BYU looks to finish third week of fall camp

On what he feels great about
“There’s certain players that are playing at a super high level. They would be the ones you would expect: Batty, Blake Mangleson’s gotten way better, John Nelson and the interior of the D-line. Jakob Robinson has had a really good camp so far. I like the battle going on with the safeties right now. They’re all getting better. I think we’re a lot better in that room than last year and we’re deeper. So, that’s good.”

On what is concerning
“Depth at certain spots. We need a couple of backers to still step up the depth there. There’s some talent in that group, and we need the guys to solidify themselves. The corner group is the same thing. That third, fourth, fifth corner we just really need to step it up.”

On the determining factor of safety
“Obviously play making, who’s making the most plays. Tomorrow is going to be a big deal. Also, just the ones who know the defense the best.”

On tomorrow’s scrimmage
“I think it’ll be a little bit shorter. We need an opportunity to be under the lights a little bit, get a feel for the stadium, all that, and more than anything, just one more opportunity for some of the guys to tackle.”

On how the team is looking
“I think we’re way ahead of last year at this point, and overall a better tackle team compared to years before. I think we’re better, you know, time will tell as we get into the second scrimmage tomorrow and in the games. But so far through camp, I think we’re doing good.”

On watching Etienne and Batty battle
“Well, first off, I think Coach Woods has done an amazing job with the offensive line. I see their physicality. I like their techniques right now. Caleb’s really improved. So to watch that battle with those guys is fun for us. Each day we get to watch one-on-ones and we think that’s one of the greatest parts of the day.”

On what sticks out from the offense
“Well, I really like what our offensive coaches do. They’re always changing. They’re multiple. They use a bunch of personnel groupings. I think we’re way deeper in the wide receiver group, the tight end group and the running back group right now. They’re doing such a mix and match of all the different varieties that they throw at you. They’re doing a good job running the ball right now. The throw game can hurt you in so many ways, shallow to deep. I like the creativity of the offensive coaches. I can’t wait for the fans to see it this year.”

On Jack Kelly
“There’s a reason why I wanted Jack Kelly here. He’s a great player. He’s instinctive, he runs, he’s physical and I can’t wait to see him play in the Big 12. I think the fans are going to like what they see from him. I like what I see. His comfort level in this defense shows up on this practice field because he’s been doing this for a while.”

On his confidence in kick and punt personnel
“I feel great. There’s good competition going on right now at punter between Sam [Van Der Haaar] and Landon [Rehkow], and at deep snapper as well between Dalton [Riggs] and Cannon [Skidmore]. I would be very comfortable with any of those guys in the game. The competition is going to go down to our last practice of camp next Wednesday. I feel great with Will [Ferrin at kicker]. He’s made 27 of 28 field goals during fall camp. He’s hit a number of field goals past 50 yards. I’m excited to see him continue to progress. This is as deep of a special teams group as I’ve had.”

On his confidence in return specialists
“It will be similar to what we had last year with Parker [Kingston] and Keelan [Marion]. There are some other guys emerging as well. Chase Roberts has done a really good job, so has Pokaiaua Haunga. Those are the top four guys in the mix for punt and kick return.”

On the addition of punter Sam Vander Haar
“Sam can do it all, that’s what’s great about him. Obviously with his Australian background, everyone is probably anticipating the rugby-style punt, but he can do everything. There’s a lot of beauty in having a punter that can rugby punt or pocket punt. There’s a lot of different kicks he can do and a lot of different spins he can put on the ball. It’s going to be hard for a punt return team to know exactly what we’re doing.”

On the defensive ends
“It’s been consistent through fall camp with [Tyler] Batty and Logan [Lutui] or Isaiah [Bagnah]. I would be completely fine with either Logan or Isaiah starting. I pulled them both aside after the scrimmage last week and told them ‘I don’t know who the starter’s going to be but you guys are both going to play a lot like you’re a starter.’ Bodie Schoonover has really solidified himself as the fourth guy in that group. Those four are a little farther ahead than everybody else. Viliami Po’uha and Ephraim Asiata have come along as well.”

On freshman defensive end Ephraim Asiata
“He’s a special athlete with his change of direction and explosiveness. We’re going to have to find a role for him on the field somehow, some way. He will be a special teams contributor. The kids loves football. The weight will come. He’s still trying to figure some things out nutritionally, but he will be fine. The love that he has for the game, that’s what fires me up.”

On three weeks into Fall Camp
“It’s going well. I’ve been picking up the playbook and just feeling really good at left tackle. I’ve been getting a lot of reps and working hard in this heat. We’ve been going hard against the defense, and we are just getting each other better every day.”

On his position this year
“I’ll be at left tackle for sure this year. That’s where I’m most valuable and ready to play.

On preparation in the offseason
“I’ve just been in the film room watching extra tape from last year as well as film from upcoming opponents. I’ve been in the weight room as well to just get my body right. I’m staying strong, staying in shape and getting ready so I can go out there and play fast.”

On the offensive line making improvements
“We could do it. We have the guys that can go out there, do it and prove to everyone that we can be the best offensive line that we are. We just have to go out there and show what we’ve been doing, working on and just play full speed.”

On the importance of footwork
“Slow feet don’t eat’. I know you have heard that before. We just have to come out here and do a lot of reps before practice and try to work it mentally. It’s important to keep it instilled in your head because you could be fast, but you have got to be faster when you’re on the field in that two-point stance trying to go backwards and the defender’s coming forward. You have got to be fast on your feet.”