Where Current BYU Football Players Rank Among All-Time Stat Leaders

PROVO, Utah –  BYU football will be looking to replace some generational talent from last year’s 11-1 team. That’s a difficult task, especially when one of those positions is the quarterback spot. But, the good news for BYU is that they have many players with experience in the program.

Many of the players returning for the 2021 season have put up some solid numbers already. Numbers that have them climbing up BYU football’s all-time stat leaders.

Here’s a look at where current BYU football rank among the all-time stat leaders for individual stat categories.

Passing Yards

Where 2021 BYU football players rank

34. Baylor Romney – 1,008 passing yards

50. Jaren Hall – 420

84. Neil Pau’u – 72

All-Time Career Passing Leaders

1. Ty Detmer – 15,031 (1988-1991)

2. Max Hall – 11,365 (2007-2009)

3. John Beck – 11,021 (2003-2006)

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Baylor Romney comes into this season as BYU’s top passing leader. He was the primary backup to Zach Wilson all of last season. In 2019, Romney started in two games, leading BYU to a pair of victories. One of those wins came against an undefeated, nationally-ranked Boise State team in 2019.

Romney’s 1,008 yards through the air put him behind Dave Terry, Bill August, and Eldon Fortie.

What’s interesting about both Romney and Hall is that each player has three years of eligibility remaining. So if either one of them wins the starting QB job, stay healthy, they have a chance to climb up the all-time passing ranks.

Rushing Yards

Where 2021 BYU football players rank

24. Tyler Allgeier – 1,298 rushing yards

27. Lopini Katoa – 1,229

88. Sione Finau – 407

102. Jackson McChesney – 330 yards

All-Time Career Rushing Leaders

1. Jamaal Williams – 3,901 (2012-2014, 2016)

2. Harvey Unga – 3,547 (2006-2009)

3. Curtis Brown – 3,372 (2002, 2004-2006)

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Tyler Allgeier burst onto the scene as a featured running back last season during BYU’s memorable 11-1 campaign. He returns and is expected to be the top ball carrier out of the backfield for BYU this fall. Due to the free year of eligibility from COVID-19 last year, Allgeier is only a sophomore. Three more years similar to what he did in 2020, he could be well on his way to becoming the school’s all-time leading rusher.

Receiving Yards

Where 2021 BYU football players rank

40. Gunner Romney – 1,306 receiving yards

74. Neil Pau’u – 958

103. Lopini Katoa – 695

All-Time Career Receiving Leaders

1. Cody Hoffman – 3,612 (2010-2013)

2. Austin Collie – 3,255 (2004, 2007-2008)

3. Eric Drage – 3,065 (1990-1993)

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Gunner Romney steps into the spotlight this season now that Dax Milne has moved on to an NFL career. Romney has racked up 1,306 receiving yards through his first three seasons, with last year far and away his best to date. In 2020, Romney hauled in 39 receptions for 767 yards.

Whoever wins the QB job will have experienced, talented options to throw the ball to the skill positions.

Sacks

Where 2021 BYU football players rank

T-99. Lorenzo Fauatea – 5 sacks

T-123. Tyler Batty – 4

T-142. George Udo – 3

T-142. Uriah Leiataua – 3

All-Time Career Sack Leaders

1. Brandon Flint – 35 (1980-1983)

2. Jan Jorgensen – 30 (2006-2009)

3. Mekeli Ieremia – 27 (1974-1977)

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BYU’s defenses haven’t produced the big sack numbers that fans might crave. But that could change with some of the current leaders. Lorenzo Fauatea has trimmed down and could see more time off the edge this fall. Also, BYU’s first NIL endorsement athlete Tyler Batty could be the next Jan Jorgensen.

Tackles

Where 2021 BYU football players rank

T-174. Payton Wilgar – 111 tackles

210. Keenan Pili – 97

T-225. Max Tooley – 94

All-Time Career Tackles Leaders

1. Shad Hansen – 407 (1989-1992)

2. Rod Wood – 394 (1975-1978)

3. Larry Carr – 389 (1971-1974)

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The statisticians back in the 1970s were crediting a ton of tackles, weren’t they? As for the 2021 leaders, all three guys lead a deep and talented linebacker unit that will be the heart of the BYU defense once again in 2021.

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