get too many reps against Southern Illinois.