BYU football 2017: Projected Cougars depth chart

Offense

Notable losses: While the offensive line returns mostly intact, the Cougars lose a ton of production from the skill positions heading into 2017.

The talented yet oft-injured Hill, now with the Green Bay Packers, finally finished his lengthy BYU career by starting all 12 regular season games in 2016 and pilling up just short of 3,000 total yards with 20 touchdowns. Replacing all-time leading rusher Jamaal Williams will be even more difficult after the fourth-round pick totaled 1,455 yards from scrimmage a year ago.

Offensive coordinator Ty Detmer will also be working with some inexperienced pass catchers with top three receivers Nick Kurtz, Colby Pearson and Mitchell Juergens all gone.

QB – Tanner Mangum, junior 

The Cougars are about as well-equipped as possible to lose their starting quarterback, as Mangum has gained plenty of experience filling in for Hill over the past two years.

There’s no shortage of upside here, as Mangum was a four-star recruit and one of the nation’s top 15 quarterback prospects in the class of 2012. Mangum became the center of national attention in 2015 by throwing back-to-back game-winning Hail Marys against Nebraska and BYU as part of a strong freshman campaign, and also tossed a touchdown pass in the 2016 Poinsettia Bowl victory over Wyoming

Learning Detmer’s system while largely sitting on the bench for a year could also help Mangum’s development, giving him the potential to become a star. Redshirt sophomore Beau Hoge is next in line following a strong performance in spring ball.

RB- Squally Canada, redshirt junior 

FB – Brayden El-Bakri, redshirt junior 

While replacing Williams’ production is all but impossible, the Cougars do have some experience returning in the backfield.

BYU’s offense is still going to be run-heavy even with Williams and Hill gone, so Canada will be asked to shoulder the load as the likely primary starter. Canada accumulated 74 carries for 315 yards and two touchdowns in relief of Williams a year ago and figures to bring a physical element to the run game at 5-11, 200 pounds.

Former Wisconsin commit and Salt Lake City high school star Ula Tolutau should also see plenty of action as a true freshman. BYU is one of the few teams that still utilizes a fullback and is fortunate enough to return a steady starter in El-Bakri at the position.

WR – Jonah Trinnaman, senior 

WR- Talon Shumway, redshirt sophomore

Wide receiver is the biggest question mark for the Cougars in 2017, as the top three targets are gone from a unit that wasn’t very productive, to begin with a year ago.

Trinnaman has the potential to add a strong downfield threat for Mangum as one of the top JUCO recruits in the nation from the class of 2016. The Snow College transfer got off to a good start with the Cougars by hauling in six passes in the opener against Arizona but finished the year with only 28 receptions for 315 yards and a lone touchdown.

There’s even less experience beyond that, as Shumway recorded only three receptions as a freshman. Speedster Micah Simon gained the attention of the coaching staff during spring ball, while slot receiver Aleva Hifo is also expected to contribute.

TE – Tanner Balderree, senior 

Improving BYU’s passing attack goes beyond the wide receivers, as the Cougars got little production out of the tight end spot in 2016.

Balderree returns as the primary starter after catching 13 passes for 156 yards and a pair of touchdowns last year. As the Cougars are so reliant on the ground game, Balderree’s solid ability as a blocker was much more valuable to the offense.

Wide receiver convert Moroni Laulu-Putatau could add some explosiveness to the position and will challenge Balderree for playing time should his blocking skills improve. Three-star freshman Matt Bushman rounds out the depth chart after a strong performance in the spring.

LT – Thomas Shoaf, redshirt sophomore 

LG – Keyan Norman, senior 

C – Tejon Koroma, senior 

RG – Tuni Kanuch, redshirt senior 

RT – Austin Hoyt, redshirt junior 

With four starters returning, the strength of the BYU offense looks to be in the trenches, which should help Mangum and Canada effectively step into their starting roles.

Shoaf flashed plenty of ability as one of the top freshman offensive linemen in the country last year, and will now switch from right to left tackle. The mammoth 6-8, 305 pound Hoyt is currently atop the opposite tackle depth chart, but also lined up in the interior during the spring and could move around depending on injuries.

BYU’s interior line should be a force with a combined 67 starts between the three positions, including 38 from Koroma, one of the favorites to win the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center. The Cougars have some depth to work with including four-star redshirt freshman Kieffer Longson, who had offers from just about every power program across the country.

All-Purpose: KJ Hall, sophomore

As an all-purpose playmaker, Hall can add an explosive element to the BYU offense, which will hope to improve upon its mark of 29.5 points per game from a year ago.

Hall appeared in five games as a true freshman a year ago, recording 35 carries for 184 yards and two touchdowns. While the Cougars will likely use him primarily in the backfield with the thinned out running back depth chart, Hall occasionally lined up at wide receiver and recorded five catches for 78 yards.

At 5-9, 175 pounds with plus speed, Hall could be a nice weapon for BYU out of the slot when he’s not carrying the ball. Sitake’s staff isn’t afraid to get creative, so look for Hall to get a few more touches as a sophomore.