Fall camp week 3: Things to be excited about

Ladies and gentlemen… the weekend

That’s right, folks. We are down to our last weekend without college football on our televisions until January. There is a lot to be excited about this season with the new-look conferences and 12-team college football playoff. This season is going to be one of the most intriguing seasons in college football history.

In Provo, while the national prognostications have the BYU Cougars picked to finish at the bottom of the Big 12 and not make a bowl game for the second consecutive season, optimism remains.

Now that we’re more than halfway through fall camp here is what BYU fans should be optimistic about this season.

Improvements in BYU’s rushing attack

It is no secret that BYU had one of the nation’s worst rushing attacks last season. In the last two games against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, the ground game had a breakthrough, rushing for 354 yards combined. With new offensive line coach TJ Woods and another offseason to develop continuity, the expectation is for the rushing attack to improve significantly.

“Improved. They’re getting better,” said offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick on the offensive line. “We still need to go do it in a real game. I believe in those guys and I believe in what we’re doing and they’re really well-coached.”

One of the offensive linemen who has improved the most is Caleb Etienne, who is playing his most comfortable position at left tackle. Etienne struggled at the time last year but has been one of the most improved players.

“I really didn’t do as good … and this year I’m going to do way better,” said Etienne.

Another reason to be optimistic about the BYU rushing attack is the health of running backs LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati. Ropati, who was injured all last season with a knee injury, is healthy and ready to play this season.

Coming into fall camp, there were injury concerns about Martin’s shoulder but the expectation is Martin will be healthy for the season-opener at home on Aug. 31 against Southern Illinois.

A huge relief for Cougar Nation.

Young talent making an immediate impact

Whether on the offensive or defensive side of the ball expect to see a lot of young faces on this season's BYU football team. Four-star freshman signee Ryner Swanson has emerged as one of the top tight ends on the team and will play meaningful snaps this fall. Jojo Phillips, a sophomore wide receiver, is breaking into the loaded and experienced wide receiver room.

On the defensive side of the ball, Tommy Prassas, Ephraim Asiata, Tre Alexander III, Faletau Satuala and other freshmen have shown flashes of potential and are pushing the veterans for playing time.

“I think we hit a home run with those guys … that freshman class now is going to be special so I can’t wait,” said BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill. “We’re going to have to fight like crazy to keep 'em’ all here 'cause there’s some good talent in that group.”

Not everyone has to be an optimist, but if you are looking for a reason to feel good about BYU football this season, those are two reasons.