PROVO, Utah – BYU football spent time outside on the practice field as the second week of spring football began Monday morning.
Practice started at the indoor practice facility but after some initial drills moved outside for the bulk of team drills and scrimmage work.
Quarterback Joe Critchlow connected with Micah Simon for a 40-yard score early and defensive back Isaiah Armstrong nabbed an interception later in team among the highlights from practice.
The following quotes are from Monday's post-practice media availability.
Head coach Kalani Sitake
On where the team is at right now
We are really good. I am really pleased with the progression I’ve seen from the O-line and D-line, specifically. Our running game is looking really good and our defensive line is looking stout compared to Friday. Overall, I am pleased with where we are going. There’s not really anything that I am disappointed about.
On the versatility of the offense
Speaking for defenses, it is really difficult when you’re changing up the pace and tempo. With all the different formations and personnel we are using it will be a good mix.
On attention to detail
They are used to discipline and demand. Their whole life has been that way. I don’t think demanding more from them will shock them. They have answered the call every time we have asked them to do something. The coaches are pleased with the way they are responding. We want to bring out a lot more leadership from our guys. We are also looking at getting better at fundamental football. That will help us be a lot more successful.
On the quarterbacks
I just want a lot of quarterbacks. I’d rather have too many than none. I want the best players here and if it hurts peoples feelings then so be it. That’s part of football. We will always have a good group of quarterbacks and the best one will play.
People are forgetting [Zach Wilson] is supposed to be in high school right now. I’ve been really impressed with his knowledge of the game. He understands the system and is able to compete. At the same time, he has had a lot of the older guys take him under their wings. It’s nice to see these guys compete, but it’s also nice to see them work together. They want to do what’s best for BYU. There are no secrets. They share everything they can and just settle it on the field which is the way I want it to be.
Defensive lineman Corbin Kaufusi
On the defensive line
One of the big things is we have a good, strong first team and second team. We have a lot of guys coming back. We have a lot of sophomores and redshirt freshmen. Guys that have been in the program for a year have a better feel for things so it’s good to have that. I think we have a lot of things we have to iron out still. Coming off the season and that short little break, we’re a little rusty coming out to spring ball putting on the pads again. A lot of our technique needs to be tightened up, but I think our future is bright for us on the D-line.”
On the new offense
The offense nowadays is a lot harder to go off of. When I heard that coach Grimes was coming in from LSU the first thing that popped into my head was, ‘Oh my gosh, they’re going to confuse the crap out of us.’ They’re a lot sharper and there is a lot more urgency. They flip a lot of things and there is always motions. It’s hard to play defense against and it’s even harder to learn so I take my hat off to them for pulling it together.”
On personal emphasis for spring practices
I think for me the biggest emphasis is making sure my body is in the right place by staying at a good weight. I’m not trying to gain too much or lose too much. I’m trying to find that optimum spot where my body can perform.
Quarterback Tanner Mangum
On his recovery
It’s been good. I’m happy with the progress that we’re making. It’s just been a test of patience. I’m happy with where we’re at, and it’s just fun to be back out here with the team. We’re all excited to be here in the middle of spring ball. It’s an exciting time.
I’ve been doing 7-on-7 all spring. With the help of Dr. Fox and the training staff, we had a timeline of everything that I was going to be able to do. We’re following that to a T. Obviously, it’s frustrating not being able to do everything, but just to be able to do something is a blessing. It’s an opportunity to go out and play. I’m just taking advantage of every rep I get and taking advantage of every opportunity – whether it’s skelly or throwing drills – or what it may be, I’m just having fun and enjoying it.
Being a competitor, you want to come back as soon as possible. You also have to be patient and obedient to what the doctor and training staff tell you. So, right now we’re on schedule – taking it day-by-day, week-by-week – making sure we’re meeting our milestones. It feels good. My body feels good. I’m happy with the progress. I just have to keep staying patient, one day at a time.
On others getting a chance to play
That’s what spring ball’s for. It’s a chance for everyone to get reps and get some opportunities. Especially with the new offense. Everybody needs to get the offense down, so it’s good for them. It’s nice for guys like Zach to come in and get a lot of reps and get that experience right away. It’s good for Beau and Joe and Baylor. It’s good for everybody on our team. It’s good for them to go out and get opportunities.
For me, it doesn’t mean I’m taking plays off. Every play is a mental rep. I’m going through it in my head. I’m going through every progression. I make the most of skelly with the 7-on-7 reps that I get working through routs on air and concepts. I still make the most of everything I get, but as a whole, as a unit, we’re all supporting each other. That’s something that I really like about this group is that we’re helping each other out, coaching each other up and making sure that we’re all succeeding. It’s a competition, but at the same time there’s a lot of comradery.