PROVO, Utah (AP) — BYU hasn’t been shy about using the transfer portal to look for running backs, but after finishing last in the Big 12 in rushing last season, the Cougars remained idle this time around.
They have chosen to build their team around LJ Martin, Miles Davis and Hinckley Ropati in hopes of reviving a running game that averaged 104.3 yards per game last season and only reached the 100 mark five times.
The Cougars won just two league games in their first Big 12 season and missed a bowl game for the first time since 2017.
Coach Kalani Sitake is confident that foregoing outside help will pay off for the Cougars.
Sitake: “BYU ready for comeback”:
“The room is packed and we have capable guys,” Sitake said. “It’s just a matter of getting the guys prepared and making sure they know the offense.”
Martin, a sophomore, is expected to be the primary back. Last season, he led BYU with 518 rushing yards and averaged 4.8 yards per carry. Davis and Ropati will also be used frequently as alternate backs.
Martin said he expects to take a big step forward in his second season.
“I feel a lot more comfortable. It’s really easy,” Martin said. “I know a lot more route concepts, so I understand where everyone is going and what the spacing is. Even what the O-line is doing, I can understand that now.”
Injuries slowed Martin during preseason training, but Sitake said his top running back should be ready to play in the first week.
QB Battle
BYU finished training camp without naming a starting quarterback. Jake Retzlaff and Gerry Bohanon shared first-team duties in August.
Retzlaff lost all four games in which he led the offense last season. He threw for 648 yards and three touchdowns, but also threw three interceptions and completed only half of his passes.
Bohanon could have an advantage with his experience and previous success in the Big 12. He led Baylor to the 2021 Sugar Bowl while throwing for 2,194 yards and 18 touchdowns and completing 63% of his passes. Bohanon transferred to South Florida the following season when he lost his starting spot to Blake Shapen, then missed all of 2023 with a shoulder injury before opting to make a comeback in Provo.
“It feels good to go out there, practice, compete with the guys and have fun,” Bohanon said. “When you grow up playing this game and then it’s taken away from you, it feels a little different.”
Bywater retires
BYU will unexpectedly replace its top linebacker early in the season. Ben Bywater retired from football early in training camp after tearing a labrum in his left shoulder last season against Kansas. He underwent surgery, but lingering nerve problems followed.
Bywater led BYU in tackles and tackles for loss in 2021 and 2022, totaling 200 tackles and 15.5 TFL during that span. Last year, he collected 32 tackles and three tackles for loss in four games before his season ended prematurely.
Coach change
After last season ended with a five-game losing streak, Sitake made his second consecutive changes to his coaching staff. TJ Woods joined the Cougars as offensive line coach and run game coordinator, while Kevin Gilbride Jr. came on board as tight ends coach. Woods previously served as offensive line coach at several spots, most notably at Oregon State and Wisconsin. Gilbride coached tight ends in the NFL for nearly a decade for the New York Giants, Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers.
The schedule
BYU hosts Southern Illinois in its season opener on Aug. 31. The Cougars face many of their toughest Big 12 opponents at home this season, starting with Kansas State in the league opener. Oklahoma State, Kansas and Arizona all visit Provo later. BYU’s toughest road test is Nov. 9 against longtime rival Utah.
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