BYU will take full advantage of NCAA's redshirt rule in final 4 games

PROVO — Injuries are impacting every college football team in the country as the page turns toward the November portion of the schedule, but teams with increased depth are better equipped to handle it.

An NCAA rule approved less than five years ago that allows redshirt candidates to play in up to four games and maintain their redshirt ability will be used to its full potential for the BYU football team, which hits the road Saturday to face West Virginia (5 p.m. MDT, FOX).

Not every redshirt candidate is on the same timeline, but any player that hasn't played yet can finish out the year without burning their redshirt. An exception was also granted last year to the rule that bowl games do not count against the four-game redshirt policy. And the Cougars have a list of such players who would qualify.

That list includes junior quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who was rated the No. 1-rated junior college quarterback in the country by ESPN last year and has yet to play in a game for the Cougars in 2023. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said prior to the season that BYU would prefer to preserve Retzlaff's redshirt ability as he played behind starter Kedon Slovis, and with fellow backup Cade Fennegan have already redshirted.

Through eight games, Retzlaff has yet to take a snap. That could change soon.

But he's not the only one.

"There are other guys that are going to play more, and there are still some guys that can still use their four games and redshirt," BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill said. "You'll see some of that right now. But we're in a stretch run where there are four critical game, and none more critical than West Virginia, because they are playing really well right now. We've got to give them our best shot come this Saturday."

Some previous redshirt candidates have already exhausted, or nearly exhausted, their redshirt to this point in the season. That includes freshman linebacker Siale Esera, who was thrust into the primary backup linebacker role behind Harrison Taggart and has 13 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception in three games in relief of injured Ben Bywater.

Coaches won't try to get his redshirt back, due to Esera's performance.

"It's very hard in this defense to play as a true freshman, so him coming along and playing as much as he is, I think, is a tribute to him and to coach (Justin) Ena and how he's coaching those guys," Hill said. "He's made a lot of plays the last couple of weeks. I think you'll see him just get better and better, and you'll see him a lot over the coming years, making plays on our defense."

Even beyond Retzlaff, who head coach Kalani Sitake said is not expected to start in place of Slovis, BYU's offense could see an influx of new faces.

Freshman wide receiver JoJo Phillips, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound pass catcher from Lancaster, California, has appeared in just one game since signing with the 2023 recruiting class — and not since the Cougars' 41-16 win over FCS foe Southern Utah on Sept. 9.

Yet Phillips has maintained a consistent presence as the primary backup to receiver Chase Roberts on the depth chart, and has been a healthy member of the practice squad. His remaining eligibility could become a topic as wide receivers Keanu Hill, who has just 10 catches for 118 yards and a touchdown in five games, and Kody Epps, who has started two of four games while dealing with a hamstring injury, work their way back.

"I hope to see a bunch of guys come in and play," said Roberts, who has caught 33 passes for 459 yards and four touchdowns in eight games while dealing with "my share of little injuries." "We have some great players. We have even seen them start to mix in more guys and get them more reps. We'll see what happens; I'm not sure what coach Fesi (Sitake) has in store for them. But they're ready. If they get put in, they're going to make plays."

Sitake didn't rule out seeing more playing time for Phillips, even.

"He's got four games left, and he's done a great job every week," BYU's wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator said. "He continually comes along. If the opportunity presents itself, I would love to see Jojo out there making plays and getting some use of the games that he is able to play.

"That's one of the reasons we feel good about our depth," Sitake added. "We're able to bring these guys along who are able to play four games without losing their year. With fall camp, they now have 11-12 weeks of being in the system. I'm sure BYU fans will see a good mix of these redshirt candidates who we are going to need as depth late in the season."

Related topics