PROVO, Utah – BYU football released their first depth chart heading into their season-opening game against the No. 14 Utah Utes.

One of the notable takeaways from the Cougars first depth chart of the 2019 season is the running back position.

South Carolina graduate transfer Ty’Son Williams was listed as BYU’s starting running back.

After the first scrimmage of BYU’s fall camp earlier this August, head coach Kalani Sitake said that Ty’Son Williams was establishing himself as a leader.

High praise from Kalani Sitake for Ty'Son Williams today after the scrimmage. Using terms such as leader, respect, and special player. #BYU #CampKalani

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) August 10, 2019

Head coach Kalani Sitake on why Ty’Son Williams won the starting job at running back.

“I think overall he performed the best in the competition,” said Sitake. “And we felt like Soup (Emmanuel Esukpa) and Lopini (Katoa) were right there with him. But we felt like he earned that spot the right way in the competition. The great thing about those three, it brought them even closer together.”

Williams has rushed for 856 career rushing yards in his previous seasons with North Carolina and most recently South Carolina.

Coming into camp, sophomore running back Lopini Katoa was projected to be the starter but there was always going to be a competition to see who would ultimately win the job.

“Patti (Edwards) spoke to our team last week and mentioned that the love that competition brings when you’re able to help and share that … I think our players took it to heart and I think she just confirmed what they are doing is working. In the long run, Ty’Son earned it. Hopefully, there will be opportunities to see all three of those guys perform.”

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.