The good news is that Phillips’ backup, Cody Hagen, very well may prove equal to the task of filling in at the receiver position opposite Chase Roberts.

“We know that we can lean on him heavily to do a lot of other things,” Sitake said. “He’s so talented. He’s got speed, he’s got quickness and agility, but he’s also got amazing ball skills. He has great vision and that’s why he’s our kick returner. So he can do a lot of things with the ball in his hands.”

Hagen is a 6-foot-1, 185 pound sophomore who garnered a lot of recruiting credentials out of high school during his standout career starring for powerhouse Corner Canyon. His prep career was one of the more notable ones for any receiver in Utah prep history, evidenced by his astounding 201 total receptions for 3,928 yards and 51 touchdowns receiving over his three years starting for the Chargers.

Hagen was tabbed a 4-star prospect by most recruiting services when signing with BYU before embarking on his two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Southern California. He returned from his mission service right before the start of the 2024 season, raring to get back into action, although things didn’t work according to plan.

“Those that have served missions know that your mind says you’re ready to go, but your body doesn’t always agree, especially if you’ve served a great mission…and Cody served a great mission,” Sitake said. 

Hagen did play in 10 games last season, but primarily on special teams while working to regain the stellar form he developed prior to his mission service.

“It’s definitely a grind when you first come back,” Hagen said. “But I’m definitely feeling really, really great right now. I’m feel faster and I’m definitely a lot stronger than when I was in high school, and more polished. So I’m really excited for what’s to come.”

Hagen has provided glimpses of his ability this season, hauling in two receptions for 35 yards in the opener versus Portland State before contributing a 57-yard run for a touchdown in the win over Stanford. The speedster received the ball on a fly sweep, turned the corner and outran the Cardinal defense with his superior speed and quickness.

Now he’ll likely have the opportunity to touch the ball a lot more as one of BYU’s starting receivers and feels ready to take on his elevated role now that he’s a little more than a full year removed from mission service.

“It was great last year to be able to be on the field  and to get some of those game reps,” Hagen said. “There’s a big skill difference, so it was great to get some practice…and then build on that (this) year.”

Strother-Bryant’s status uncertain

Choe Bryant-Strother didn’t participate during BYU’s 27-3 over Stanford and did not appear on the depth chart for this week’s game against East Carolina. When asked about the senior linebacker’s status, Sitake was a bit cryptic, although indicating that Strother-Bryant may have played his last game for the Cougars.

“We’re letting him make any statements or any announcements that he wants,” Sitake said. “Right now we’re letting him announce what’s going on with him and his health. I just wanted to express my love and appreciation for him and what he’s done for our program.”

Bryant-Strother transferred to BYU from UCLA before the start of last season and played in nine games, compiling 11 total tackles while playing primarily at outside linebacker. This season the 6-foot-3, 240 pounder was aiming to take on an elevated role rotating with Siale Esera and middle linebacker following a standout showing during the fall practice session.

The onus is now on Utah State transfer Max Alford to fill in effectively for Esera as the listed backup at the so-called MACK position with freshman Pierson Watson being listed as third on the depth chart.

Massive additions

BYU looks to be adding well more than 600 pounds to the lineup this week with the anticipated returns of offensive lineman Weylin Lapuaho (6-4, 310 Sr.) and defensive tackle Justin Kirkland (6-3, 340 Sr.)

Lapuaho started at offensive guard for BYU in each of the past two seasons after transferring from Utah State while Kirkland played significant reps for Oklahoma State before transferring to BYU for his final season. Both players have yet to suit up this season and should add effectively to BYU’s overall line play on both sides of the football.

“You can’t get much bulkier than 340 pounds, so he should be able to give us some size up front,” Sitake said of Kirkland. “We’ll see how he looks this week. He’s practiced with pads on, so that’s a good sign.”