On Thursday, BYU veteran offensive lineman Connor Pay announced that he will return to BYU for his final season of eligibility. Pay, who has started for BYU since the end of the 2020 season, was considering an early departure from BYU to pursue the NFL. Instead, he will use all of his college eligibility and suit up for the Cougars in 2024.
Getting Connor Pay back into the fold is a massively important addition to the offensive line. The Cougars will already be down two starters from last season in Kingsley Suamataia and Paul Maile. There could be more - Brayden Keim has not announced his 2024 plans. He was honored on Senior Day.
Pay will bring a veteran presence to a group that will include many new faces - he is the most experienced player along the offensive line by a wide margin. He has played nearly 2,300 snaps in a BYU uniform.
When Pay moved back to center from guard last season, BYU's rushing attack became much more prolific. With Pay at center and a new offensive line coach at the helm, BYU's rushing attack will have the opportunity to be an improved unit in 2024.
On the juniors that were honored on Senior Day, Pay is one of three seniors that have announced their plans to return to BYU in 2024. Pay will be joined by defensive ends Tyler Batty and Isaiah Bagnah who announced their plans to return to BYU next season.
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