BYU football announces 2022 team captains

PROVO, Utah — BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake today announced captains and co-captains representing offense, defense and special teams for the 2022 football season.

The 2022 team captains on offense include preseason All-American offensive linemen Clark Barrington and Blake Freeland, along with quarterback Jaren Hall and wide receiver Puka Nacua. 

Linebackers Keenan Pili and Payton Wilgar, along with defensive back Kaleb Hayes and defensive lineman Lorenzo Fautaea were voted as captains of the defense. 

In addition to the eight captains, assistant co-captains were also selected to represent the team in various leadership roles. 

The assistant co-captains for offense include wide receiver Gunner Romney, tight end Dallin Holker, center Connor Pay and running backs Lopini Katoa and Chris Brooks; while linebacker Ben Bywater, defensive end Tyler Batty, cornerback D’Angelo Mandell and safety Malik Moore represent the defense. Ryan Rehkow was voted assistant co-captain representing special teams. 

"It’s an honor for these young men to be recognized by their teammates to lead our team,” Sitake said. “We are fortunate to have a lot of quality young men in our program who bring unique leadership experiences to the team.”

BYU opens the 2022 season on Saturday, Sept. 3, when it takes on South Florida at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The game is schedule to kickoff at 4 p.m. EDT and will be televised nationally on ESPNU.