It had been a decade since BYU had returned a kickoff for a touchdown.
Then Keelan Marion went for two in a single season.
Marion, with his often daring return decisions, earned first-team All-American returner honors from the Football Writers Association of America this week.
It was just the latest in a pile of postseason accolades for the Cougar wideout. Marion was also on All-American lists from Pro Football Focus, CBS Sports, Walter Camp and College Football Network.
Marion’s most pivotal touchdown came on the road against Utah — a 96-yard return that kept the Cougars in the game. BYU ended up winning 22-21 on a last-second drive by quarterback Jake Retzlaff.
Marion’s first return TD came against Wyoming on a night BYU blew out the Cowboys.
Marion told The Salt Lake Tribune he intends to return to Provo next year for his final season of eligibility. He will be one of the veterans in the group as BYU loses fellow receivers Darius Lassiter and Kody Epps. Senior Chase Roberts could leave, but has the option to stick around.
BYU began to use Marion more down the stretch of the season. After Roberts, it could be argued that Marion was BYU’s most reliable playmaker.
He finished with 23 catches for 340 yards. He had one receiving touchdown and two rushing touchdowns. Marion’s ability on the jet sweep helped BYU climb back into the game at Arizona State — where the Cougars came back from three touchdowns but ultimately lost 28-23.
Marion came to BYU from UConn, where he played two seasons. In his first year, he accounted for over 500 total yards and five touchdowns.
New special teams coordinator Kelly Poppinga has opted for Marion and Parker Kingston as his return specialists. Kingston also had a return for a touchdown against Kansas State in the Big 12 opener. He muffed a punt near the goalline and ended up returning it for 90 yards. BYU won that game, keeping its undefeated season alive.
Poppinga has been credited with BYU’s special teams revival this year.
