“We’re giving equal reps to three guys and they’re doing a good job,” Roderick said. “It’s too early to measure any separation or anything like that. We need to give everyone more opportunities before we start to try and make any decisions.”

Bourguet received the first set of reps during the open portion or practice and perhaps provided the top highlight, hitting senior Chase Roberts in stride down the sidelines for a touchdown. All three quarterbacks looked for tight end Carsen Ryan often and were often able to connect with the Utah transfer for productive games.

At times all three proved productive, while proving not so much during other occasions. As Roderick stated, it’s going to take some time, but hopefully not too much time given BYU plays its opening game of the 2025 season in a little less than a month.

The somewhat surprising development, at least initially, is Bachmeier receiving an equal amount of reps as both Bourguet and Hillstead, given the fact that this is his first collegiate fall practice session.

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“He’s smart. He’s very, very smart, so he’s up to speed,” Roderick explained when asked as to why Bachmeier is receiving so many quality reps. “He needs reps as far as (to develop) chemistry with his teammates, but in terms of knowing what to do, he’s been dialed (in) on every play.”

Haunga hangs it up

Roderick reported to the media that running back Pokai Haunga will not be a part of BYU’s football team this season.

“He has some personal issues and he’s not going to be with us this year,” Roderick said.

Haunga is a 5-foot-11, 185 pound freshman who showed very well during the 2024 fall practice session before incurring injury issues that ultimately contributed to him to take a redshirt year. The former Timpview star excelled in catching the football out of the backfield and consistently demonstrated superior lateral abilities which have drawn comparisons with former BYU great Reno Mahe.

Haunga’s absence could affect a somewhat thin running back corps which will rely heavily on junior LJ Martin.

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“We want him to touch the ball a lot this year,” Roderick said of Martin. “He’s one of our best players. He’s in great shape and he’s really changed his body…he’s leaned out a little bit.”

Martin’s primary backup will likely be sophomore Sione Moa, who saw some good playing experience last season. Beyond that it’s a group of relatively inexperienced players, perhaps led by senior Enoch Nawahine, who has rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown during his time at BYU.

The offense is hopeful to return the services of senior Hinckley Ropati, who was observed Friday’s practice from the sidelines. Ropati played out his eligibility last season, but due to one of his seasons being the 2020 COVID year, on top of having multiple other seasons cut short due to injury, coaches are hoping he’ll be granted another season.

“We’ve appealed to the NCAA for another year, and from what I know about it I think he should get another year,” Roderick said. “We would love to have him back, and I want to point out how he was a critical player for us last year. We won 11 games and he was a huge part of our success and we would love to have him back.”

Ropati is a 5-10, 220 player who transferred to BYU’s program from Cerritos College back in 2020. He’s rushed for 564 yards and two touchdowns over his career at BYU while adding 173 yards and two touchdowns receiving.

Top tackles

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BYU graduated two very good tackles last season in Caleb Etienne and Brayden Keim, but look to be strong at the position again this season with senior Isaiah Jatta manning the left tackle position and junior Andrew Gentry doing the same at right tackle. Jatta saw good playing experience late last season, filling in for the injured Keim at right tackle while Gentry transferred from Michigan in the offseason.

“I expect those guys to be our starting tackles,” Roderick said. “I have a lot of confidence in both of them.”

Overall Roderick is bullish on his offensive line.

“We feel like we have depth there and we should be able to run the ball,” he said.

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