BYU football opened its spring practice schedule on Monday, March 2. Preparations for the month-long training began early as coaches prepped playbooks, technique videos, depth charts and material for position meetings. After a loss to Hawaii that ended their last season 7-6, the team has already put in work during week one for a better upcoming season.
“(The) guys are really excited. They know the potential,” senior linebacker Isaiah Kaufusi said. “It feels like (the) guys are really ready to get past the mediocrity.”
The team focused on dusting off and polishing their schemes during the first week of practice, Kaufusi said. Since the majority of the team are returning, they have already seen the progression. Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes was pleased with the amount of talent the team is starting with.
“It allows us to start at a deeper point than we have at any other time I’ve been here,” Grimes said.
The fact that the three quarterbacks working for the first string position all had opportunities to start in the 2019 season is a big boost for the competition. Grimes described it as 'hopeful, healthy and open.' Each player will have equal reps to start before the coaches filter through who will start.
Other changes that have developed include the welcoming back of wide receiver Neil Pau’u who was previously suspended for a DUI that resulted in his redshirting during the 2019 season. Linebacker Chaz Ah You will not participate in Spring practice due to DUI charges made in February. Coach Sitake said he was proud of the progress and steps Pau’u made in his off time and is anxious to see him work during spring. He extended his love and support for Ah You.
In addition to Pau’u's return and Ah You's absence, there have been more movements among the team. Running backs coach AJ Steward left BYU after accepting a position with Arizona.
Former-linebacker Jackson Kaufusi moved to running back while former linebacker and safety Zayne Anderson moved to cornerback. Getting every player ready to go is one of Sitake’s goals for spring practices. The coaching staff is also looking to improve its red zone and goal line defense. Gaining meaningful red-zone yardage has also been a focal point.
News of defensive end Devin Kaufusi entering the transfer portal was also released during the first week of spring practice. Reports of the University of Utah offering Devin a scholarship have also surfaced.
The team will continue its practices through March ending with Pro Day on Friday, March 27, and the spring game on Saturday, March 28.