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PROVO — Zach Wilson has had the plan to be a Division I quarterback for years, so when it came time to prove himself as the newest member of the BYU quarterback room during spring camp, he didn’t waste any time.
By all accounts, his path to success is already accelerated.
Through limited viewing and practice reps in a room that has seen as many as seven players take snaps under center, Wilson is emerging as one of the top quarterbacks on the Cougars’ roster — even if he is competing with a half-dozen other quarterbacks in lieu of attending his senior prom.
“You expect with this many quarterbacks that everybody gets a fair shot. You just have to take advantage of every opportunity you get,” Wilson said after practice Wednesday in Provo. “If you get four throws, hopefully you take advantage of every single one and then you can get more.”
The 6-foot-3 former Corner Canyon star didn’t grow up wanting to attend BYU. Despite living a half-hour away from the Provo-based campus, Wilson and his family were devoted Utah fans. His father Mike played at the U. in the ’90s, and his mother Lisa said the family had season tickets at midfield “right next to the Whittinghams” since the Utes’ current head coach ascended to the position in 2005.
But when Zach Wilson signed with the Cougars, his parents didn’t think twice. They may not be BYU fans — but they’re Zach Wilson fans.
And all signs seem to point to them watching their boy Saturday afternoons at LaVell Edwards Stadium, whether it be in the 2018 season or beyond.
Of course, that isn’t much of a surprise for those who followed the former Boise State commit’s career to Provo.
“In his time at Corner Canyon, he’s made some big plays and handled different coaching and different offenses,” said BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, who has known the Wilson family since he was an assistant at Utah. “He had this plan, to graduate early and enroll in January. I’m just glad he’s here and with us.”
Of course, no quarterback has emerged as the full-time starter next season as BYU transitions from legendary quarterback Ty Detmer to an offense developed by former LSU offensive line coach Jeff Grimes.
Without giving too much away, Wilson mentioned Grimes’ offense seems to be part-spread based, but also lined up in a pro-style, including to maintain a balanced rushing attack. There are elements of Grimes’ previous coaching stops, from Matt Canada to Dan Hawkins to Utah’s offense under former co-offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick — now Wilson’s quarterback coach at BYU.
“I knew coach A-Rod for years, growing up a Utah fan,” Wilson said. “I think he’s super knowledgeable, and I am glad I could come here and play for him. I know him really well.”
But Wilson, Beau Hoge and returning starter Joe Critchlow seem to be slowly taking the reins at spring camp, and injured starter Tanner Mangum is progressing in his recovery from Achilles’ tendon surgery that ended his 2017 season prematurely.
Picking the right quarterback will be essential in Grimes’ first season.
“A key of the offense is that the quarterback is the leader,” Critchlow said. “I feel like our coaches emphasize that the quarterback leads the show. We are all competitive with that, and we are running with that.”
Still, Wilson doesn’t see hardcore competition in the room. He’s actually becoming quite attached to the older players, relying on them to help him navigate college.
“Beau Hoge is one of my really close friends here, and all of the receivers have asked me to go throw on off days,” Wilson said. “Beau always reaches out to me. Getting to know them personally has really helped me feel comfortable with spring, and not worry about stepping up to college football.”
Wilson threw for 2,976 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior with Corner Canyon, but missed part of his final season with ankle injuries. He earned KSL Class 5A MVP honors last fall, and insists there are no lingering effects of a recurring injury — even as the BYU quarterbacks have been subjected to full contact during most of the first four weeks of the spring.
“This is the first time my ankle has never really bothered me before,” Wilson said. “Besides all that, I feel great.”
