10 Freshmen that Could Crack BYU's Rotation in 2023

Roster depth has been a hot topic as BYU prepares for its first season in the Big 12 conference. While it's unfair to expect freshmen to contribute right away at the college level, it would go a long way in building depth if a few freshmen are ready to play. Today, we look at 10 freshmen that could crack the rotation in 2023.

1. Isaiah Glasker - LB

Redshirt freshman linebacker Isaiah Glasker has consistently been mentioned as a standout throughout camp. Since arriving in Provo at 195 pounds, Glasker has filled out his long 6'5 frame. He is currently listed at 220 pounds. Now BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill has always been high on Glasker's potential - he offered Glasker a scholarship when he was at Weber State.

Glasker will be in the rotation at linebacker this season. He will be on the two-deep when BYU released the depth chart for Sam Houston State, and he could even find himself listed as a co-starter.

2. Parker Kingston - WR

Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick has consistently mentioned the top six at wide receiver: Kody Epps, Chase Roberts, Keanu Hill, Keelan Marion, Darius Lassiter, and Parker Kingston. Kingston is a redshirt freshman wide receiver from Roy High School. He's also the fastest player on the team.

Kingston brings a different wrinkle to BYU's offense with his speed. He will see the field in 2023.

3. LJ Martin - RB

After practice on Tuesday, BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick sat down with Jarom Jordan to discuss the state of the offense midway through Fall camp. In the interview, Roderick gave a glowing review of true freshman running back LJ Martin. "LJ Martin is a standout in camp so far," Roderick said. "He's one of the best players on this team. He will play this year. He's a very good football player...I try not to get too excited about freshman sometimes. But he's already proven that he's going to be a player for us this season."

Martin was a highly-productive running back in his prep days in Texas. He was a four-star recruit (ESPN) that flipped to BYU around signing day.

4. Raider Damuni - S

On Thursday, BYU safety Micah Harper announced that he will miss the 2023 season due to injury. Harper was one of the few experienced safeties on BYU's roster. Without Harper in the fold, BYU will need a few young players to step in and play. Talan Alfrey is an obvious candidate to fill that role. Another name to watch is true freshman Raider Damuni. Damuni was a four-star recruit when he signed with BYU as part of the 2021 signing class. Damuni's talent is undeniable, but he is only eight months removed from his missionary service. If Damuni can shake the mission rust and learn the scheme, he will factor in.

Damuni did a little bit of everything for Timpview during his prep career. Whether it was catching touchdowns, intercepting passes, or forcing fumbles, he was always making plays. His playmaking ability will be hard to keep off the field - he just might need some time to get up to speed.

5. Jackson Bowers - TE

Four-star tight end Jackson Bowers signed with BYU in December. Veteran Masen Wake announced his retirement from football last week, opening up the opportunity for another tight end to crack the rotation. If Bowers can master the playbook, he will be a candidate to play this season.

6. Aisea Moa - DE

Redshirt freshman Aisea Moa is competing for one of the backup spots at defensive end. Moa was a four-star recruit in high school that flipped his commitment from Utah to BYU. Moa is big, athletic, and physical. If he's able to grasp the new playbook, he could be a candidate to get after the quarterback. Moa flashed his athleticism during the Spring game on this quarterback draw.

BYU SPRING BALL SCRIMMAGE ICE MOA SMACKING DUDES ! LESSSS GOOOOO!! GO COUGZZZZ 🤙🏾🤙🏾🧊 pic.twitter.com/zX9Kmm3fKO
— Ben Moa (@BenMoa4) April 1, 2023

7. Bodie Schoonover - DE

Another redshirt freshman defensive end, Bodie Schoonover is also competing for one of the backup defensive end spots. Schoonover has all the physical tools to be a rotation player for BYU this season. If he can refine his pass-rushing skills, he's another player that will be hard to keep off the field.

8. Sonny Makasini - OL

An offensive lineman from Timpview High School, Sonny Makasini signed with Utah State out of high school. He enrolled at BYU after his mission. Makasini has seen a lot of reps twos and a few reps with the ones. BYU is really deep along the offensive line, but Makasini is pushing for a spot on the two-deep.

9. Harrison Taggart - LB

Redshirt freshman and Oregon transfer Harrison Taggart is the fifth player on our list that was a four-star recruit in high school. Taggart is one of the fastest players on the defense. In terms of learning the playbook and the scheme, Taggart is at a disadvantage. He joined the program later in the Summer after moving home from Eugene. He's also part of a veteran linebacking group that includes Ben Bywater, Max Tooley, and AJ Vongphachanh. Playing time might be hard to come by out of the gate, but he could factor in when he masters his assignments.

10. Ace Kaufusi - LB

Ace Kaufusi was one of three young linebackers that ran with the first-team defense in the Spring while the veterans were recovering from injuries. The linebacker room went from very thin in the Spring to very deep by Fall camp. Ace might not see the field right away, but he will likely factor into the two-deep.

Also considered: Siale Esera, Marcus McKenzie, Maika Kaufusi, Trevin Ostler, Dom Henry, Preston Rex, Jojo Phillips

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