Redshirt freshman Tyler Allgeier out to prove he can keep BYU's running back train rolling

(Jeffrey D. Allred, KSL)


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PROVO — On any other college campus in America, Tyler Allgeier might fit right in.

When he’s not going to class or fitting into his second year at the university, Allgeier is usually binge-watching Netflix (he just finished the new series “Umbrella Academy”) or turning on his Playstation to get in a few rounds of Apex Legends.

Oh, and then there’s football — where Allgeier might be one of the most important up-and-coming players for BYU head coach Kalani Sitake.

That’s because Allgeier’s spot, running back, is one of the most contested and scrutinized positions on the team this spring. With little controversy on offense — a returning starting quarterback in Zach Wilson and a half dozen offensive lineman with starting experience will do that for a lot of teams — the Cougars’ attention has turned to the run game.

BYU graduated starting running backs Squally Canada and Matt Hadley from a year ago and lost another top back in Riley Burt, who will graduate in April and reportedly join Utah State (Burt hasn’t officially confirmed his intent to join the Aggies, but has strongly hinted at it on social media).

That leaves Allgeier as one of two running backs who saw significant time at the position in 2018, along with presumed starter Lopini Katoa.

Does the 5-foot-11, 220-pound redshirt freshman feel any pressure in that regard?

Only when he’s about to go in for his latest kill on Apex.

“Every rep counts, and I feel like as long as I do it all correct, then every rep I do the coaches will look at it and give me more trust,” Allgeier said. “That’ll help me look good when the games start coming.”

Brigham Young Cougars running back Lopini Katoa (4) runs by McNeese State Cowboys defensive back Darion Dunn (1) in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, KSL)
Brigham Young Cougars running back Lopini Katoa (4) runs by McNeese State Cowboys defensive back Darion Dunn (1) in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, KSL)

Even though he redshirted last year, Allgeier took advantage of the NCAA’s new rule allowing players to play in up to four games while preserving that extra year of eligibility. So he played in all four, finishing with 103 all-purpose yards at running back and kick return.

Allgeier was the No. 2 running back in the rotation for BYU’s bowl game, a 49-18 win over Western Michigan in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, when he backed up Burt’s career-best rushing effort.

That kind of experience proved vital for the development of Allgeier, who finished his prep career as the all-time leading rusher at Kaiser High School in Fontana, California, totaling 2,470 yards and 29 touchdowns on 231 carries.


I think he’s a big back that has got a lot of natural ability. He’s a guy who just hasn’t had a lot of opportunities to show what he can do. But he’s done a little bit, and it will be interesting to see what he can do now. Most guys make their biggest improvement from their first year to their second.

–BYU offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes


“Learning the offense and knowing the plays and getting the feel of a real college atmosphere was a good experience,” Allgeier said. “The new redshirt rule was good.”

BYU coaches still want to add another running back to the mix this offseason, either with a late high school signee or a transfer from a junior college or a graduate transfer. The Cougars will bring in walk-on running back Alec Wyble-Meza, an Arizona native who ran for 1,018 yards and six touchdowns in his lone season at Scottsdale Community College.

But if BYU offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes is forced to rely on Katoa, Allgeier, former Kearns standout Sione Finau and suddenly resurgent senior Kavika Fonua (who missed the entire 2018 season with a knee injury), there’s confidence in that group.

Allgeier’s emergence — he garnered the bulk of the carries, with Fonua, in the Cougars’ most recent scrimmage Monday — is a big reason for that confidence.

“I think he’s a big back that has got a lot of natural ability,” Grimes said of Allgeier. “He’s a guy who just hasn’t had a lot of opportunities to show what he can do. But he’s done a little bit, and it will be interesting to see what he can do now.

“Most guys make their biggest improvement from their first year to their second.”

Spring finale

The Cougars will wrap up spring football Saturday with an open practice at the old Provo High School on the corner of University Avenue and Bulldog Boulevard.

BYU moved the annual spring scrimmage this season while grounds crews work on several improvements to LaVell Edwards Stadium, namely adding additional space to the concourse level and filling in gaps between the stadium’s bleacher seats in each corner.

The session will feature several mostly-live scrimmage portions, though Sitake hesitates to label it a “game” because he wants every healthy player to dress and participate during sessions that will include full contact outside of the quarterbacks.

“The big thing is just getting a game-like atmosphere,” BYU offensive lineman Tristen Hoge said. “We don’t have set reps, but we’ll have actual drives, down and distance, and real football instead of a practice-like schedule.

“We’ll see how we are in football shape, and that will be the real test.”

The day will begin with a free kids’ clinic at 10:30 a.m. MDT, an alumni flag football game at 11:30 a.m., and conclude with practice at 1 p.m.

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