Laura Seitz, Deseret News
PROVO — After watching quarterbacks Tanner Mangum and Zach Wilson battle throughout fall camp, BYU’s coaching staff chose to give the starting job to Mangum, a senior.
But as the Cougars kick off their season Saturday at Arizona, Wilson, a true freshman, has earned his team’s respect and confidence.
“An 18-year-old kid who comes in, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, straight out of high school. He doesn’t act like it. He has that swagger,” said wide receiver Micah Simon. “He carries himself that way that he’s going to play his best and show his teammates that he can make the throws and make the reads and take control of the huddle.