Countdown to Kickoff (93): Can Gunner Romney be the clear-cut #1 wide receiver for BYU?

The football season might seem in the distance but here at Vanquish the Foe we’re counting down the days until the first game against the Utes. To help ease out way unto the season we’re going to spend every day exploring a specific question pertaining to BYU Football. Some of the questions will focus on important topics (offensive play calling) and others will explore the subjects of a rather...inconsequential nature. Today we talk about Gunner Romney

In the last decade, BYU has signed only two 4-star Wide Receivers out of High School — Ross Apo in 2010 and Gunner Romney in 2018. Romney showed flashes of his ability as a true freshman, but a hamstring injury before the season started limited his reps in fall camp and slowed down his development; he also missed the final three games of the season due to the hamstring injury. In nine games, Romney tallied 13 receptions for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns.

With the lack of a #1 WR and (fingers crossed) a healthy summer ahead of him, Romney will have every opportunity to be BYU’s top WR and Zach Wilson’s favorite target alongside Matt Bushman. Romney was one of the top receivers out West in high school with his combination of hands, route running ability and speed.

Aleva Hifo is the most productive WR on the team, but his slot position doesn’t interfere with Romney’s playing time on the outside. Talon Shumway had some nice moments at the end of the season, and Neil Pau’u, Micah Simon and Dax Milne round out the group that should see the bulk of time at wide receiver.

Romney by far possesses the highest upside of any WR of the team and has the potential to develop into a guy that has the savvy route running to move the chains and the ability to come up with one-on-one catches down the field. If BYU wants to become a top 50 offense once again, having Romney develop into a bonafide go-to receiver will go a long way in reviving a lackluster passing attack.