James

Empey

Empey (6'4"/303) could have declared last year and been a mid-rounder, but stayed for another season. He’s struggled with injuries his past two seasons, but has shown great talent and smarts in his time with BYU that should get him drafted. His freshman and sophomore seasons were stellar which saw PFF rate him as the best center in pass-blocking in those two years.

Romney (6'3/195) and Empey suffered apparent lower body injuries during Saturday’s game, and neither was able to return. Both players are considered to be doubtful for the matchup with former BYU HC Bronco Mendenhall’s Cavaliers, but Sitake did say that he did not believe either injury to be season-ending.

BYU coach Kalani Sitake didn’t give a definite update on Cougars offensive linemen Harris LaChance and James Empey, both of which missed the matchup against USU this past week, in his press conference. Sitake only said that he’s “really happy with the guys who stepped in and made plays” according to Jay Drew of the Deseret News. It will be interesting to see if and when either of these players are ready to go as BYU prepares to face Boise State this weekend.

Empey (6'4/303) has started every game for the Cougars this season, but will not suit up for Friday night’s game against Utah State (3-1). Listed behind Empey on BYU’s depth chart is freshman OL Connor Pay, who could see more playing time against the Aggies in Empey’s absence.

There is no timeline regarding a return for either the redshirt senior Hoge (6'5/310) or the redshirt junior Empey (6'4/303), who both missed Saturday’s win over Louisiana Tech. Hoge, who started the Cougars’ season-opener at Navy, did not play against Troy either. The injured tandem was replaced in the starting lineup by Joe Tukuafu and Blake Freeland for this past weekend’s win over Louisiana Tech.