KSL’s Unrivaled Steals Two Players From BYU, Utah For Other Squad

Who Would BYU Steal?

There are a few positions that BYU could improve upon and that is wide receiver and also running back as those two units are lacking overall, or in case of the running backs, uncertainty with a pair of graduate transfers.

Harper would take two huge stars from the Utes in defensive back Jalen Johnson and running back Zack Moss. These two players would be an instant impact for the Cougars to have a really good season this upcoming year.

“Jalen Johnson will be a first-round NFL Draft pick and with Zack Moss, BYU would suddenly be a nine- or 10-win team and they would be that big of an impact and will be playing in the NFL next year,” Harper said.

“BYU’s running backs with Lopini Katoa, Ty’Son Williams, and Emmanuel Esukpa, I would still take Zach Moss and guys like [Devin] Brumfield there is a lot of depth and talent at Utah’s running back to be the No. 1 back for BYU,” continued Harper.

KSL Sports’ Scott Mitchell made his picks to pluck from Utah to the Cougars by going with an elite defender in Bradlee Anae and wide receiver Britan Covey. Both of those players would help BYU on both sides of the ball immensely.

.@philsteele042 has released his pre season All-Pac-12 and pre season All-America teams. @BradleeAnae, @LekiFotu & @NBAxJay1 have earned not only first team All-Pac-12, but also All-America honors! https://t.co/LPBQpcnZsS pic.twitter.com/eodrNasFPX

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) June 13, 2019

“Just because it would stir up a lot of controversies, Britain Covey. I just think it would be a fun one and he would be Mr. BYU with his receding hairline which I did consider,” Mitchell said on KSL’s Unrivaled.

The final picks from Utah to BYU came to Alex Kirry who took a different angle by going with Utah backup quarterback Jason Shelley to add depth to that position for the Cougars.

“I think that the chasm between No. 1 and No. 2 for BYU is so big at quarterback. I think Jason Shelley could be a guy that, if and when, Zach Wilson goes down over the next couple of years is a guy I could say, ‘I feel great about Jason Shelley going into the game,'” Kirry said.

“He might even give Zach Wilson a run for his money in camp. I think it’s lame to take a backup quarterback, but I don’t feel comfortable with Jaren Hall being BYU’s backup to Wilson,” said Kirry.

Who Would Utah Snag From BYU?

While Utah is considered the better team than BYU heading into 2019, there are still players that could help make the Utes even better.

Mitchell joked g that Utah is stacked and does not need anyone from BYU, but to play along he decided to add depth to the Utes linebacking group by stealing Isaiah Kaufusi and then to be controversial, took BYU starting quarterback Zach Wilson to backup Tyler Huntley as an insurance policy.

“I am taking Zach Wilson because I think he is the best player at BYU since you can never have enough good talent,” Mitchell said. “If you look at Tyler Huntley, he has never been at Utah in a season where he has not gotten hurt.

“I think BYU’s hopes would be dashed on the rocks forever and taking the heart and every hope out of this team. Wilson can be a difference maker and be a guy that can win one or two of those games (against Power 5 teams),” added Mitchell.

Kirry went second and stole a pair of defenders to bolster what is already going to be a really good defense in Salt Lake City.

“If I am Utah,  your defensive line is really good, I take Khyiris Tonga. He would be as good as any of the guys up there now,” Kirry said. “Hear me out on this second one, Zayne Anderson at linebacker. Utah is not necessarily deep at linebacker but they are really good. Anderson is your new Chase Hansen and faster and maybe even smarter.”

Harper got the last pick and some of the players he was eyeing were taken by Kirry and Mitchell, but ended up sending over to Utah an offensive and defensive lineman.

“There is a weakness not really a weakness but maybe just some question marks on Utah’s offensive line. I think you look at BYU’s offensive line and a guy like James Empey — who once was a Utah signee,” Harper said. “He could play a multiple of positions along that line and is positioned at center right now for BYU. Utah would serve them well for having a guy like Empey.”

The final player sent over is BYU defensive lineman Lorenzo Fauatea who would provide even more depth to that Utah defensive front that is already considered one of the best in the Pac-12.

Tune into KSL’s Unrivaled every Monday through Friday, 7-9 p.m., or download the KSL NewsRadio app to subscribe to the podcast.