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2022 PRESEASON JOHN MACKEY AWARD WATCH LIST: ISAAC REX, BYU,...A native of San Clemente, California, Rex played in all 12 regular-season games for the Cougars as a Covid freshman in 2021. He began the year on the John Mackey Preseason Award Watch List and concluded the season being named to the Phil Steele 2021 All-Independent First-Team. He caught 10 passes for 191 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 10.6 yards per reception. The 6-6, 247-pound tight end had eight games with at least one reception. The previous season he was ranked No. 1 in the nation among freshman tight ends in receptions (37), receiving yards (429) and receiving touchdowns (12). He was named a 2020 Freshman All-American by the Athletic and Phil Steele. - BYU Football

(DS#19 TE) rSr/2024

TE Isaac Rex, Brigham Young
News Source: BYU Football
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07/25/22 - Connor Pay, rSr/2025, Brigham Young, 6-4, 310 (DS#24 C) + More +

2022 PRESEASON RIMINGTON TROPHY WATCHLIST: Connor Pay, BYU,...Pay, from Highland, Utah, played in all 13 games with 10 starts for No. 19-ranked BYU as a Covid-year freshman in 2021. He took over the center position the final five games of the season for injured starter James Empey, a three-time Rimington Trophy watchlist honoree. Before moving to center, Pay earned a starting role at right guard for the Cougars. The 6-5, 312-pound sophomore is one of only seven underclassmen to make the preseason watchlist recognizing the nation's top centers. - BYU Football

(DS#24 C) rSr/2025

C Connor Pay, Brigham Young
News Source: BYU Football
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07/22/22 - Puka Nacua, rJr/2023, Brigham Young, 6-2, 210 (DS#31 WR) + More +

2022 PRESEASON BILETNIKOFF AWARD WATCH LIST: Puka Nacua, BYU,...Nacua led BYU in receiving yards with 43 catches for 805 yards (18.7 yards per catch) and receiving touchdowns, despite missing the 2021 season opener due to injury. He was second in all-purpose yardage with 953 (79.4 per game) and had four games with over 100 receiving yards - South Florida (102), Baylor (168), Virginia (107) and Idaho State (120). - BYU Football

(DS#31 WR) rJr/2023

WR Puka Nacua, Brigham Young
News Source: BYU Football
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07/22/22 - Ben Bywater, rSr/2025, Brigham Young, 6-3, 235 (DS#999 OLB) + More +

Not many defenders can say they had nearly seven times more tackles last year than they had in their first two seasons - but Ben Bywater can. After being limited to six total games and 15 tackles in 2019 and 2020, he had a breakout year in 2021 as he led the team with 102 tackles. As injuries decimated that Cougar linebackers, Bywater made the most of his opportunities and proved to be a dynamic presence. Heading into 2022, the sophomore appears to be even more confident and determined to see the BYU defense take some big steps forward. His proven on-field ability and leadership will be key for the Cougars as they take one some good offenses this fall. - Daily Herald

(DS#999 OLB) rSr/2025

OLB Ben Bywater, Brigham Young
News Source: Daily Herald
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07/20/22 - Gerry Bohanon, rSr/2025, Brigham Young, 6-2, 225 (DS#43 QB) + More +

Former Arkansas head coach Chad Morris is returning to college football. Morris has been hired as a senior offensive analyst at South Florida, the program announced Monday. Bulls coach Jeff Scott and Morris worked together at Clemson from 2011-14 when Morris was the offensive coordinator and Scott was a receivers coach. Scott was promoted to co-offensive coordinator when Morris left to coach SMU following the 2014 season.

