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PROVO — BYU’s receiving corps of 2015 had five different receivers with 450 yards or more.
But three of them — all starters — graduated after the season: Mitch Mathews, Devon Blackmon and Terenn Houk.
Who’s left?
Nick Kurtz leads all returners with 578 yards as a junior in 2015, but the senior-to-be is going to need some help.
Mission accomplished, he said.
“I think the new guys are doing great,” said Kurtz, who removed a walking boot after the first day of fall camp following offseason surgery. “We have guys who do good every time they come out here. But I think it’s impressive that the new guys are coming in so fast and playing well.”
The 6-foot-6 Kurtz will pair with rising 6-foot-4 sophomore Moroni Laulu-Pututau on the outside, and both receivers will be looked at as leaders for the new group, which includes former junior college All-American and four-star recruit Jonah Trinnamann, former defensive back Garrett Juergens and a pair of freshmen who are turning heads in Aleva Hifo and Beau Tanner.
“I think there’s a huge opportunity to step up,” said Laulu-Pututau, who racked up 112 yards and a touchdown on six catches a year ago. “We lost some really good receivers last year, so I think everyone has the same mentality. We’re going to compete and try to get the opportunities to make plays.”
Laulu-Pututau’s stock is high a year after returning from a two-year mission for the LDS Church in Antofagasta, Chile — the same mission as sophomore quarterback Tanner Mangum. But for the former Mountain Crest High safety, cornerback and basketball player, Laulu-Pututau has already attracted his fair share of attention.
Laulu-Pututau was a primary focus for the receiving corps during spring ball and the first week of fall camp. It’s a far cry from where he was a year ago, freshly returned from Chile and just trying to get his feet underneath him.
It’s a welcome change, too.
“I think there’s a huge difference, for preparation and being comfortable being back,” Laulu-Pututau said. “For me, it’s easier because I’ve been here for a year and around the facilities and the guys.
“Mostly, it helps mentally. You aren’t in a new environment, and you feel comfortable and with more confidence.”
Laulu-Pututau and Kurtz will form the backbone of BYU’s receiving corps, as well as senior Colby Pearson and twins Garrett and Mitchell Juergens, according to new receivers coach Ben Cahoon.
“That’s a big step to take, from wide-eyed new guy to contributing veteran who we rely on,” Cahoon said of Laulu-Pututau. “I think he’s ready for it, though. He played a lot of inside receiver last year, so he’s making the transition to outside and it’s a whole different ball game.
“He’s big, strong, physical, runs well, and the quarterbacks trust him and look to him.”
Having a mentor like Cahoon is helpful for BYU’s new receivers, too. The Canadian Football League hall of famer had his number retired with Montreal this summer after helping the Alouettes to three Grey Cup titles. Cahoon finished his career with 13,301 yards and 65 touchdowns, becoming the CFL’s all-time leader in receptions at 1,017.
Not that any of his pupils would know by the Orem native’s demeanor.
The way he loves us gains a lot of respect. That’s something I haven’t seen much: the way he builds us up and shows us so much respect. It’s hard not to give your all for him. I love the way he coaches. He’s a great guy.
–BYU receiver Moroni Laulu-Pututau on coach Ben Cahoon
“The way he loves us gains a lot of respect,” Laulu-Pututau said of Cahoon, who has never raised his voice to his position group. “That’s something I haven’t seen much: the way he builds us up and shows us so much respect. It’s hard not to give your all for him.
“I love the way he coaches. He’s a great guy.”
Even the soft-spoken Cahoon has his demands, though — and they involve helping BYU wide receivers live up to their potential.
“I’d like them to play lower, come off the ball with a lower pad level, and be more physical in the run game, and then compete for the ball on every single play,” Cahoon said. “I want them to attack the ball every chance they get.”
With Cahoon at the helm of offensive coordinator Ty Detmer’s pro-style offense, the receivers are confident in big numbers to come for BYU’s passing game in 2016.
“We have a completely different offense,” Kurtz said. “It’s more pro-style now, and now we are getting into a huddle. It’s not as fast-paced as the last offense, but I really enjoy this offense a lot.
“I think there will be a lot of good things to come from it.”
