PROVO — In addition to the saga of BYU linebacker Francis Bernard (or former linebacker, depending on who you ask), the BYU football team released its first depth chart Monday morning as the team ramps up preparations for its season opener at 1 p.m. MDT Saturday against FCS foe Portland State.

About 65 players popped up on the “two-deep” chart that is three-deep in multiple positions, though many players are listed as being able to play in various spots. Head coach Kalani Sitake joked that the Cougars were trying to play 15 players each way, then added the numerous positions are for a series of formations, schemes and other factors.

Here are six takeaways from the first official depth chart of the 2017 season.

Tailback depth confirmed

Riley Burt has had an excellent fall camp, by all accounts, as the redshirt sophomore who prepped at Box Elder tries to earn his spot a year after the departure of all-time leading rusher Jamaal Williams.

But Burt has plenty of competition at tailback — and the first indicator is the depth chart. Burt sits behind current starter Squally Canada, as well as 6-foot junior Kavika Fonua at tailback.

In addition, KJ Hall and Trey Dye are listed as the 1-2 at halfback, Ula Tolutau and Fonua at “big back,” and Brayden El-Bakri and Kyle Griffitts at fullback.

Austin Kafentzis, the former Jordan High quarterback who moved to running back after a brief stint at wide receiver, was not listed on the two-deep.

Confused yet? We’re just getting started.

Backup QB confirmed

As reported by KSL Sports after last Thursday’s scrimmage, Beau Hoge will see time as the primary backup to quarterback Tanner Mangum as the 2017 season kicks off.

Koy Detmer Jr., a redshirt sophomore like Hoge, was listed as the No. 3 quarterback, meaning his primary responsibility will likely come in running the scout team.

Recently returned missionaries Kody Wilstead and Joe Critchlow were not listed on the depth chart, signaling they could be headed toward a redshirt season.

But not necessarily.

“There are some guys who, depending on injuries and stuff, who we think could help us out around the third or fourth week. A lot of them are returned missionaries,” Sitake said. “As soon as we start making those decisions, it’ll be hard to do that without seeing how games go. We’ll try to travel with more and see how it all sorts out.”

Two tight end sets?

There were two tight-end positions listed on the depth chart, signaling a potential return to a multiple tight end set under offensive coordinator Ty Detmer.

Moroni Laulu-Pututau and Matt Bushman were listed as starters at the position. Former offensive lineman JJ Nwigwe was tabbed as Laulu-Pututau’s backup, while senior Tanner Balderree was listed as the backup to Bushman, who had an extraordinary spring camp.

Offensive line set

It’s been a while, but there were no co-starters (designated by an “or”) on the official depth chart along the offensive line.

Anchored by center Tejan Koroma, the current starters were left tackle Thomas Shoaf, left guard Keyan Norman, right guard Tuni Kanuch and right tackle Austin Hoyt.

Backups were (from left to right) Chandon Herring, Austin Chambers, James Empey, Addison Pulsipher and Kieffer Longson.

“We’re always trying to be better; we’re never at the point where we want to be,” Kanuch said of the line. “If you aren’t moving forward, then you’re going backwards.”

Linebacker swap

When Bernard was announced to miss the 2017 season, Adam Pulsipher was initially presented as the main linebacker to replace him in BYU’s 4-3 defense.

When the official depth chart was released, former safety Matt Hadley was listed as the starter alongside Fred Warner and Butch Pau’u, while Pulsipher was a co-backup with freshman Isaiah Kaufusi.

Chaz Ah You and Zayne Anderson could also see time in that spot as a nickelback, while Anderson had moved to the top of the depth chart at free safety (ahead of Texas Tech transfer Tanner Jacobson and senior Marvin Hifo).

“We felt like Matt Hadley is a physical, savvy ball player … and he really, really shined,” defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki said. “We still love Adam Pulsipher, and we’ll shuffle guys around like Chaz Ah You. You want to be three-deep in a lot of those spots.”

Related:

LB Francis Bernard reportedly 'moving forward' with plans to leave BYU

BYU linebacker Francis Bernard is on track to leave the university, defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki said Monday during his weekly radio show.

Specialists are people, too

In addition to his lengthy role, Hadley seized the No. 1 kick returner position, with Aleva Hifo also named to KR.

Tanner Jacobson will see the most time at punt returner, along with Micah Hannemann and Michael Shelton.

Rhett Almond was named No. 1 place-kicker, with Corey Edwards handling kickoff duties, Jonny Linehan at punter, Gavin Fowler at holder and Matt Foley at long snapper.

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