In some ways, Chase Roberts can’t catch a break.
During each of his four years in Provo, BYU’s top wide receiver has dealt with a new quarterback. He started with Jaren Hall, then it was Kedon Slovis. Last year, Roberts had Jake Retzlaff and now true freshman Bear Bachmeier will be in charge of getting him the ball.
Roberts came back this year specifically because he wanted some stability at quarterback. Finally, he thought, he’d have continuity and the stats to show for it.
But Retzlaff left the program abruptly instead of facing a seven-game Honor Code suspension.
Back to square one for the senior Roberts.
“It’s nothing new,” Roberts said with a grin. “We’ve done great in years past with a new quarterback who is learning the playbook.”
That’s true. BYU went 11-2 with Retzlaff last year.
But it undoubtedly puts added weight on Roberts’ shoulders this season, both personally and from a program perspective.
Roberts is the lone returning starter at receiver, having to guide an offense without its leader. His running mates from last year, Darius Lassiter and Keelan Marion, are gone. JoJo Phillips and Parker Kingston have been in the program for several years, but have never been relied on to start.
With Retzlaff at quarterback, the transition to Phillips and Kingston may have been smooth. But now with a true freshman running the offense, Roberts will need to take on an even larger role.
As for his own career, Roberts came back because he thought he could boost his NFL stock. He was a first-team All-Big 12 preseason receiver. He tallied 1,784 yards in his career. With Retzlaff coming back, he thought he could contend for a 1,000-yard season that would put him on draft radars.
Will he get the targets without Retzlaff to do it?
“It could bring some pressure, I guess. But I don’t play the game to get the accolades or to be at the top,” Roberts said. “I just love being with my brothers and playing football, and that’s what I’m going to focus on this year. The results are going to take care of itself. Whether it’s first team All-American, NFL draft, all that stuff. It’s going to happen as I just focus on being the best player I can be.”
But one thing he does feel pressure about is something entirely off the field.
“To be in this position to grow the faith of others. Trying to emulate our savior, Jesus Christ, and hopefully being an example for the younger generation,” he said. “That’s honestly what brings the most pressure. But also what calms me down the most.”
He added, “Whether I have one catch or nine catches, I still get to go out after the game and sign kids’ helmets and footballs and be a light to them.”
But part of that comes from the results on the field, something Roberts will have a big say in.
It isn’t the path Roberts was expecting. But, to him, it fits in line with a career of quarterback changes.
“You’ve got to win games to be a light to others,” Roberts finished. So I also want to be one of the best teams in college football so that we can have a better opportunity to do that."