More on the non-quarterbacking first-year players later, but as has often been the case over the past two weeks, Bachmeier was front and center on Monday. The 6-foot-2, 220 pound transfer from Stanford took to the microphone with a serious yet confident demeanor, which may be at least some of the reason why he was ultimately able to rise to the top of BYU’s quarterback battle.

“It’s an incredible honor to represent such a profound university,” Bachmeier said. “…You always want to be confident in yourself and your ability. I think with the support cast of coach (Aaron Roderick) and coach (Matt) Mitchell, and even the quarterbacks in the room, (working) to elevate everyone’s game (has made) my confidence level pretty high.”

For BYU senior receiver Chase Roberts, he’s had to adjust to new starting quarterbacks with every season he’s been in Provo, and believes his adjustment to Bachmeier will provide some good offensive production from both of them this season.

“Bear is a guy who is very mature and someone you don’t think of as a freshman quarterback,” Roberts said. “He’s got the body of a linebacker, so he can hang in (Division one) football…So he doesn’t need that growing (process) in the physical aspect…and he doesn’t act like a freshman quarterback. So when you go out and make plays, and lead the team it doesn’t matter if you’re a freshman or if you’ve been in college football for six years. People rally behind you and trust you, and once you prove that, which he has during camp and which I think he will during these first couple of games, then I think we’ll just get rolling.”

Bear Bachmeier isn’t the first in his family to receive the starting nod as a true freshman. His older brother, Hank Bachmeier, did the same upon entering the Boise State program in 2019 with Bear noting all of it. He’s ready to apply the lessons learned from his older brother beginning with this Saturday’s game versus Portland State and perhaps provide even better returns.

Bear Bachmeier is also familiar with BYU’s impressive quarterback lineage and actively worked out with one of those great quarterbacks, John Beck, before arriving in Provo.

“I started training with him when I was in the seventh grade and I don’t want to nerd out, but we get into the weeds of biomechanics and trying to refine my sequence,” Bear Bachmeier said. “I just called him last week (to ask) about his process going into game days and what it is like from Sunday to Friday night. He’s just been a great resource and I’m grateful for him.”

Ironically Beck himself started his first game at BYU as a freshman, and took his share of lumps before finishing off one of the better careers ever put forth by a Cougar signal-caller. Should Bear Bachmeier follow Beck’s lead with his own play, then he should do very well indeed.

Not just Bear

BYU’s released two deep roster was chock full of first year players within the program that will be looked at to provide significant contributions throughout the season.

Wide Receiver

Bear Bachmeier’s older brother, Tiger Bachmeier (6-1, 190 Jr.) was listed as a backup WR, along with Reggie Frischknecht (6-4, 200 So.)

Tight End

Utah transfer Carsen Ryan (6-4, 250 Sr.) was listed as the team’s starting tight end with New Mexico transfer Keayen Nead (6-5, 265 Jr.) listed as the backup.

Offensive line

Michigan transfer Andrew Gentry (6-8, 315 Jr.) will start at right tackle with Southern Utah Kyle Sfarcioc (6-4, 310 Jr.) listed as a backup guard.

Defensive tackle

Utah transfer Keanu Tanuvasa (6-4, 300 Jr.) and Oklahoma State transfer Justin Kirkland (6-3, 340) were listed as the starter and primary backup at nose tackle, respectively.

Defensive end

Utah transfer Hunter Clegg (6-4, 248 Fr.) and Texas transfer Tausili Akana (6-3, 235 So.) were listed as backups at the outside edge position.

Linebacker

Utah State transfer Max Alford (6-1, 230 Jr.) was listed as a backup at Mack linebacker with freshman Pierson Watson (6-2, 225 Fr.) listed the same at Rover linebacker.

Defensive back

Freshman Cannon DeVries (6-0, 185) was listed as a backup at slot corner along with San Diego State transfer Tayvion Beasley (5-10, 180 Jr.)