In a statement, Scott said he is eager to have Morris join a staff that is looking to "employ a fast-paced and exciting offense." On May 13, Morris resigned as head coach at Texas football power Allen High School after one season. He finished the 2021 season with an 11-3 record. Morris was hired to lead Allen on March 31, 2021, after one season as offensive coordinator at Auburn under Gus Malzahn. Morris was fired at Arkansas on Nov. 10, 2019, one day after the Razorbacks' 45-19 home loss to Western Kentucky. He was 4-18 in two seasons as the Razorbacks' head coach, including 0-14 in SEC games. - Northwest Arkansas Times

(DS#43 QB) rSr/2025

QB Gerry Bohanon, Brigham Young
News Source: Northwest Arkansas Times
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07/19/22 - Jaren Hall, rJr/2023, Brigham Young, 6-0, 207 (DS#11 QB) + More +

2022 PRESEASON DAVEY O'BRIEN NATIONAL QUARTERBACK AWARD WATCH LIST: Jaren Hall, BYU, Jr., 6-1, 205, Spanish Fork, Utah,...As a sophomore in 2021, Hall was on the Davey O'Brien Award Midseason Watch List and was one of eight quarterbacks named to the Davey O'Brien Award's Great 8 list for his performance in week two of the year leading BYU to a 26-17 win over nationally ranked in-state rival Utah. Despite missing three games due to injury in 2021, Hall completed 189 of 296 passes for 2,583 yards and 20 touchdowns, while compiling an efficiency rating of 156.1. He also had 62 caries for 307 yards (4.9 per carry) and three rushing touchdowns, while leading No. 19 ranked BYU to eight wins in 10 starts during the 2021 season. - BYU Football

(DS#11 QB) rJr/2023

QB Jaren Hall, Brigham Young
News Source: BYU Football
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07/19/22 - Lorenzo Fauatea, rSr/2023, Brigham Young, 6-3, 296 (DS#102 DT) + More +

Since he started playing games for BYU in 2017, Lorenzo Fauatea has been a solid performer when he has been on the field (42 total tackles, six tackles for a loss, four sacks). The problem has been keeping him on the field (34 games played in five seasons). The hope for Fauatea is that his senior season will be one where he can both stay healthy and thrive for the Cougar defensive line. Even if he is limited, though, he will still be a key contributor with his veteran presence for the rest of the line. His knowledge of the defensive schemes and ability to get guys prepared will be crucial for the unit to maximize its productivity. And if BYU's defensive line takes a big step forward, that will open up more options for the rest of the Cougar defense in how it looks to stop opposing offenses. - Daily Herald

(DS#102 DT) rSr/2023

DT Lorenzo Fauatea, Brigham Young
News Source: Daily Herald
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07/19/22 - Jaren Hall, rJr/2023, Brigham Young, 6-0, 207 (DS#11 QB) + More +

2022 PRESEASON MAXWELL AWARD WATCH LIST: Jaren Hall, BYU,...Quarterback Jaren Hall started 10 games (8-2 record) in 2021. Finished the season 189 of 296 (64%) for 2,583 yards, 20 touchdowns to only five interceptions with an efficiency rating of 156.1. Averaged 258 yards passing per game. BYU's second-leading rusher with 62 carries for 307 net yards and three touchdowns, averaging five yards per carry. Phil Steele All-Independent First Team. Led BYU offense to 33 points per game, average of 452 yards total offense per game and converted 46 percent of third downs. With four passing touchdowns and one rushing in 59-14 win over Idaho State, became just the fourth quarterback in BYU history to pass for at least four touchdowns and rush for at least one in a single game. The others: Virgil Carter (vs. UTEP 1966), Steve Young (vs. Bowling Green 1983), Christian Stewart (vs. Savannah State 2014) Also played on the BYU baseball team in 2019 and 2020 as an outfielder. Hit .400 in five games, with three starts during the shortened 2020 COVID season. Played varsity basketball in Roseville (California) high school. - BYU Football

(DS#11 QB) rJr/2023

QB Jaren Hall, Brigham Young
News Source: BYU Football
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07/13/22 - Jaren Hall, rJr/2023, Brigham Young, 6-0, 207 (DS#11 QB) + More +

After spring camp, Jaren Hall went back to the drawing board, looking at film from different NFL players. An emphasis was put on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his ability to throw at any point in a progression. It is also about throwing in different arm angles. Others Hall looked at were Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen and Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady. Brady was more of a lesson in controlling your movements. Allen was an example of how to feel under control when a play has broken down. "I'm not trying to necessarily see how I can model my game after their game," Hall said. "But I want to see what they do well and in what situations they do well. So more shop talk ideas of, 'Why are they doing this?' Just trying to get in their minds."

