BYU expects to shuffle running backs
PROVO, Utah — Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams finished his collegiate career as the all-time leading rusher in BYU history. Now the Cougars must find a way to replace his 1,375 yards from 2016.
Junior Squally Canada believes he’s the man for the job, but the coaching staff seems to be leaning toward a running back-by-committee approach as the Cougars open Saturday against Portland State.
“I personally feel if you gave one person a shot, you never know who’s going to have a breakout season,” Canada said. “That’s why I’ve been busting my tail during the offseason to say, ‘I want to be that guy.’ That’s no disrespect to the other running backs. But at the same time it is a competition. … So I’ve been preparing myself to be that (workhorse). Not so much fill in for Jamaal’s shoes, but be Squally Canada.”
The coaching staff doesn’t seem to be concerned about settling on one back. Canada, junior Kavika Fonua and sophomore Riley Burt are more traditional between-the-tackles runners. KJ Hall, Trey Dye and Austin Kafentzis are lighter, work-in-space backs. while 6-foot-1-inch, 255-pound freshman Ula Tolutau brings a load.
Running backs coach Reno Mahe said there’s so much different from 2016 it’s unfair to make a direct comparison to what Williams accomplished. He just wants to surpass the overall 2,615 rushing yards that team posted last season — and win.
Offensive coordinator Ty Detmer