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PROVO — For all the mention of BYU's depth chart for Week 1 of the 2024 college football season — whether it be the lack of a clearly established starting quarterback or no fewer than 20 "or" votes scattered among the offense, defense and special teams — perhaps it was two freshmen who have made the biggest splash in a reasonably short time on campus.
But neither Cody Hagen or Jojo Phillips will allow themselves to be ignored.
"I feel like I have the playbook down, and I'm comfort going out there not having to think as much as I did last year," said Phillips, the 6-5, 205-pound former basketball teammate of Bronnie James. "It's very different running plays when you absolutely know what your assignment is."
The duo made the two-deep to begin the season behind veteran receiver Chase Roberts, a sign that both Phillips, the redshirt freshman from Lancaster, California, who played in three games last year; and Hagen, the former Corner Canyon speedster who returned from a two-year church mission just a few months ago, plan to be a force early in their collegiate careers.
For Hagen, the 6-foot, 185-pound former 6A state record holder in the 100-meter dash, the force he wants to bring to the field is a little more muted.
"I was just happy to be able to make an impact in whatever way that is," he told KSL.com after practice Wednesday, three days before the Cougars' home opener against FCS foe Southern Illinois (6 p.m. MDT, ESPN+). "Right now, I'm on a few special teams and working in at receiver. Whatever I can do to help make an impact for the team, is really great — and I get to learn from a lot of great receivers. There's no downside to it."
Hagen's position on the depth chart isn't surprising for longtime followers of Utah high school football, where the son of former Utah football and baseball player Sean Hagen and younger brother of BYU quarterback Cole Hagen was a star for four years.
The former four-stat recruit by 247Sports and Gatorade Utah Player of the Year in 2021 racked up 3,927 yards and 51 touchdowns on 201 career receptions, leading Class 6A in touchdowns and receiving yards as a senior.
He also held a 6A state record in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.52 until current Corner Canyon senior Jerome Myles broke it last year, as well as the fourth-best 200-meter time in 20.97.
The five-star receiver prospect broke an all-classification state record that had stood for just over 40 years with a blazing fast time of 10.36, relegating to Hagen's mark to third in Utah High School Activities Association history.
But in a group that includes established leaders like Roberts, Darius Lassiter, Keelan Marion, Kody Epps, rising third-year sophomore Parker Kingston and converted tight end Keanu Hill, Hagen is — with all due respect — just another wide out.
He'll take it.
"There's a lot of great receivers," Hagen said. "And they're all helping me out, helping me get a little better with the little things with lilttle alignment issues or things I don't know quite yet. They all know the playbook really well."
Hagen returned from his mission to San Bernardino, California, in May, but says he already feels stronger than when he left to knock on doors, set teaching appointments, and perform service for two years. Serving in the states, he admits he picked up the football a few times and threw with some companions on preparation days and other down time.
But the majority of his workout schedule was limited to early morning runs and some light weight lifting. So how did he get back into football shape, and learn the playbook to the point that offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick and wide receivers coach Fesi Sitake trust him just four months after returning to Utah?
Having an older brother, roommate and teammate who happens to be one of the Cougars' backup quarterbacks helps.
"The day after I got home from my mission, I was living with him down here (in Provo), and he'd teach me the playbook," Hagen said. "We lined up chairs in our living room, they'd be different spots on the field; he'd signal a play, and I'd have to go line up.
"Without him, I don't know if I'd know much of the playbook. Him and Chase, too ... Cole's a smart guy, and on any given scheme, I can always ask him what I can do. And it's always fun to play football with your brother."