Beck in particular has become known for improving a quarterback's ability to get back on balance and throw quickly. He has worked with multiple mobile quarterbacks in past years. Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys has worked with Beck. More recently, former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson was under his tutelage. Beck briefly held a position with the New York Jets to help Wilson once he was drafted. Hall met him through his father, Kalin, and decided to make him his trainer. "We are trying to take the skill set that we see and see how we can refine it," Beck said at BYU media day. "How can we instruct [him] so he can go out there and instruct himself." - Salt Lake Tribune

(DS#11 QB) rJr/2023

QB Jaren Hall, Brigham Young
News Source: Salt Lake Tribune
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07/12/22 - Kaleb Hayes, rSr/2023, Brigham Young, 6-0, 194 (DS#46 CB) + More +

If you just look at the standard defensive statistic - tackles - it's appropriate to say that Kaleb Hayes made a solid contribution in 2021 as he tallied 26 tackles from his cornerback position. But dig a little deeper and you'll find another number that better shows the impact he can have on the Cougar secondary. Hayes led BYU with an impressive 12 pass breakups, eight more than anyone else on the team. That shows the Oregon State transfer has a knack for finding the ball and knocking it away from opposing receivers. If he can continue to make plays on the edge, that will give the Cougar defense confidence in its ability to mix things up and be more aggressive at the point of attack particularly on long-yardage situations. - Daily Herald

(DS#46 CB) rSr/2023

CB Kaleb Hayes, Brigham Young
News Source: Daily Herald
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07/12/22 - Blake Freeland, rJr/2023, Brigham Young, 6-8, 302 (DS#6 OT) + More +

Since offensive linemen often toil unheralded, few are able to stand out in their first game quite the same way Blake Freeland did. He was part of a revamped unit that took the field to face undefeated No. 14-ranked Boise State in 2019, and did admirably well in his first game ever as an offensive lineman as the Cougars got the 28-25 upset. Since that time, Freeland has seen his role continue to expand and he has been up for every challenge. Now he is a veteran who has played in 31 games, including all 13 in 2021. That experience should serve him well as he is slated to play at left tackle, always a critical position. His 6-foot-8, 310-pound frame combine with his athleticism will make his contribution integral to what the BYU offense is able to do. - Daily Herald

(DS#6 OT) rJr/2023

OT Blake Freeland, Brigham Young
News Source: Daily Herald
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07/09/22 - Puka Nacua, rJr/2023, Brigham Young, 6-2, 210 (DS#31 WR) + More +

How many college football teams lost two of their top receivers, yet still have every reason to believe that the unit will be as good or better the next season? That's the situation BYU finds itself in as it prepares for the 2022 season. While it will certainly miss Neil Pau'u and Samson Nacua, the rest of the group appears to be deep and dangerous. The most pressure will be on senior Gunner Romney and junior Puka Nacua, both of whom have already demonstrated they are capable of making critical plays for the Cougar offense.

