Position Changes Highlight BYU’s Depth Chart Heading Into USC Game

PROVO, Utah – BYU football has a tall task in front of them as they look to knock off the No. 24 ranked USC Trojans in Provo this Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

The Cougars depth chart was released and there are a few notable changes from the depth chart a week ago.

The most notable change is Zayne Anderson officially going back to safety. Last week on the Cougar Tracks podcast, Ilaisa Tuiaki referred to possible changes in week two on the defensive side of the ball and that played itself out in the win over Tennessee.

Let’s break down the changes in this week’s depth chart.

BYU Football Head Coach Kalani Sitake and players address the media before the game against USC. September 9, 2019 #BYUFootball #GoCougs https://t.co/JRn0H19uy1

— BYU Cougars PR (@BYUCougarsPR) September 9, 2019

Zayne Anderson officially back at safety

Senior Zayne Anderson has been moved back to free safety. Along with the move, he’s listed as an OR with senior Sawyer Powell. Anderson didn’t start last week against Tennessee.

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake on why Anderson was moved to safety.

“Looking at what Zayne can do for our defense at the safety spot, he can be physical and play at the line of scrimmage,” said Sitake. “It’s a little different than what we had when we had Fred (Warner) there. He’s more of a hybrid safety that’s playing linebacker. I think he’s more comfortable at that position. Probably has an opportunity to make more plays, not specifically in tackles in the box or at the line of scrimmage, but I think we can utilize his speed to help us out there. That gives us a good rotation of guys there.”

There are a lot of similarities between BYU’s “flash” linebacker spot and the free safety position. In the past, linebackers coach Ed Lamb has stated that the flash linebacker role is basically an extension of the safeties.

Chaz Ah You is the new starter at flash linebacker

With Anderson back at free safety, sophomore Chaz Ah You steps into a starting role at flash linebacker. Last week against Tennessee, Ah You recorded two tackles in the Cougars victory over the Vols.

Chaz Ah You looks great in the flash linebacker spot. Making big hits. He was one of the stars back in spring. Getting increased playing time tonight. #BYU #BYUvsTENN #KSLsports

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 8, 2019

Ah You overpursued his assignments at times, but he has the athleticism and range that BYU’s coaching staff covets at that flash linebacker spot. Plus, having Ah You on the field more gives BYU their best 11 on the field at all times.

Shuffling at cornerback

Last week, D’Angelo Mandell, who was the starting cornerback against Utah was moved to the sideline in favor of Malik Moore who moved from safety back to cornerback where he originally started at in his young BYU career. Over the course of the win against Tennessee, junior college transfer Dimitri Gallow started to see more time against the Vols.

#BYU cornerback Dimitri Gallow reppin’ the Y at the Cougar Kickoff. I’ll have more pics from tonight’s event on the @kslsports Facebook page. https://t.co/80H2ZCniNT pic.twitter.com/ofTzrHtl0R

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) August 15, 2019

Look for Gallow to be the starter this Saturday against USC. He’s currently listed as an OR with D’Angelo Mandell.

Offensive depth chart remains status quo

No notable changes on the offensive side of the depth chart. BYU started tight end’s Joe Tukuafu and Masen Wake’s in Saturday’s win against Tennessee, but that was based on the designed package the Cougars had ready for the opening play. Matt Bushman still led tight end’s in the number of snaps played.

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.