BYU tight finish Isaac Rex (83) celebrates his landing towards he Oregon Geese at Autzen Stadium in Eugene on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. With receiver Kody Epps shifting on, a wholesome Rex might be vital in filling the void. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Information
BYU broad receiver Keanu Hill celebrates after making a landing catch vs. Utah Tech after the PAT, in the course of the sport at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Spenser Heaps, Deseret Information
Kody Epps was simple to love. On the sector, when wholesome, the 5-foot-11, 187-pound receiver was electrical and enthusiastic. Off the sector, he labored arduous at school and freely proclaimed his love for Jesus, his mother and father and for BYU. Whoever lands him from the switch portal will get an incredible younger man. However what they gained’t be getting is a soccer participant who's irreplaceable — these guys don’t exist.
Kalani Sitake and his employees, whereas stunned by his sudden departure, are buying the portal. They'd love somebody who's as fast as Epps, however greater and outfitted to face up to the bodily challenges which might be coming within the Huge 12. On Tuesday, Japanese Michigan switch and former junior school All-American Darius Lassiter (6-foot-3, 200-pounds) dedicated to this system.
BYU additionally has sources already on the roster who're itching to play, together with Talmage Gunther, Parker Kingston, Dom Henry, Koa Eldridge, Kade Moore, Hobbs Nyberg and Devin Downing. However their prime property are the Huge Three — Keanu Hill, Chase Roberts and Isaac Rex.
Hill is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior who performed in all 13 video games final yr. He completed with 36 receptions for 572 yards and 7 touchdowns. His talent set consists of velocity, power, great palms, and sufficient confidence to do the Griddy in entrance of 60,000 screaming followers.
Roberts is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound sophomore who performed in 11 video games in 2022. He caught 22 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns. When matched up towards No. 9 Baylor and the Bears veteran secondary, Roberts pulled in eight passes for 122 yards and a landing. He additionally threw a landing move to quarterback Jaren Corridor.
Rex is a 6-foot-6, 255-pound junior who, regardless of taking part in on an unhealthy ankle, appeared in all 13 video games final yr. He caught 22 passes for 320 yards and 6 touchdowns. The damaged ankle he sustained at USC on Nov. 27, 2021, has been a gradual healer however he expects to be at full power on Sept. 2 towards Sam Houston.
In contrast to Epps, who missed the final 5 video games of the season and all of spring follow with a shoulder harm, Hill, Roberts and Rex have been on the sector. They performed a job in BYU’s four-game profitable streak to finish final season with Corridor they usually have been on the sector with Kedon Slovis because the day he arrived, together with each spring exercise.
All three Cougars can do extra they usually must. Most significantly, they seem prepared and prepared with Rex able to maybe do essentially the most. The tight finish was a favourite goal of Zach Wilson in 2020. He caught 37 passes for 429 yards and ranked No. 3 nationally with 12 touchdowns.
Within the final two seasons mixed, with Corridor at quarterback, Rex caught 40 passes for 511 yards and 6 touchdowns. He was underutilized in 2021 and handicapped by his well being in 2022. Nothing will fill the void left by Epps greater than if Rex can get again to his 2020 manufacturing, together with extra targets in the midst of the sector and a rise of lob passes to the nook of the tip zone, the place his measurement and power can dominate.
Creating the chemistry needed between a quarterback and his tight finish is nicely underway. Slovis stayed with the Rex household final week in San Clemente, California, whereas they labored out with former Cougars Austin Collie, Dennis Pitta and John Beck. On the time, that they had no thought Epps wouldn't be a part of the 2023 offense. Now they do.
There isn't a sugarcoating the loss. Epps had the potential to play a key function within the BYU assault — however he can and might be changed. Whoever steps up from the present roster or the portal will profit from the chance and the truth that Hill, Roberts and Rex are greater than able to making up the distinction will soften the blow.
BYU broad receiver Keanu Hill celebrates after making a landing catch vs. Utah Tech after the PAT, in the course of the sport at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.
Spenser Heaps, Deseret Information
Dave McCann is a contributor to the Deseret Information and is the studio host for “BYU Sports activities Nation Sport Day,” “The Submit Sport Present,” “After Additional Evaluation,” and play-by-play announcer for BYUtv. He's additionally co-host of “Y’s Guys” at ysguys.com.