When Bear Bachmeier takes his first snap at quarterback for BYU, it will look a bit different than what fans are accustomed to.
That’s because Bachmeier wears uniform number 47 — a rather unique choice for a player at his position.
Quarterbacks typically wear a number between 1-19 on their jersey, but Bachmeier explained that his choice to don 47 is a reminder of his early days on the football field.
“I used to play running back when I was younger, when I started playing football. When I made the transition to quarterback, I just kept the number,” Bachmeier told reporters in August. “I continued to play middle linebacker up until eighth grade. I like the number. It kind of brings you back to your primitive nature, I guess, when you’re playing.”
Several other prominent college QBs have worn atypical numbers in the past. Former Corner Canyon High star Devin Brown wore 33 at Ohio State to honor NFL legend and fellow gunslinger Sammy Baugh, and Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie famously sported 22 during his iconic career at Boston College.
As for Bachmeier’s unique first name, he also shared the story behind why he and his brother — BYU wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier — are named after animals.
“My dad’s grandpa, he used to be a fighter pilot,” Bear said. “He smoked those unfiltered Camels (cigarettes) and his voice was deep. … He would always tell my dad, ‘Get over here, Tiger (in a growling voice),’ And my dad always thought that was cool. He named James the fourth Tiger when he had a kid, and then he said, the best one has got to be named Bear.”