BYU Cougars

Depth at offensive line key for Cougars

Published Jul. 14, 2015 12:47 p.m. ET

foxsports

With explosive dual-threat quarterback Taysom Hill at the helm, the BYU offense has the potential to be one of most dangerous ones in college football. However, that will all depend on how well the Cougars offensive line protects its QB and opens holes for its running backs.

The unit will feature three-year starting guard Kyle Johnson, sophomore center Tejan Koroma, who was a freshman All-American in 2014, and sophomore Ului Lapuaho, who earned a starting role last season at right tackle.

However, depth is a big concern for offensive coordinator Robert Anae, and his offensive line will face a steep learning curve as the Cougars open up the season with games against Nebraska, Boise State, UCLA and Michigan.

Key to Anae’s plans this year will be freshmen Austin Hoyt and Jaterrius Gulley, a former defensive tackle, along with junior Manu Mulitalo.

“The key to our offensive line will be the development of some younger players,” Anae told the Daily Herald. “We’ve got freshmen kids coming on and we’re not sure where they’re going to be. But coming out of spring, Gulley is a big kid who’s done a pretty good job.

“From what I’ve been told this summer he’s getting himself in shape. He’s getting stronger and he’s more familiar with the offense. Mulitalo, that’s another one and Hoyt would be the third. Hopefully, if they’ve made a step forward, our offensive line will have answers depth wise and we’ll be in a good position.”

(h/t Daily Herald)