"The ceiling is really high for those guys," BYU wide receivers coach Fesi Sitake said at media day in Jun. "For both of them, I know the No. 1 thing on their minds is to stay healthy the entire season. If they do, they can both have monster years. But we've got to take it a game at a time. They are doing their part right now, working hard lifting hard, practicing, mastering the playbook, mastering their position, everything. But the expectations are high for those guys, and I think they're both thrilled for the upcoming season." While his older brother may not be on the team any more, Puka Nacua said Samson Nacua has still been passing on advice about how to get ready for pro football. "Durability is your best ability," Puka Nacua said his brother told him. "You have to always be available. It is a business at that point. They're investing money into what you do, so you have to make sure that your body is in the best shape it can be to go out there and do what you need to do. That is probably one of the most important things he has said." - Daily Herald

(DS#31 WR) rJr/2023

WR Puka Nacua, Brigham Young
News Source: Daily Herald
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07/02/22 - Tyler Batty, rSr/2025, Brigham Young, 6-6, 271 (DS#25 DE) + More +

BYU's returning defensive players were asked many, many questions during Media Day, but there was one question they were particularly grumpy about answering: "How are you going to get off the field faster in 2022?" There were plenty of injuries to key players on defense last season, but a consistent problem for the that side of the ball was allowing long, time-consuming drives. It was a two-fold problem, tiring out the defense and keeping the Cougars high-powered offense on the sideline. "We need to tackle the guy with the ball on the line of scrimmage," BYU defensive end Tyler Batty said. "Quite honestly, I think it's up to the D-line specifically. We really need to make sure that our run defense is on point every game. Stopping the run comes first and when we get the opportunity to get home on a pass rush, we need to get there. It sound like simple fixes and they really are."

The numbers bear out the problem. BYU, a pretty good offensive team, had 29 drives of nine plays or more in 13 games. The Cougars allowed their opponents 38 drives of nine plays or more, including at least four drives of nine plays or more in nearly half of its games (six). BYU held Utah to just one drive of nine or more plays in its 26-19 victory in Game 2. The Cougars had to hold on to beat 2-10 South Florida 35-27 and gave up four drives of nine plays or more resulting in 20 points and nearly 28 minutes of possession. - Daily Herald

(DS#25 DE) rSr/2025

DE Tyler Batty, Brigham Young
News Source: Daily Herald
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06/28/22 - Christopher Brooks, rSr/2023, Brigham Young, 6-1, 219 (DS#40 RB) + More +

Cal-transfer Chris Brooks will come to BYU as a three-year starter. All spring, we heard the same thing coming out of camp. Cal transfer Chris Brooks came in and immediately made an impression. And now, BYU is giving him the reigns to the running back room in his last college season. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said Brooks earned the right to open the year as the clear-cut starter. This is even earlier than Tyler Allgeier earned the starting spot last season. Brooks edged out Lopini Katoa and Jackson McChesney for the starting spot. Notably, McChesney is currently sharing third-string duties with Miles Davis and Hinckley Ropati. But that will likely get ironed out in summer camp. Brooks is a similar back to Allgeier, a downhill runner who makes one cut and goes. Allgeier set BYU's single-season rushing touchdown record last year with 23 touchdowns and 1,602 yards. - Salt Lake Tribune

(DS#40 RB) rSr/2023

RB Christopher Brooks, Brigham Young
News Source: Salt Lake Tribune
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06/28/22 - Isaiah Herron, rJr/2024, Brigham Young, 6-1, 180 (DS#999 CB) + More +

At one point this spring, BYU had several experienced players along with two committed transfers in Vanderbilt's Gabe Juedy-Lally and junior college product Roman Rashada. BYU has known since March that Rashada had backed out of coming to Provo. But on the most recent depth chart, there was another hit. Defensive back Isaiah Herron is no longer with the team. Head coach Kalani Sitake indicated Herron medically retired, meaning 34 games of experience are leaving with him. Not ideal for a group that is already being questioned for giving up too many big plays in 2021. So far, BYU will rely heavily on cornerbacks Kaleb Hayes and D'Angelo Mandell. At safety, Malik Moore is the Cougars' best option by a wide margin. Juedy-Lally is listed as the second string behind Hayes, and will likely see a lot of time. - Salt Lake Tribune

(DS#999 CB) rJr/2024

CB Isaiah Herron, Brigham Young
News Source: Salt Lake Tribune
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