PROVO, Utah – The second week of BYU football's fall camp finished out with a practice in full pads on Friday morning.
The team mostly scrimmaged at the end of the week, getting crucial live reps in for younger players, especially along the defensive line.
The defensive line brings back top player Khyiris Tonga who decided to return to BYU for his senior campaign forgoing the 2020 NFL Draft. Tonga has played in all 39 games during his time at BYU recording 94 total tackles with 28 solo stops. The Utah native has been named to the Nagurski and Outland Trophy preseason watch lists.
The Cougars also return seniors Zac Dawe, Uriah Leiataua and Bracken El-Bakri who were main contributors during the 2019 season as well as upperclassmen Lorenzo Fauatea, Jeddy Tuiloma, Alden Tofa, Earl Tuioti-Mariner and sophomore Gabe Summers who saw action last season.
Loaded with underclassmen, the defensive line touts seven newcomers and six sophomores.
The following quotes are from Friday's post-practice media availability.
Head coach Kalani Sitake
Full interview here
Overall impressions of practice today
It was a good practice today. We scrimmaged. We did a lot of different situations. I think we got close to 75 or 80 live reps with our offense and defense and then we had some special teams stuff like punt, PATs and field goals. I am pleased with what I saw from the team. It was good to see the guys tackle a little bit. It was good to see the offense march down the field and to see our defense get some stops.
As a head coach you can’t be extremely happy because there are some concerns at some spots we need to get better. For the most part I am excited about the team and the energy that’s out there. It’s a good way to end the day and the week, having a good physical practice and scrimmage. I really like the way our team is progressing and feel good about where we are at right now. I am looking forward to next week and getting some live work in the stadium and building a more game-like environment.
On the offense and defense performing in live work today
I think if you are looking at it you would give the edge to the offense. We held some guys out on defense and as it gets closer we are going to have to start shifting toward Navy, but there were some guys we wanted to take a look at that maybe aren’t as proven as some of the guys we held out. That’s not anything to take away from our offense, I think our offense did a great job. If I am looking at it now without taking a look at the film I would say our quarterbacks did a great job. The running backs handled the ball really well. Tyler Allgeier, Lopini Katoa and Hinckley Ropati did a great job running the ball and saw some good runs from Jackson McChesney as well. We were also able to get a good look at Luc Andrada and Javelle (Brown) as well. The run game was really nice and the pass game was on point. I thought Zach (Wilson), Jaren (Hall) and Baylor (Romney) threw the ball really well. Sol-Jay (Maiava-Peters) was able to throw the ball as well. I would say the “one” offense did really well. I would say whoever was with the “one” O-line was able to score every time. They did a really good job.
Keeping practice engaging and fun
I think the key is to keep progressing as a group. It’s hard to have fun when you are getting knocked in the mouth and you are taking most of the force in a negative way. I think it is good for the guys to know that they are getting better to use the technique and the fundamentals. This is a group that with what is happening already, they already have so much gratitude just to be out here and to practice. They are not letting any moment pass by and not taking anything for granted and I think that is from the circumstances that are happening in the world today and in our country and especially in college football.
On some younger groups needing to take a step forward
No head coach is going to be really excited in practice 10 and think we are set. It’s all in moments, we wanted to test some young guys on defense and put them in a difficult spot. When they are going against 2s and 3s on O-line it is different than going against James Empey and Brady Christensen and those guys that are just loading up on you. It’s a good way to introduce them what college football is all about, especially when it is going live and not a quick whistle. Its bodies to the ground and things like that. The only way to get better at football is to play football. We told these guys going into it yesterday prepping them that they would need some great technique and some toughness. To me it is not a matter of talent or skill, it’s just a matter of experience.
Defensive lineman Zac Dawe
Full interview here
On the defense’s mindset
In the scrimmage we had today, we had some of the younger defensive linemen coming in. I think there are a lot of players that can play now and there is going to be a bright future for BYU. We had some awesome defensive lineman today – Tyler Batty and Gabe Summers made some big plays and some of the younger secondary like Ammon Hannemann and others had big plays all around the team. So, I am excited for the defense and we are ready for whoever will play us and give them our best shot.
On where the defense is after two weeks of fall camp
I think this has been one of the best camps I have been a part of. Everyone is pretty physical and willing to step up to the plate. Defensively, there are a lot of guys that want to get in and who are hungry to play. Just in the scrimmage, we have guys flying around and new guys making plays. There is a good competitive flow going through the defense right now and we are deep with how many players we have. We are ready to go.
On playing his senior season during a pandemic
It’s different. Usually, we are going into fall camp with a full schedule and know exactly who we are playing. This year we have to be reactive and whatever opportunity we are given and attack 100 percent because everyone in the country is uncertain with what is going to happen. Some of the seniors across the country don't get the opportunity to play this fall. We are just grateful to be a part of this program, who is willing to try and do everything they can. We have Tom Holmoe and Kalani Sitake who are trying to do everything they can so we can have a season. We are wearing masks and doing everything we can to play this season.
Wide receiver Dax Milne
Full interview here
On how the offense is doing in fall camp
The offense had a great day. I am an offensive guy so of course I am going to give all the praise to the offense. The defense is coming along but the offense was just pounding the ball so I am just liking the way we are headed.
On the highlights of the offense from the scrimmage today
Tyler Allgeier had a couple of amazing runs. He broke off and it’s impressive to see. When I am on the sideline or blocking downfield it’s awesome to see him make a couple of guys miss or run through some guys.
On the benefits of being at BYU and being able to train
It’s been great to be here with the guys. During the time of quarantine, it was hard doing nothing so when we were able to finally get back at it felt really good. It’s a blessing because not everyone is able to do this right now. So we are just taking what we can get.