BYU Football: Tracking the Players that will Return for the 2022 Season
Earlier this year, BYU honored 11 non-seniors as part of Senior Day. As part of the announcement, however, BYU clarified that the honored players could come back for another season. Some players are deciding whether to hang up the cleats and move on, and some are deciding between the NFL or returning to BYU next season. Below is a decision tracker for each player, this will be updated throughout the next few weeks as players announce their 2022 plans.
1. Tyler Allgeier - RB
Tyler Allgeier announced that he will declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Allgeier leaves BYU as one of the best running backs in its history.
2. Mathew Criddle - DB
3. JT Gentry - OL
4. James Empey - OL
James Empey announced that he will declare for the 2022 NFL Draft.
5. Drew Jensen - LB
6. Lopini Katoa - RB
Prior to the Independence Bowl, the veteran running back announced that he will return for another season.
7. Jason Money - DB
8. Neil Pau'u - WR
Neil Pau'u already accepted an invitation to the Hula Bowl. He has played his last game as a BYU Cougar.
9. Gunner Romney - WR
In the days leading up to the Independence Bowl, Gunner Romney told the media that he will decide if he wants to return for another season after the bowl game. Romney will make his announcement in the coming weeks.
10. Earl Tuioti-Mariner - DL
Tuioti-Mariner announced that he will return to BYU for another season.
11. Joe Tukuafu - OL
Tukuafu announced that he will return to BYU for another season.
It's also worth noting those juniors that were not listed as part of senior day. Since they were not listed, it's likely that these players will return to BYU next season:
- Keenan Ellis - DB
- Chaz Ah You - LB
- Chris Jackson - WR
- D'Angelo Mandell - DB
- Malik Moore - DB
- Kaleb Hayes - DB
- Shamon Willis - DB
- Pepe Tanuvasa - DL
- Alden Tofa - DL
- Lorenzo Fauatea - DL
- Lane Lunt - TE
