PROVO, Utah – BYU football concluded spring practices in the Indoor Practice Facility on Friday. The Cougars conducted 15 practice sessions during March in preparation for the upcoming 2021 season. Below are some comments from the team following the final practice.
Head Coach Kalani Sitake | video
On his takeaway from this year’s Pro Day
It was really cool to see that many teams, coaches, GMs, ESPN and NFL Network there. There's a lot of buzz. I think it was really exciting to have our players be able to perform under those circumstances in that environment. I'm really thankful that we're able to provide a nice setting for the scouts and for the coaches and the GMs to have an easy Pro Day transition. That's something that would be really important to us.
On the impact Pro Day has on current players
It was really cool, a good motivation for our players to see themselves in that position and that they can compete, and then the measurables, the things that you're going to have to do to stand out in all those—all the different testing was really cool for our guys to see. And really nice to have that get out there and just showcase their strengths.
On the improvements the quarterback room made this spring
They all got really good. I say that because they're making things really difficult. You could see all of those guys in a position to lead our team on the field. I saw them progress and get better in so many different areas and start to own the offense. (The reps) split between the four of them, but I can say every one of those quarterbacks got better. That's a huge compliment to what A-Rod's done, and then also the preparation that these quarterbacks have made. And from last year to now, they've always had that talent, but I think they're all ready to take over the reins.
On the mentality of the team coming off a good year
Last year's plan doesn't work for this year. That worked for last year, and that was great and we saw some really good things. This year the plan’s got to be different, and we've met as a team about it already. We've got to still keep that chip-on-our-shoulder type of attitude with something to prove. There's a lot of things for us to prove. We had a really good year, don't get me wrong, but there's a lot of people that still doubt us. And there's a lot of people that don't believe that we have good enough talent.
Quarterback Baylor Romney | video
On staying motivated after a successful 2020 season
Everyone on this team is hungry right now and is looking forward to the season. I don't think that there'll be necessarily a drop off in motivation from the beginning of last season to this season. So, I think there are a lot of individuals that are very motivated still, and really looking forward to the season and there's guys who are going to make plays this year.
On whether the offense or defense “won” spring ball
I mean the defense, they're doing some really good stuff. There’s a lot of good coaching and a lot of good players on that side of the ball. I would tell you guys it is back and forth, but I feel that we (the offense) have got, we’ve got the best of them more than they’ve got the best of us.
On the quarterback depth chart
Right now, it's not that important. I think with what's going on, it makes all of us compete. It makes all of us stay on our toes in a sense and really, you know, do our best each and every day and work as hard as we possibly can. So, I like where we're at right now. And, you know, whatever the coaches decide in the fall, it’s their decision to be made.
On what he felt he accomplished during spring ball
I felt that I was very consistent, and that's something that I've really tried to work on. I feel that in every practice I was consistent at being smart with the ball and getting the ball to where it needed to be. I feel pretty comfortable with how I played this spring, you know, and the improvements that I made.
Quarterback Jaren Hall | video
On how much the team improved throughout spring practices
I think collectively we got a lot better. I mean with 15 practices, there's a lot that you can learn from and a lot you can grow from. I think each of us has showed what we do best. We have fun and I think we all made each other better. It was a good spring and I think we'll be in good hands come fall.
On how watching Zach Wilson’s progress has motivated the team
It's just a big confidence booster to know that anytime you do the work, you can get to that level. It's fun to see for him. We're proud and excited for Zach and looking forward to his future. But for all of us, it just shows that we put the work in and that's something that we could achieve.
On what he and the team need to work on before the season
I just need to tackle the playbook. I mean, bringing in the young guys and the new additions, guys off their missions, we all need to spend time together throwing and running through the playbook and getting stronger and faster. It’ll be typical offseason work. We need to emphasize the playbook, making sure we're all on the same page. Going on for four seasons now with the offense with our coaches I think we have a good opportunity to do some good things if we can all be on the same page.