Coordinator Anae credits 'stud' BYU defense for offense's spring success


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PROVO — When BYU brought back Robert Anae as offensive coordinator in January 2013, Anae re-instituted a fast-paced spread offense. This offensive system creates the opportunity for players to put up eye-popping statistics, evident from the prolific play of players like quarterback Taysom Hill and wide receiver Mitch Mathews.

This style has accumulated a lot of attention, which has continued during spring practices with the return of Hill from a leg injury. After practiced concluded on Monday morning, Anae made sure to single out BYU’s defense, its improvement, and its role in helping his offensive players develop.

When asked if BYU’s defense has been able to keep up with the offense during spring practices, Anae emphatically responded, “Our defense is a stud. Every play you just hang onto your seat and our guys are tested at the highest level. I think it is the other way around.”

During the short portions of practice that the media is allowed to observe, BYU’s offensive has executed multiple big plays against the defense. When asked to address the offensive dominance, Anae once again heralded the defense’s level of play.

“You guys have completely been blindsided,” Anae said. “It’s spring ball. You throw a lot of things at kids and once in a while someone is out of position. It’s easy to draw a conclusion from a little snapshot, but it’s far from the case. It’s business as usual.”

Junior linebacker Austin Heder echoed Anae’s statements, and praised the defense’s level of competitiveness during spring ball.

“The last couple of days we have stepped up and it’s been a battle,” Heder said. “We have had some big stops and guys making plays. Initially it was the offense that was more in motion and had things going, but that’s typically how spring ball goes. The offense is doing great, but especially in our secondary, we got young guys stepping up.”

The defense’s high level of play this spring could be attributed to the return of head coach Bronco Mendenhall overseeing the defense. Heder expounded on the differences he has noticed this spring with Mendenhall back in charge.

“It’s the same defense,” Heder said. “Coach Howell had the same calls. I think the difference is just guys playing for Bronco . . . he makes every rep count. I think last year we built on just letting things get by and not taking the most out of every rep in practice, because we were like, ‘We’ll fix it.’ Now every rep counts, and we pay for it after practice with extra runs.”

Heder also believes that improved leadership has played a key role in this year’s exceptionally competitive spring practices.

“It also comes from the leadership we have, and guys really buying into what they are trying to do,” Heder said. “That was the difference. I don’t think that the leadership in last year’s crew had the same type of desire to fully buy into the program and that kind of defense.”

Leadership and competitiveness have been the consistent theme from players and coaches when asked to describe spring practices. Anae agreed and seemed pleased with the progression throughout the four weeks of spring ball.

“We’re able to press the envelop at a higher level with this group, more so than the first two groups that we’ve had,” Anae said. “They are barley hanging on, but they’re willing and they’re learning.”

With BYU’s spring scrimmage set for Friday, Mathews assured the level of competitiveness in spring practices will carry over into the game.

“We are doing some things that I can’t reveal now . . . for that spring game that is going to make sure we’re into it and it’s competitive,” Mathews said. “We’re excited to go out and put on a show offensively and defensively. Like I’ve said, it’s the best spring ball that I’ve been here for. We are excited to cap it off this weekend. “

The spring scrimmage will begin at 6 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Trevor Woller is a public relations student at Brigham Young University and sports enthusiast.

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