Quarterback

Starter: Bear Bachmeier, 6-2, 220, So.

Primary backup: Treyson Bourguet, 6-2, 210, Sr.

Bear Bachmeier is the unquestioned starter and leader of the offense entering the season. It’s quite the contrast to last season when he became the somewhat unexpected starter in beating out both Treyson Bourguet and McCae Hillstead. Big things are anticipated from Bachmeier after his successful freshman campaign with Bourguet likely to assume primary backup duties when the season rolls around.

Running Back

Starter: LJ Martin, 6-2, 220, Sr.

Primary backup: Sione Moa, 5-10, 215, Jr.

The return of LJ Martin was unanticipated yet a very welcome prospect for Cougar coaches, players and certainly fans alike. Last season’s Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year should receive a hefty load yet again, but should have much better depth behind him beginning with Sione Moa, whose season was cut short last year due to a medical condition. Others who could see reps in the Cougar backfield include converted safety Preston Rex and true freshman standout DeVaughn Eka.

Wide Receiver

Starters: Jojo Phillips, 6-5, 205, Jr.; Kyler Kasper, 6-6, 210, Jr.

Primary backups: Reggie Frischknecht, 6-4, 207, So.; Legend Glasker, 6-1, 175, Fr.

Yes, the stats are correct and BYU will field a lot of length at wide receiver this season. Big things are anticipated from Phillips and odds are Kasper, who came on strong toward the end of fall camp, is likely at least the No. 2 option opposite Phillips. Frischknecht seems to have built a good connection with Bachmeier and Glasker has impressed while receiving praise from the coaching staff throughout fall camp. Yes, there’s a lot of unknowns with this group, but the potential is high.

Tight End

Starters: Walker Lyons, 6-4, 245, Jr.; Roger Saleapaga, 6-4, 235 Jr.

Primary Backups: Keayen Nead, 6-5, 260, Sr.; Noah Moeaki, 6-3, 245, So.

BYU will likely field double-tight formations a lot this season and it’s probably set to be the primary formation presented to opposing defenses. It’s a credit to just how well transfers Walker Lyons (USC) and Roger Saleapaga (Oregon) have performed during offseason practice sessions. Overall the position is deep with both Keayen Nead and Noah Moeaki returning after receiving plenty of playing time a season ago.

Offensive Line

Starters: Left tackle-Paki Finau 6-5, 310, So. ; Left Guard-Sonny Makasini, 6-4, 315, Sr.; Center-Bruce Mitchell, 6-4, 305, Sr.; Right Guard-Kyle Sfarcioc 6-4, 305, Sr.; Right tackle-Andrew Gentry, 6-8, 315 Jr.

Primary Backups: Left tackle-Trevin Ostler, 6-4, 320, Sr.; Left Guard-Joe Brown 6-4, 310, So.; Center-Trevor Pay, 6-3, 290, So.; Right Guard-Zak Yamauchi, Right Tackle-Siosiua Latu-Finau, 6-5, 310, Fr.

BYU has a lot of returning experience returning along its offensive front led by center Bruce Mitchell, who was named as a first-team Big 12 performer last season. Paki Finau has impressed since transferring in from Washington and appears to have locked down the left tackle spot where BYU had to replace Isaiah Jatta. Both Makasini and Sfarcioc saw plenty of action last season while Gentry was a fixture starting at right tackle.

Defensive tackle

Starters: Keanu Tanuvasa, 6-4, 300, Sr.; Justin Kirkland, 6-3, 310 Sr.

Primary backups: Anisi Purcell, 6-3, 305, Sr.; Viliami Po’uha, 6-3, 278 Jr.

BYU should enjoy a lot more depth at the defensive tackle position despite the loss of standout John Taumoepeau from a season ago. Kirkland has dropped 30 pounds and looks ready to contribute after sitting out most of last season with injury. Both Purcell and Po’uha received a good share of reps last season and should be ready to give necessary breathers to the starters.

Defensive End

Starters: Bodie Schoonover, 6-3, 265, Jr.; Hunter Clegg, 6-4, 250, So.

Primary backups: Kinilau Fonohema, 6-5, 250, So.; Tausili Akana, 6-3, 235, So.

BYU will pose multiple formations upfront, although it’s expected that both Schoonover and Clegg will see a lot of reps based on quotes from coaches and practice reports. Both Akana and Fonohema should be employed during passing situations with both players presenting themselves and potent rush ends.

Outside linebacker

Starters: Isaiah Glasker, 6-5, 240 Sr.; Nusi Taumoepeau, 6-3, 242 So.

Primary Backups: ; Miles Hall, 6-1, 230, Jr.; Ace Kaufusi, 6-4, 235, Jr.

Isaiah Glasker is ceertainly the headliner following his unexpected return to the team from a season ago, but watch out for Nusi Taumoepeau, who played very well as a freshman and spelled last year’s starter and star Jack Kelly during the Pop-tarts Bowl last season. Both Kaufusi will reprise their roles as capable backups again in forming one of the defense’s top position groups.

Inside linebacker

Starter: Cade Uluave, 6-1, 230, Sr.

Primary backup: Jake Clifton, 6-2, 230, Jr.

Cade Uluave transferred in from Cal and immediately established himself as BYU’s primary middle backer, which makes him a leader of the entire defense due to the position he plays. Jake Clifton also impressed during offseason practice sessions after transferring from Kansas State to the point where last year’s starter, Siale Esera, may be hard-pressed to see playing time.

Cornerback

Starters: ; Evan Johnson, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Therrian Alexander, 6-2, 175, Jr.

Primary backups: Jayven Williams, 6-2, 175 Sr.; Kevin Doe, 6-3, 206, Jr.

Johnson and Alexander should form a formidable duo on the outside while both Williams, who transferred in from Mississippi State and Doe, who is one of the more intriguing prospects on the entire team should serve as the primary backups, at least initially. Look for coaches to slide Johnson to slot corner and for Williams to play on the outside when the defense opts for a nickel formation.

Safety

Starters: ; Raider Damuni, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Faletau Satuala, 6-4, 210, So.

Primary backups: Tommy Prassas, 6-2, 195, So.; Matthias Leach, 6-3, 184, So.

Although Tommy Prassas is listed as a backup, he should see plenty of time rotating in when BYU is both base and nickel formation. The top three safeties are all proven and experience, but the depth behind them is a big question mark and should the Cougars lose just one of their top three safeties, then it could become an issue.

Kicker

Starter: Matthias Dunn, 6-0, 205, Sr.

Dunn appears to have won primary kicking responsibility over freshman Brody Laga. Dunn has his work cut out having to replace the very reliable Will Ferrin.

Punter

Starter: Fuller Shurtz, 5-11, 185, Jr.

Shurtz has locked down the punting responsibilities, taking over from Sam Vander Haar from a season ago.

Punt returner

Starter: Canon DeVries, 6-0, 184, So.

DeVries appears to have won the position toward the close of fall camp.

Kick returners

Starters:

Legend Glasker, 6-1, 175, Fr.; Canon DeVries, 6-0, 184 So.

Glasker is likely to be employed as a primary kick returner after he fulfilled the role very well for Lehi out of high school.