BYU needs defense, but that’s not its biggest priority

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake looks on from the sidelines during the Cougars’ Big 12 opener against Kansas. | BYU Photo

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With only a matter of weeks remaining before BYU opens fall camp, Kalani Sitake and players made a trip to Las Vegas for Big 12 football media days.

History tells us BYU needs to field a good defense, but to make a splash, it needs a consistent, productive offense led by a playmaking quarterback to produce a winning record. The upcoming season is a mystery with a lot of new pieces to blend with returning talent from a five-win team.

From a scattering of interviews the past week, we have a glimpse into the mindset of coaches and players. In this piece, Hinckley Ropati explains why he expects to contribute in a big way after missing last season with an injury. Receiver Keelan Marion is a talent that may be overlooked by many on the national scene. In this story, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick likes what he’s seen in BYU’s offensive depth. QB Cade Fennegan, a transfer from Boise State, has moved into a coaching position on the team.

Cougar Insider predictions

Question of the week: The QB position at BYU draws a ton of attention and pressure. From what you’ve heard, are BYU quarterbacks putting in the kind of work this summer needed to meet that challenge?

Jay Drew: The easy answer to this question is yes — by all accounts, all the quarterbacks are working extremely hard this summer in an intense competition for playing time this fall.

I personally know that Jake Retzlaff is putting in the work, because I asked him about it at the BYU Football Media Appreciation golf tournament on June 24. Retzlaff said they are getting together for PRPs — Player Run Practices —…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/byu-needs-defense-not-biggest-171853719.html

Author : Deseret News

Publish date : 2024-07-12 17:18:53

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