PROVO, Utah – With the final week of fall camp closing, the BYU football team now turns its attention to the season opener against Navy.
With new coach Harvey Unga taking control of the running backs, the Cougars return the majority of their running back room. Led by junior Lopini Katoa, the running backs will work with younger but experienced talent. Katoa finished the 2019 season leading BYU in all-purpose yards at 853 with 358 yards on the ground, 288 in the air and 207 on kickoff returns.
Redshirt sophomore Tyler Allgeier has seen time at running back, linebacker and kick returner but looks to find a permanent home in the backfield. He ran for 119 yards on 17 carries and added three receptions for 67 yards.
During the 2019 season, the running backs were plagued by injuries as BYU lost then-senior Ty'Son Williams with an injury early in the season giving an opportunity to younger players.
Sophomore Sione Finau led all rushers during the 2019 season with 359 yards in only eight games but also suffered a season-ending injury in the back half of the 2019 season.
Jackson McChesney will also be vying for playing time after an impressive game against UMass in the 2019 season. McChesney rushed for 228 yards against UMass marking the sixth-most rushing yards in a game in BYU history and the most by a BYU freshman. McChesney finished the season third on the team in rushing yards with 274, only playing in three games to preserve a redshirt season.
BYU also added junior college transfer Hinckley Ropati to the roster during fall camp. At Cerritos College, Ropati rushed for 647 yards on 109 carries with 10 touchdowns during the 2019 season and could see playing time this year for the Cougars.
The following quotes are from Thursday's post-practice Zoom media availability:
Wide receiver coach Fesi Sitake
On the stage that BYU has for the Navy game
I am really excited. Everyone knows this year has been crazy to say the least. It's been a giant tug-o-war for a lot of people, rightfully so. Wherever you stand on anything, for me it will just be a nice sigh of relief to just get out onto the field and play a football game and have some fun and do it in a classy way, with sportsmanship with an unbelievable team, the Naval Academy. What an incredible opportunity for us and a good reminder about what we have in this country and the freedoms we are able to enjoy. So, to go to a team like that on Labor Day, its a great storyline and we are super excited.
On preparation for Navy
For the offense, we are on a Tuesday of a normal game week and hoping to repeat it again next week. We are just trying to duplicate a three-day work week that we would normally have. Obviously, we have had a lot more time than we would in the season to study these guys so mentally I feel we are a little bit more prepared and our level of comfort is there just because of the time we've had.
On the importance of having go-to guys as wide receivers
I think it is critical. The last couple of years it has been hard to have a feature guy and that they haven't been able to surface and I am definitely a part of that as much as anything. You have a guy like tight end Matt Bushman who is a feature go-to guy and I think at the wideout position it is critical to have one of those guys. If it ends up happening, great. We want that to happen. But, you look at the past BYU offenses that have been successful – they have that with the Collies, the Hoffmans. I think we have personnel in our group to do so many different things. But, if I guy were to break out and be that go-to guy, I think that is a great problem to have. We are going to try to figure out who that is going to be, but I think it is healthy for an offense that has a guy like that.
Running back Lopini Katoa
On the running backs
It's awesome to see everyone get comfortable with our runs and assignments overall. I feel like we are really in-sync with our offensive line and are looking really good.
On the confidence of the offense
I think we are confident in what we can do. We have done great things throughout camp. Being able to string together some good practice in preparation for Navy will help get our confidence level to where our play has been at. I think it is there and we will see some good results on game day.
On how the offense is different or the same from past years
I think a lot of it is the same. We are playing to our strengths a lot more than we have in the past. I feel like we have a lot of veteran guys all across the board and at all positions. I feel like you are going to see a lot more productive offenses because of the experience and the versatility that we have.
On having Harvey Unga as the new running back coach
It's been great. He has been around so it hasn't been much of a transition at all. He has just picked up right where Coach AJ Steward left off and he's been able to add his insight. I feel like the running backs are confident and we learn from him every single day. He has been able to get up going in the right direction.
Defensive back Troy Warner
On the defensive backfield
It is going really well. We have a talented defensive backfield this year and a lot of guys that are very capable. I think the biggest emphasis for Navy has been discipline and making sure we are playing clean and limiting any mistakes and what not in practice. We have been doing a pretty good job of that so far.
On eye control and focus on Navy's offense
It's huge. It makes or breaks a game at some times. That is why Navy is so widely respected because they are very disciplined and they get you going downhill and trying to lull you to sleep. As soon as they catch you slipping they try to take you over top so eye-discipline is going to be huge for this defense. In practice, that is all we are focusing on right now, to be super disciplined, limit the mental errors, play fast. It is gonna be a good game and I'm excited.
On the progress for the cornerbacks
They have a huge chip on their shoulders. One thing that I have noticed about this group is that they just compete and that's just something that has just been consistent throughout all fall camp. Short term memory – if they get caught it's on to the next play. Every guy is wanting to just compete, give the best look and play at the highest level that they can. That is something that is really important in a group of cornerbacks.