PROVO, Utah – Preparations for the 2018 season continued Monday morning with BYU's seventh football practice of spring to kick off another week of action.
After the offense shined at the end of last week, the defense answered with a stout performance during the team session at the end of practice.
The following notes are from BYU's post-practice media availability.
Head coach Kalani Sitake
On watching film after Thursday's practice
Not as bad, but there are some things we need to work on. Defensively, we held some guys out. There were some guys that needed the reps and I think it was good for the younger guys to kind of be welcomed to college football. The other guys handled the physical part of the game really well and the defense responded well when they came back today, but that’s because we had a lot of the right guys in there. It was really good film and I thought more than anything it was just good experience for those young guys to get.
On where the team is at heading into week three
They are right where we want them to be. We’ve added a lot of schemes on defense and on offense we have done the same. The new offense has brought a bunch of stuff and they are kind of just flooding them with it. There is a lot that can be taught through film, but I think the best way to do it is to just get out there and practice. It’s really good for our younger guys and returned missionaries to get out there and bash them up a little bit and see what happens.
On if things are slowing down at all
No, they are still going. I think Coach Grimes and his staff really want to get a lot of things on film and we want do the same thing on defense. At some point, we have to scale back a little bit, but I think we are trying to get a good foundation set so that we can get it going before the fall and for getting ready for Arizona. Right now we are just trying to lay down the basic fundamentals that we are trying to do both offensively and defensively in the 15 practices that we are allowed. I am really happy with the progress that we are going with right now as a team and I think leaders are starting to step up and so it’s a fun part of football right now.
On number of guys competing heading into fall camp
It all depends. We will just have to see how the rest of spring goes. I will play the best and I don’t care what year they are.
Wide receivers coach Fesi Sitake
On the receiving group’s progress during spring
The energy is really high and we’re executing at a high level. There are still some little wrinkles that we’ve got to iron out as far as little techniques and assignments. The number one thing I am asking of them, they are giving, which is effort and energy.
On wide receiver Micah Simon
He is doing a great job and he is clearly leading the group. He is the alpha and he’s the one getting all the receivers together to do a little extra work in the meeting room and here on the field.
On the coaching transition
They’re getting to know what I’m about and my expectations. I like to have fun, but when we’re on the field it’s go time. I’m getting to know them a little bit more too. I’m learning what guys’ habits are, what their strong suits are and it’s been a smooth transition so far.
Wide receiver Micah Simon
On the wide receivers as a group
I feel like we’re doing a pretty good job. There’s a lot of fight going on and a lot of great energy. We’ve got good competition and friendly competition with each other in different drills. We’re wanting to be 100 percent in our reps and 1-on-1’s so it’s been good because we’ve been pushing each other.
I felt like we were young last year – a lot of us were sophomores and juniors. Somebody did need to step up so I tried to take over that [leadership] role last year and this year as well.
We’re focused on changing the mindset of the offense and changing the mindset of the entire team. Last year is behind us so we’re moving forward.
On the difference from last year to this year
I think it’s just the way we practice and the energy we bring every day. Coach Grimes talks about how we want everyone to have contagious energy and I feel like that goes a long way during practice.
I think with the ones, it’s our responsibility to lead by example. We have to know our stuff. If we’re slipping, other guys might think it’s OK to slip too but it’s not. We have to lead by example every play, every day and then bring these guys along and make sure they know their plays as well.
We need to continue pushing forward. We’ve had a few good weeks but we’re not here yet. We can’t settle. We need to continue to push and continue to bring that same energy throughout summer and to fall camp.