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PROVO — There were a lot of things BYU wanted to get done when head coach Kalani Sitake opened spring football 15 practices ago.
Master the offensive and defensive schemes, since the staff entered last season with new player-coach interactions and flew through a 9-4 season in 2016, was at the top of the list. Sitake also put an emphasis on technique, and — as always — conditioning, so as to avoid injury during the upcoming season.
“Our guys know the scheme a little, and we were able to focus on the technique and fundamentals of football,” Sitake said. “But I’m really pleased; we had some time for some new install, and I think it will help us in the fall.
There was also the issue of depth — an easy answer for any college football coach.
How did it go after a month?
“I think it was ‘mission accomplished’ as far as spring goes,” defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki said. “We stayed healthy for the most part, and technique got better, while guys are starting to master the scheme. Those were the goals for the spring.”
Few positions exemplify the goals of BYU spring football more than linebacker. The Cougars look to be loaded with potential stars in the starting lineup, returning upperclassmen Fred Warner, Francis Bernard and Butch Pau’u, while the proven backups include Phillip Amone, Va’a Niumatalolo, Adam Pulsipher and Johnny Tapusoa.
And that’s not mentioning rising underclassmen like Isaiah Kaufusi, who had three interceptions in last Saturday’s spring game.
“We’ve made huge strides,” said Warner, who had 86 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and three interceptions as a junior. “I think this could be one of the best groups that’s ever done it here. Butch, Francis and me, as well as the guys behind us, I think it’s a really good group this year.”
Bold words from a position of traditional strength at BYU. But what better place to do it than at BYU alumni day, the final day of spring football that saw former standouts like Bryan Kehl, Derik Stevenson, Max Hall, Toby Christensen and Matt Payne, among others, roaming the sidelines at the Indoor Practice Facility.
The next step amongst the linebackers, then, is leadership.
“I think we’ll be the ones making a lot of plays on defense,” Warner said. “And we’ll be vocal leaders when it comes time to it.”
Linebacker continues to be a strength after the graduation of defensive standouts like linebacker/defensive end Harvey Langi, and defensive linemen Sae Tautu and Logan Taele. Tuiaki said he is always looking for things to keep him awake at night, but it’s been harder when he focuses on the front seven.
“You’re always a little concerned when you lose so many guys that contributed,” said Tuiaki, who worked with the linebackers a year ago and the defensive linemen this spring. “But the surprising thing to me, and a lot of credit to them, was how bought in they are.
“In college, speed and strength are the difference. There’s not a big gap between the first guy and the next, but it’s a tribute to them getting stronger and more confident.”
Depth has been a concern at quarterback, as well. Though Tanner Mangum enters the season as the incumbent starter, the backup quarterback competition featured Beau Hoge, Koy Detmer Jr., newly returned missionary Kody Wilstead and walk-on Jeremiah Evans.
All five quarterbacks saw action on alumni day, with all five shuffling different players on offense — including potential starters at running back and the offensive line. Hoge appears to have a slight lead for the top backup spot with his athleticism — a good quality for various packages in offensive coordinator Ty Detmer’s system.
“Beau has had a good spring,” Detmer said. “He brings a little more athleticism to the group than some others, so we’ll try to play to that. He’s done well, made good reads, but we’re looking for more consistency on throws.”
After spring, the coaching staff will hit the recruiting trail, while players will be in non-football workouts with strength and conditioning coach Nu’u Tafisi. They’ll resume workouts after BYU media day this summer.
“That’s the worst part — you get a shot of working with players for a month, and then you have to turn them loose and hope they are working on their own,” Detmer said. “Our strength staff will have them, and they’ll get them ready for us so we can put a plan together, then be ready to go in July.”
