When BYU releases its depth chart on Monday for the opener against Utah Tech the following Saturday, fifth-year senior Treyson Bourguet will be listed as the Cougars’ backup quarterback, behind sophomore star Bear Bachmeier.
But that doesn’t mean the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Bourguet will change the way he approaches every practice and game. The charismatic Western Michigan transfer from Tucson, Arizona, will continue to compete as if the spot is still up for grabs.
“I attack every day like I am the starting quarterback for a top 10 team in the country,” Bourguet said Tuesday as the Cougars wrapped up preseason training camp. “Whether I’m running with the ones, twos or threes, I strive to be the best I can be.”
Answering a question Tuesday about which receivers have earned starting spots, head coach Kalani Sitake told reporters that they would have to wait until Monday to see the complete depth chart; however, Sitake later acknowledged that Bourguet has emerged as QB2 — although there wasn’t that much doubt about that when camp began.
“What Treyson did in camp just confirms what we already knew, that he can take us to wins if we need him to,” Sitake said. “I like the mentoring that he’s giving to Bear, too. The dynamic in that room is pretty awesome.”
Last week, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick reiterated what he told the Deseret News on Day 1 of camp — that if the season started today, Bourguet would be Bachmeier’s primary backup.
“Treyson is playing good football, man. He would start for a lot of teams in the country, and Enoch (Watson) would, too,” Roderick said.
Watson is a 6-3 freshman from Queen Creek, Arizona, who also had a strong camp. Tuesday, he moved the second- and third-team offense to a couple first downs in the media viewing portion of practice. Sophomore John Sanders and freshman Owen Geilman are the other QBs in the room and will run the scout teams in practices.
Bourguet said the room is unified, with each guy working to improve and be ready in case his number is called.
“Anybody who’s played any sport knows that a depth chart is a living and breathing organism, right?” Bourguet said. “It can change in a heartbeat. So whether I’m a two or a three or a (starter), I know that nothing is permanent. I’m gonna accept that role and keep working and excelling in that role in any way I can for the team.”
Sitake said that after Bachmeier won a three-way QB derby last summer over Bourguet and McCae Hillstead — who is now back at Utah State — and solidified his standing with a phenomenal freshman campaign, Bourguet could have also hit the road for green pastures.
“Treyson had many opportunities to go other places and start at other universities. He chose to be here, because of the BYU environment, because of this lifestyle, this culture here,” Sitake said. “And that’s in the locker room and that’s also on campus. He enjoys being a BYU student.
“He understands his role. He understood that going into the season (last year) and I think he understands more fully what he needs to do as a leader. So he’s one of the most unselfish guys I know. He’s definitely a leader for our team, and we have a lot of confidence in him.”
Bourguet has added another element to his vast repertoire during camp, and it has nothing to do with his quarterbacking ability. The business management major has provided daily fall camp updates on X, naming his “Fall Camp Standouts” after every practice.
Running back LJ Martin said it is just another reason why Bourguet is one of the most popular guys on the team among his teammates.
“He’s always building guys up, always,” Martin said.