Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PROVO - BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy may have improved this spring without taking a single snap on the football field.
The junior-to-be sat out spring football in Provo while he recovers from off-season shoulder surgery but that doesn't mean he wasn't busy during practice.
Van Noy, along with other team leaders missing spring with injuries, spent plenty of time coaching up teammates.
"Your learning curve goes to another level when you get to call situations and get with the coaches and talk to them about situations," he says.
He called plays during skelly and gave instruction during position drills to help his teammates improve. He will be expected to take on a leadership role during summer workouts.
It hasn't been easy standing on the sidelines watching his teammates. Kyle's rehab is progressing on schedule but he misses making plays on the football field.
"It drives me nuts," he says about not playing. "I would die to be out there right now but I'm learning this patience process."
Kyle will be 100 percent healthy and ready for fall camp. He is excited about the schedule this fall but it may surprise you what game excites him the most.
"I think the opportunity starts with the first game against Washington State," he says. "Mike Leach is a great, great coach. It's a cool thing for him to get back into college football and get a chance."
Van Noy can't wait go up against a Mike Leach coached offense and for the BYU defense to prove themselves against a Pac-12 team.
"I'm looking at that first game ready to go and to show 'em who the real Cougars are," he says with a laugh.
Watching spring football from the sidelines also gave Kyle a chance to observe the progress of some of his young teammates looking for an opportunity this fall to shine. Who impressed Kyle the most this spring? You can watch the video above to find out.
