Countdown to Kickoff (78): Returned Missionaries to Watch

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 highlight some of the returned missionaries entering the program.

Chaz Ah You — LB

We highlighted Chaz last week as one of this year’s potential breakout stars, and the sophomore LB is the most likely of the returned missionaries to make an immediate impact. Ah You is the highest rated recruit on BYU’s roster and is ready to play game one after competing in spring ball. If Chaz can live up to his high potential early in the season, then this defense has a good chance to be the best of the Sitake era.

Jackson McChesney — RB/WR

With his combination of speed and agility, McChesney could be a valuable weapon in the BYU offense. The running back room seems crowded right now, but McChesney could still line up either in thd backfield or at slot receiver. We may not see him much early in the season as he gets his legs back under him, but Jackson is a guy Grimes could incorporate more in the offense as the season progresses.

Jake Oldroyd — K/P

Jake the Make is back on campus and competing for both the starting kicker and punter positions. He has a Spring ball under his belt where coaches got a chance to evaluate him versus Skyler Southam and Danny Jones. Even if Oldroyd isn’t the game one starter, he could quickly overtake one of the two aforementioned guys if they struggle.

Caden Haws — OL

A high school center, Haws was a mauler in the interior of the line in Arkansas. Although he won’t overtake James Empey as the starting center, Haws is good enough to establish himself as the backup to Empey. This could be a good year for Haws to play up to four games — which allows him to gain some game reps while keeping his redshirt intact — and be two years separated from Empey.

Seleti Fevaleaki — DT

A 3-star prospect out of California, Fevaleaki could compete for early playing time in the middle of BYU’s defensive line. BYU listed Seleti at 6-foot-3, 290 pounds in this year’s signing day release, which is 20 pounds heavier than he was listed when he signed in 2017. BYU has some proven guys ahead of him, but Seleti could crack the two-deep at some point this season.

Other to Watch: Tyler Batty (DE), Ryan Rekhow (P), Alema Pilimai (TE/LB), Keenan Pili (LB)