Four Freshmen Have Made Critical Plays for BYU in 2023

While it's unfair to expect freshmen to contribute right away at the college level, it goes a long way in building depth if a few freshmen are ready to play. Every season, a handful of freshmen emerge as contributors for BYU. This year has been no exception. Four freshmen in particular have played significant roles for BYU through the first three games.

1. LJ Martin

It took only two games for true freshman LJ Martin to beat out two upperclassmen and earn the starting spot at running back. Martin leads BYU in rushing through three games with 195 yards on 45 carries.

Martin provided a much-needed spark for the BYU offense against Sam Houston State and never looked back. He scored his first two touchdowns in last week's game at Arkansas and he will continue to play a major role in BYU's offense this Saturday at Kansas.

2. Parker Kingston

Redshirt freshman Parker Kingston did a little bit of everything for BYU against Arkansas. Kingston threw a touchdown in the first quarter for BYU's first touchdown of the game. He also put BYU in great field position with a 46-yard kick return. In the second half, Kingston scored a 20-yard touchdown on a screen pass.

Kingston also made one of the most important third-down conversions of the game. Slovis found Kingston short of the sticks and he made a man miss to get the first down. BYU would go on to score that drive and take the lead.

Kingston is one of the top wide receivers heading into the conference slate.

3. Marcus McKenzie

Through three games this season, BYU defensive back Marcus McKenzie is making a name for himself in his limited role on special teams. McKenzie, a true freshman, already has four tackles and a fumble recovery. He nearly recovered another muffed punt in the season opener at Sam Houston State. Arkansas double-teamed McKenzie on every punt last week.

McKenzie is flashing his potential that made him a coveted recruit in high school. Jay Hill has mentioned various times that McKenzie will be a star for the BYU defense in the future.

4. Harrison Taggart

Harrison Taggart brings the energy when he is on the field and his presence is felt even in a limited role. Taggart changed the course of the game when he blocked against Southern Utah. He also had a QB hurry against SUU.

Against Arkansas, Taggart played some critical reps on defense. Taggart was one of the linebackers on the field for Max Tooley's interception.

BYU is set to lose the three starting linebackers to graduation after this season. Taggart is primed to move into the starting lineup once they leave.

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