BYU football for the last two seasons have been rather similar. Question marks entering each campaign but both were able to finish strong despite basically being shut out of the college playoff. Just on the outside looking in. Gone are Chase Roberts and Jack Kelly, including Parker Kingston but that's another story for another day yet to be determined. Over those two seasons no other Big 12 program has won more games than the Cougars.
BYU kicked off their Spring practices two months roughly after the season. This year expectations are high for BYU, Most of the names from the two deep last year which reached the Big 12 championship game remain and have decided to run it back. They have one common goal, to take it farther, win the Big 12 championship and make a run in the playoffs.
Coach Sitake philosophy has always been remain humble yet hungry. With that approach the program brought in some carefully selected through the transfer portal to strengthen targeted positions as well as those touted commits through the high school ranks.
Each season will have a new set of questions. Last year it was the LJ show in the backfield. Can someone rise to help spell Martin? Gone is Carson Ryan. However, will we see a heavy TE dose between Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga? With the exit of Chase Roberts to chase the NFL and Parker to off season honor code allegations it leaves the WR room quite open. Who will emerge? Will it be JoJo Phillips? Jaron Pula? Kasper Kyler or Cody Hagen? Time will tell. Losing last year Jake Retzlaff unexpectedly, Bear Bachmeier made quite a freshman impression. Will Enoch Watson emerge as his backup? Can Bear make an even more significant leap with more given time? What will the OL look like? Paki Finau, Jr Sia and Zak Yamauchi were all brought in to strengthen the trenches. Losing Jack Kelly certainly hurts. However, this is where Cade Uluave steps in hoping to not skip a beat. Otherwise, most of the main two deep returns.
How does BYU fare with the new collection of coaches? Losing Jay Hill and Jernaro will absolutely sting. Although, there is certainly a majority of the staff returning which will help with the continuity. Will Kelly Poppinga's defense look much different? How will the secondary players respond to incoming Demario Warren and Lewis Walker? BYU will have 15 practices to blend, implement plays/schemes and gain familiarities with any program changes. The bar has been set but ceiling is there for the taking to see how far they can rise.
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