PROVO, Utah — BYU football conducted its third practice of fall camp on Friday at the Zions Bank Practice Fields.
Following Friday's practice, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick, defensive coordinator Jay Hill and running back LJ Martin addressed the media.
Read select comments from those interviews and watch them in their entirety below.
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On how fall camp has been going
“It has been good. It's only been three days, but I like this team a lot. We have good players on offense and the execution through three days is a lot better than it was last year. We have put a lot of stuff in through these first three days. Today there were some mistakes, but that’s okay. We are going to get it all in early and then repeat it over and over from there.”
On the quarterback battle
“It is too soon for me to comment on that. Everything I said in the spring still holds true and we are going to be exactly 50-50 with reps until somebody emerges. At some point in camp it becomes apparent to the whole team so I am not in a hurry at all. There is a great chance that we need both of those guys at some point this year anyway.”
On the offense as a whole
“I really think we have depth at every position, but it is time for us to go do it and that is pretty much what you are going to hear from me. We have to perform in games.”
On last season
“The offense faced adversity last year and it has kind of brought the team closer this year. It is humbling to not play in a bowl game and spend the whole offseason having people think you aren’t very good. I think a lot of players went through some lumps last year and went through some learning. Now I believe those guys are going to show up and play well for us.”
On the addition of Offensive Line Coach TJ Woods and Tight Ends Coach Kevin Gilbride
“Coach Woods is doing a really good job and Coach Gilbride has brought a lot to our offense as well. Those two are working really well together. Gilbride has really good experience with the run game in the NFL and Woods has always done a good job everywhere he has been. I think the chemistry between those two and the way they are working together is making a difference.”
On the third day of fall camp
“I like the progress. I like where we started. I can tell that the guys did a great job with the strength coaches in the weight room this summer. I think that the strength coaches did a phenomenal job getting our guys ready. I like what the guys gained from the player-run practices this summer. I think we are way ahead of where we were last year at this time.”
On the safeties
“We have six safeties that have started games at BYU, so it’s a tough battle right now. On top of that, we have added some really good freshmen to the group. It is ‘Battle Royale’. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.”
On the addition of linebacker Choe Bryant-Strother…
“We started the process when he entered the portal. There was also a connection with his brother [Elijah Bryant] playing basketball here. Choe was a phenomenal athlete out of high school that we knew a lot about. He had a good career at UCLA. Since he’s come here, he’s added a lot of depth to our linebacker room and elevated the competition at that position.”
On his participation in fall camp
“I’ve been participating in everything. Being out here with the guys just out here competing so it's been real fun just being out here for the first couple days of camp.
On his health status
“I’ll be good. I'm good right now. I'll be good.”
On if he expects to play game one
“Yeah.”
On heading into his sophomore season
“I feel a lot more comfortable. It's a lot easier. I know a lot more about the concepts and know where people will be on spacing. I’m able to follow what the offensive line is doing and I know how to set a block. It’s been a lot easier this year.”
On new offensive line coach TJ Woods' impact on the offensive line
“There’s been a mentality change. They are a lot nastier and meaner, and that’s a good thing. They’ve been making plays and getting blocks. They’re accomplishing goals quicker and really just getting the job done. I’m grateful for that.”
On working with quarterbacks Jake Retzlaff and Gerry Bohanon
“We work with them all the time. You don’t see a difference competing with them. It’s nothing new, we are just out there trying to make the plays.”
On running back competition
"We are just out here competing. We don't really care. All seven of us in the room, we feel like whoever is back there is going to get the job done. We honestly don't care who gets the job, whoever gets it is going to be able to make plays. So we will be happy with whoever is back there."
On having Hinckley Ropati back from injury
“He’s been putting in the work everyday. I’ve been following him around, and I’m so happy to have him back. It’s helpful to have the veteran presence. He’s been really helpful to all of us younger guys.”
On the differences to the offense this season compared to the end of last season
“We’re still installing things but from a player’s standpoint, everyone is more on point. We are in sync with each other. Everyone knows what they need to accomplish.”
On his advice to this year's freshmen
“Play freely. It’s just a game at the end of the day. Whatever happens, happens. Just go out there and have fun. It’s the same game that we have been playing since we were little, so it’s no big deal.”