BYU’s defense set the tone on Friday, and the first-team offense felt it right away.
During the final 20 minutes of practice at the Zion’s Bank practice fields, the media watched a competitive two-minute drill, and the starters on defense won the battle at the line of scrimmage. Tausili Akana got things rolling with a sack on the opening snap, bursting off the edge and forcing the offense to burn a timeout.
The pressure never really let up from there. Bear Bachmeier had to get rid of the ball quickly to LJ Martin for a short gain, then faced a long third down in his own territory.
Bachmeier did manage to extend the drive with some poise under duress. He scrambled right on third down and found Legend Glasker about 15 yards downfield for a completion. After that, he hit Roger Saleapaga and Kyler Kasper on short throws, then converted another third down to Walker Lyons on a quick hitch near the boundary.
But the drive ended the way the defense wanted it to. With the pocket collapsing, Bachmeier tried to take a shot to Jojo Phillips, only for Raider Damuni to leap and snag the interception with double coverage helping over the top.
That was a sharp response from the defense after the offense had won the day in last Saturday’s scrimmage. On Friday, the defense controlled the trenches.
The biggest offensive bright spot from the period was true freshman wide receiver Terrance Saryon. On the first play of the media viewing window, Treyson Bourguet launched a deep ball to Saryon, who had slipped behind the defense. The throw came a little late, but Saryon still came down with a contested catch as Jarinn Kalama arrived over the top to help.
Saryon wasn’t done there. He dropped a pass earlier in the two-minute drill, but bounced back on the final snap of practice.
BYU was trying to score from the 12-yard line after a holding penalty wiped out a touchdown pass from Bourguet to Tiger Bachmeier. Bourguet answered with a perfect throw to Saryon for the touchdown, and the offense celebrated with him in the end zone.
After practice, Bourguet named Saryon his offensive standout. The freshman was repeatedly getting open, and that fits the kind of player he appears to be right now.
He’s one of the quickest players on the roster, and Friday made it clear that speed is a real weapon for him. If BYU’s receivers have trouble separating against man coverage in September, Saryon could absolutely factor in because that’s where he shines.
The wide receiver rotation also looks like it’s sorting itself out. Friday backed up what was already evident from Tuesday’s practice: the top group appears to be Jojo Phillips, Kyler Kasper, Legend Glasker, and Reggie Frischknecht.
Tiger Bachmeier got a snap or two with the first team, but most of his work came with the second unit. Tei Nacua was with the second-team offense throughout.
Frischknecht met with the media after practice and confirmed that those four receivers are at the top of the depth chart. If the season started today, Phillips, Kasper, Glasker, and Frischknecht would be the group expected to see the most action.
There were also several defensive personnel notes worth watching. True freshman Braxton Lindsey continued to get first-team snaps with the defense and was again used as an edge rusher in the two-minute drill.
At this point in camp, he looks like someone who can help right away. Another freshman, Kennan Pula, kept earning second-team reps and projects as a backup safety when the depth chart comes out.
BYU lined up with three defensive tackles in a three-point stance for the two-minute drill: Viliami Po'uha, Keanu Tanuvasa, and Justin Kirkland. Lindsey and Akana worked as the outside backers/edge rushers, with Cade Uluave and Isaiah Glasker at linebacker. Cannon DeVries continued to work as the starting nickel/safety, while Evan Johnson, Jayven Williams, and Raider Damuni rounded out the first-team defense.
Faletau Satuala was suited up and cheering on teammates Friday after missing the first part of camp while recovering from a foot injury. He wasn’t seen in the team period, though only a limited number of first-team snaps were available to observe. Even so, he remains a key piece for BYU beginning in week two against Arizona.
The secondary also had some encouraging moments behind the starters. Kevin Doe made multiple plays and looked ready to push for a role this season.
At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, the former wide receiver turned cornerback brings a lot of athleticism and size, and he appears on track to be in the two-deep when the depth chart is released. Matthias Leach added a pass breakup on a throw intended for Tiger Bachmeier in the end zone, staying attached and not allowing separation.
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