PROVO, Utah – With crisp air and warmer temperatures heading toward Provo, BYU moved outside for practice on Wednesday morning.
Nearly four weeks of work are in the books for spring football with just a few opportunities left for players and coaches to gear up for offseason workouts and fall camp. BYU's public spring scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday, April 7.
One of the strengths of the offense is the tight end group, led by Freshman All-American Matt Bushman. He led all FBS frosh tight ends last season with 49 receptions and 520 yards to go along with his three touchdowns.
Along with Bushman, offensive lineman turned tight end JJ Nwigwe, a senior, has turned heads in spring, working to expand his role from just a blocker to an every-down tight end. Another big body, 6-foot-5, 275-pound, redshirt freshman Joe Tukuafu saw a lot of action early in spring but an injury will sideline him for the remainder of camp. He is expected to be ready for offseason workouts and fall camp.
The group is also expecting redshirt junior Moroni Laulu-Pututau back for the fall after missing the 2017 season. Laulu-Pututau was a top target as a wideout in 2016.
Nate Heaps is also back after redshirting last year along with Tanner Redding, who has spent time with the team previously. Newcomer Tanner Leishman also bolsters the position, adding an athletic former basketball player at 6-foot-6 to the group.
The following quotes are from Wednesday's post-practice media availability.
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake
We had another good day. We had another practice where quarterbacks were live with 50 or so live snaps. So, really good film from spring so far. The offense had some really big plays early on and we did some red zone work. All our field goals and PAT’s were good, so I can’t complain.
On progress through week four
I feel really good. I think there are a lot of great reps for us to learn from. I think our offense, for all the insights they’ve had, I think it’s good to get film on it. It’s one thing to put it in the play book and give it to the players, but now we have film and guys can learn from it whether they are on the field or not. We have guys here visiting that will be here in the fall, but they now have something that they can learn from because it’s on film and not on a play book.
On the defense
They gave up some really big plays. A lot of it is from missed assignments and we are putting some new stuff in on defense. But, there really is no excuses. They shouldn’t have given up those big plays. There were big runs and big passes for touchdowns that usually doesn’t happen with our defense. It wasn’t a lack of effort, we just had some missed assignments and made some mistakes and that’s going to cost us. I’d rather it cost us now then in the season.
Have you ramped up the physicality?
Yes, the quarterbacks are live and we have never really done that before. I think we have had a lot of scrimmage reps, twice in the last week, alone. It’s a little bit more physical but I think it’s attitude and seeing guys perform in this type of environment. It’s easy when quarterbacks have all the time in the world and the only punishment they get is to get tapped on the shoulder pads. Now, they have to be a little bit more aware, and the timing of their throws. I think it will make us better.
Quarterback Zach Wilson
On his spring season
This whole spring has been crazy different after being in high school just a couple months ago. The seniors on the team have really taken me under their wing and showed me around and it’s made practicing a lot easier. I feel more comfortable and it really doesn’t feel a ton different like I expected it to be. I’m glad I’m out here with my guys and just having fun.
On getting close to the wide receivers
I think that’s a huge thing. I’ve definitely had my fair share of getting around with every receiver on and off the field. I know all of them are cool to come throw with me whenever I need it and then off the field they are cool to hang out every weekend and I think those ties and connections really mean something.
On under center vs. in the shotgun
It’s a little bit of an adjustment. My sophomore and junior year was a pro style team. It feels pretty comfortable. It feels like I’ve done it before. I like the spread shotgun better to a point, but I think the play action kills defenses. So, if that’s what our team wants to do and that’s what’s going to work, I’m totally cool with it.
On offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes
It was the first time I talked to him on the phone (after Grimes was hired). I just wanted to get a feel from him in the first five minutes. I just knew his demeanor of things. He’s going to get on you and push you hard, but you still have so much respect for him that you want to do everything you can to be good, but then you’re not afraid talk to him. He’s going to joke around but you respect him enough to work your hardest and get things done.
Relationship with coach Aaron Roderick
I’ve known Coach A-Rod for the last 10 years, growing up a Utah fan and he was over there too. He’s a good coach and is super knowledgeable. I am glad that I can come here and play with him because I think we connect really well.
On his teammates
I love them. They have been great. Every single one of them, honestly there has been no seniority. The older guys have all taken me in. I think that’s the No. 1 thing of how I’ve adjusted so comfortably is the older guys are just so cool with everybody.
Linebacker Butch Pau'u
On improving the defense
Guys have got to take care of their stuff individually. I think as captains of each individual position group we have to do a better job of making sure each guy in the group knows the assignment.
On facing the offense this year compared to last year
It seems like there is a lot more excitement and belief. Since day one when Coach Grimes walked into the room there was a silence and you could see the amount of respect these guys have developed in Coach Grimes and in the whole offensive staff. They are having fun doing what they love and believe in the scheme.