Grading the 2020 Recruiting Class on Offense

BYU landed multiple transfers on offense last year. This year, BYU faces a severe scholarship crunch; therefore, the likelihood of adding another transfer is slim, but BYU hasn’t completely shut the door on landing a difference maker from the transfer portal. Barring any last-minute transfers, BYU’s 2020 recruiting class is in the books. Today, let’s look back and hand out recruiting grades for the offensive coaching staff by position group.

Before we get started, it’s worth defining what an ‘A’ grade looks like. For me, an ‘A’ grade for any position group would include a four-star prospect at the top, followed by solid players taking remaining scholarships. It’s highly unlikely to receive an ‘A’ grade at BYU, but it is possible? Absolutely. For example, the 2014 Linebacker group would receive an ‘A’ grade: Fred Warner, Sione Takitaki, Tyler Cook (career plagued by injuries), and Isaiah Kaufusi.

Quarterback Grade: A-

Signees: (Name, 247 Composite Score)

Sol-Jay Maiava - 0.8521

Grade Explanation: BYU signed their top 2020 QB target in Hawaii native Sol-Jay Maiava. Maiava’s recruitment started years when Jim Harbaugh offered Maiava a scholarship to Michigan while he was in 8th grade. Maiava’s recruitment didn’t explode to the degree that many expected, but he still had various schools vying for his services. BYU had one scholarship available for a Quarterback and Maiava was their top target from the beginning. The ‘A-‘ grade is a reflection of BYU’s ability to set a target, do the necessary work to earn a commitment, and hold onto that commitment throughout the cycle.

Running Back Grade: B

Signees: (Name, 247 Composite Score)

Bruce Garrett - 0.8305
Devontae Henry-Cole - Transfer

At the risk of sounding cliché, BYU might have found a “diamond in the rough” in Running Back prospect Bruce Garrett. Garrett ran for more than 2,000 yards as a Junior in a competitive league in Texas. Garrett committed to BYU over the summer and shut down his recruitment. Had he not shut down his recruitment, Garrett would have received competing offers from different schools.

BYU filled an immediate need when they signed Utah graduate transfer Devontae Henry-Cole. DHC has the talent to compete for starting reps as soon as he steps on campus.

Offensive Line Grade: B+

Signees: (Name, 247 Composite Score)

Isaiah Tupou - 0.8336
Jake Griffin - 0.8268

Grade Explanation: BYU didn’t have an immediate need at Offensive Line in 2020. However, they maintained the momentum building behind BYU's OL pipeline. BYU missed on Andrew Gentry, but they quickly rebounded at the Tackle spot by signing Jake Griffin. Tupou signed with BYU over offers from Utah, UCLA, and Arizona. Griffin signed with BYU over offers from Washington State, Indiana, and Arizona among others.

Wide Receiver Grade: A-

Signees: (Name, 247 Composite Score)

Kody Epps - 0.8625
Koa Eldredge - 0.8214
Christopher Jackson - 0.8206
Devin Downing - 0.8187
Terence Fall - 0.8173
Miles Davis - 0.8098

Grade Explanation: BYU had an immediate need for multiple Wide Receivers in 2020. BYU met that need by landing various players including Kody Epps on signing day. Epps was named to the AP High School All-American First Team for his outstanding Senior season where he accumulated more than 1,700 yards receiving.

BYU also signed Chris Jackson, Terence Fall, and Miles Davis who will all play immediately. Koa Eldredge and Devin Downing will suit up for the Cougars following their missionary service. It’s worth noting that Miles Davis could end up at Cornerback this fall. He was announced as a “WR/CB” on signing day. The ‘A-‘ grade reflects BYU’s ability to meet an immediate need and land their top target.

Tight End Grade: NA

Signees: (Name, 247 Composite Score)

Grade Explanation: BYU had the chance to sign a TE as part of the 2020 class but ultimately decided to use the scholarship for another position. The decision makes sense considering BYU’s existing pipeline at Tight End.

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