BYU spring football: New staff leaning on 'really mature group' of Cougar classmen


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PROVO — Kalani Sitake’s first spring camp as head coach of BYU football was bound to have a few hiccups as he and a new staff adapted to the unique culture, challenges and players of an established program.

But that’s barely been the case.

Not that the former Oregon State and Utah defensive coordinator took any credit for it.

“It’s a really mature group,” Sitake said of his players Tuesday after practice. “Overall, I’ve been really pleased with the way they work together and what we are asking them to do.

“I’ve been pleased with the progress of the group so far.”

The maturity comes from a lot of places, many of them non-football for a team loaded with returned missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That helps, according to Sitake, a returned missionary himself.

“We’re dealing with a bunch of guys who are used to coaching, and they are a lot more mature and disciplined,” he said. “A lot of these guys served in the jungle for two years, so practicing from me isn’t going to be too hard.”

That was the message the team received during a recent visit from LDS Apostle David A. Bednar. Junior linebacker Va’a Niumatalolo said a lot of the upperclassmen took Elder Bednar’s advice to heart as they dealt with the usual transitory nature of a new coaching staff.

“He was telling us, with the transition process and what would help the most — it was having the senior leadership step up to fill the void, and that has helped a ton,” said Niumatalolo, who has known Sitake since the former was 12. “People like Sae Tautu, Algie Brown, all of the other leaders on the team — they stepped up and helped bring us together as a group so that no one jumped ship.”

BYU's Va'a Niumatalolo and Fred Warner greet fans after a scrimmage at BYU in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015. (Photo: Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
BYU's Va'a Niumatalolo and Fred Warner greet fans after a scrimmage at BYU in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015. (Photo: Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

Wide receiver Nick Kurtz has had to deal with a couple of new staffs in his collegiate career. The El Cajon, California, native was a four-star wide receiver at Grossman College and totaled 538 yards and three touchdowns as a junior in 2015.

Kurtz, who was recruited by current Utah wide receivers coach Guy Holliday, has done a good job of taking pieces from each of his previous coaches and assembling it within the new staff’s framework, he said.

“For me, it’s cool because I’ve been through so much, even from the strength and conditioning coaches,” Kurtz said. “It’s cool to see different pieces from everyone, learn from everyone, and I go out there and don’t ever get nervous. I’ve been through a lot these last few years.”

As BYU approaches the middle of spring camp, Sitake is pleased with the progress of his group but also wants more out of an experienced core.

“I think the players are getting a lot better every day,” he said. “You want them to be perfect right away — you can’t expect that. You can demand it, but you can’t bank on it right now. Overall, they’re doing well.”

No home cooking

Niumatalolo was asked about his relationship with his father, Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo, during Tuesday’s post-practice interview period.

The junior gave glowing reviews of the “Meet the Mormons” star and coach that has guided the Midshipmen from football independence into the American Athletic Conference.

“He definitely understands the struggle, the grind and what the season is like,” Va’a Niumatalolo said. “He never forces anything on me — he waits for me to approach him and ask him questions before he rips me a new one. But he’s always patient and loving with his criticism or whatever.”

Ken Niumatalolo was a candidate for the BYU head coach vacancy but pulled his name from the coaching search shortly after interviewing on campus in Provo.

“It was definitely crazy, and I’m glad things settled down,” said Va’a Niumatalolo, who consulted with the rest of his family during his dad’s decision.

The biggest drawback to not being coached by his father? Fewer home-cooked meals on the weekend, Niumatalolo joked.

“I’m definitely glad to have coach Sitake here,” he added. “Everything has become routine, and I’m getting adjusted to that.”

No Cupid

Plenty of high-profile BYU players, from quarterback Tanner Mangum to linebacker Harvey Langi, have become engaged to be married since spring camp opened. It begs the question: what is Sitake’s secret?

“That has nothing to do with me,” Sitake said. “I think that’s just part of going to BYU and finding the right mate.

“When it comes to dating, I’m not the expert. I can tell you that.”

Listen to interviews with Sitake, Kurtz, and assistant head coach Ed Lamb in the “Cougar Cuts” section below.

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