BYU Football has a quarterback issue, and it probably isn’t the one you are thinking of. Yes, BYU doesn’t have a clear starter, and given the track record of the top few guys on the depth chart, it’s also a valid concern that BYU may not have a true P4 talented quarterback on the issue. That issue will and has been discussed. However, the issue I’m referring to is an entirely different problem that needs to be addressed, or there may be a mass exodus after spring football ends: the number of quarterbacks.
BYU Has More Quarterbacks Than Running Backs
BYU Football is known for having a strong quarterback room, but this year, they are getting that strong room with quantity over quality. Currently, ten players are listed on the roster, and only three have taken meaningful snaps at the FBS level. In comparison, BYU only has seven running backs and 11 receivers. Considering five to six receivers play every game, while you only hope to have to play one QB all season, it’s easy to see why this is an issue.
Here is the list of QBs on the roster:
- Cade Fennegan
- Jake Retzlaff
- Nick Billoups
- Cole Hagen
- Ryder Burton
- Gerry Bohanon
- Treyson Bourguet
- Dane Christensen
- Micah Fe’a
- Noah Lugo
The Danger of Too Many Quarterbacks
Having too many quarterbacks is certainly better than not having enough, but too many quarterbacks in the era of the transfer portal can quickly turn into not enough. Kansas State experienced this past season when three quarterbacks entered the transfer portal before their bowl game. They lucked out with Avery Johnson but had to activate their scout team quarterback in the bowl game to be the backup.
BYU certainly has plenty of up-and-rising talent in Noah Lugo, Ryder Burton, and Cole Hagen, but with some guys walking on and transferring in to play for a year or two, one has to wonder if the younger players are going to get tired of being buried down the depth chart and transfer to somewhere they can play, or at least be the first backup.
What Can Be Done?
For this particular season, there isn’t much that can be done to lower the number of quarterbacks. BYU certainly can ask some of the quarterbacks to consider playing other positions, such as Nick Billoups, who played safety for a bit at Utah, or Treyson Bourguet, who has the mobility to be a running back (683 rush yards in high school).
Ideally, BYU only wants about four guys taking any snaps in practice: the starter, backup, and two scout team quarterbacks, one mobile, and one pocket passer. But with ten quarterbacks, BYU has a serious issue. During spring practices, all ten have to get some reps, which hurts the relationships and timing that receivers could be getting with the top few guys who have any chance of seeing the field.
It may need to come down to conversations with the coaches where they are told they need to transfer or remain on the team but never take a practice snap. It’s harsh, but it may be the essential choice for a team coming off a 5-7 season without a clear starting QB.
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