Players not expected to return even though 2020 doesn't use year of eligibility

The NCAA has said no matter how much you play in 2020, due to covid-19 they won't expire a year of eligibility. So this begs the question--who will not be returning for 2021 in spite of the extended eligibility? This would be due to NFL prospects, age and life changes, or using up their 4 years of scholarship and the 'ship is needed for an incoming player. We know there is a backlog of players coming in early due to covid-19 as well. Here are my thoughts.



Not likely to return due to NFL prospects:

QB Zach Wilson, Junior - With the year he is putting up and his national attention, he would not improve his standing by coming back for a senior year.



OL Brady Christensen, Junior - He was regarded as a NFL prospect coming into this year. Since he served a mission, his age is his biggest drawback. That won't get better by returning.



OL James Empey, Junior - Is regarded among the best centers in the country. Also the age thing as a returned missionary.



OL Chandon Herring, Senior - Mentioned as a solid player who could play at the next level.



OL Tristen Hoge, Senior - Needs to get healthy from his covid-19 issues to impress, but was on the NFL draft radar coming into the season. 2 years of not being healthy could derail those prospects.



DL Khyiris Tonga, Senior - Considered the NFL draft last season, now the opportunity is ripe for him to go.



Others mentioned as having a shot depending on how their season goes this year:

- LB Isaiah Kaufusi, Senior

- S Troy Warner, Senior

- DB Chris Wilcox, Senior



Other scholarship seniors:

- LB/DB Zayne Anderson (no mission, but already used 2 redshirt years 2018, 2019 - medical)

- DL Zac Dawe

- DL Bracken El-Bakri

- LB Kavika Fonua

- DL Uriah Leiataua (currently enrolled in Marriott School of Business)

- OL Keiffer Longson



Walk-on seniors:

- DB Samuel Allred

- TE Kyle Griffitts

- DB Jared Kapisi

- DL Jeddy Tuiloma



Let me know your thoughts.

I'm curious what it going on with Zayne Anderson this season. I remember last season that he was being compared to Kyle Van Now up until he was injured, but I see he's played in all 5 games and is ranked at 6th in the number of tackles, but I just never hear anyone raving over him.

It's going to be interesting in how this plays out with seniors being allowed to stay as that fact will affect recruiting unless some dispensation is given for next season for the number of scholarships a school can extend. If they don't extend that number, then there will be less scholarships available to the high school seniors.

EM_Puma wrote:

It's going to be interesting in how this plays out with seniors being allowed to stay as that fact will affect recruiting unless some dispensation is given for next season for the number of scholarships a school can extend. If they don't extend that number, then there will be less scholarships available to the high school seniors.

From a story about the original announcement, emphasis added:

"Seniors will be permitted to return next year and not count against a sport's roster or scholarship limits. Underclassmen will get access to a waiver they can use to extend their careers, but beyond the 2021-22 academic year, those athletes will count against scholarship and roster limits."



So it makes sense for schools to keep as many current seniors as they can.

For me, the losers in this situation are the incoming freshmen who will be on the same eligibility standing as lasts year's recruits (i.e., 5 years to play 4), but with a year less experience throughout the arc of their collegiate career.



Being a 2021 HS graduate will make for a tougher road to collegiate success.

snoscythe wrote:

For me, the losers in this situation are the incoming freshmen who will be on the same eligibility standing as lasts year's recruits (i.e., 5 years to play 4), but with a year less experience throughout the arc of their collegiate career.



Being a 2021 HS graduate will make for a tougher road to collegiate success.

Yep, what I'm hoping is that more highly talented high school kids end up going to smaller schools because the bigger places will already have their 4 and 5 star guys.

I honestly think Zach needs another year.

SpiffCoug wrote:

I honestly think Zach needs another year.

Agreed.

KingCoug wrote:

I honestly think Zach needs another year.

Agreed.

Although, that throw to Milne right before the half was an NFL-caliber throw. That was a spectacular throw. That one throw totally changed my opinion of how prepared he is, in terms of arm strength, to play in the NFL. I'm still not fully convinced he's an NFL caliber QB, but I believe he does have the arm.

SpiffCoug wrote:

SpiffCoug wrote:

I honestly think Zach needs another year.

Agreed.

Although, that throw to Milne right before the half was an NFL-caliber throw. That was a spectacular throw. That one throw totally changed my opinion of how prepared he is, in terms of arm strength, to play in the NFL. I'm still not fully convinced he's an NFL caliber QB, but I believe he does have the arm.

Yeah it is one thing to hurl a ball 60-70 yards in a hail mary type pass; it is another to throw it 63 yards spot on... Amazing throw. And it was thrown somewhat across the body.....

Wow Brady Christensen!


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BYU senior cornerback Chris Wilcox, who graduated this past summer, said to the media tonight that this will be his last year and that he plans to pursue an NFL career after this season.



Wilcox said his best skill set for the NFL is his speed. He's shooting for a low 4.4-40.

This is totally selfish of me, but if we don't get a shot at the playoffs this year because everyone says, "We never got to see what they could do against a real team. If only we could see them against their original schedule..." Then I think everyone should say, "Oh really? Well, you are in luck! We are ALL coming back!" And when we get to the end of next season riding a 23-game winning streak and enough wins to be the Pac-12 South champions, there will be no choice but to give us a shot the second time around.



Also, this offense + Matt Bushman?! I just want to see it.

redneckjedi wrote:

Also, this offense + Matt Bushman?! I just want to see it.

I thought I read somewhere recently that Bushman was exploring entering the 2021 draft?

snoscythe wrote:

Also, this offense + Matt Bushman?! I just want to see it.

I thought I read somewhere recently that Bushman was exploring entering the 2021 draft?

I saw a rumor to that effect, citing "sources" close to Bushman. So, it's probably true, but I hope not.

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So I guess Chris Wilcox is now officially done. He opted out of the bowl game and reportedly has signed with an agent. (according to CougarBoard folks quoting Criddle)

Fido wrote:

So I guess Chris Wilcox is now officially done. He opted out of the bowl game and reportedly has signed with an agent. (according to CougarBoard folks quoting Criddle)

Of any of the players I thought might opt out of the bowl game Wilcox was definitely not one.

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Kyle Griffitts "After playing my last football game of my career,..."

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Tristan Hoge - from his dad Marty "final game of my son's career".