BYU's spring football is buzzing with the energy you'd expect from a Kalani Sitake team fresh off a bowl victory, with plenty of returning talent ready to build on last season's success.
The vibe is upbeat, and Sitake himself seems to be riding high after securing a significant contract extension. His mantra for the team?
Stay humble and hungry. It's a message soaked in confidence, and it’s resonating throughout the squad.
Kelly Poppinga, stepping in for Jay Hill, is bringing back some classic Bronco Mendenhall pursuit drills. The focus is on high effort and accountability, pushing defenders to race into formations with precision.
On the offensive side, Aaron Roderick is experimenting with new weapons like 6-foot-6 Oregon transfer Kyler Kasper and tight ends Walker Lyons from USC and Roger Saleapaga II from Oregon. These additions bring a new dynamic to the team.
Sitake expressed his optimism earlier this week, saying, "I feel really good about the team." He’s particularly pleased with the quarterbacks, noting Bear Bachmeier's command of the offense, which boosts confidence as the season approaches.
During a brief glimpse into a spring practice session, the atmosphere was palpable. While full contact wasn't on display, you could see the precision in route running, the sharp cuts, and the defensive interventions. Injured players like Sione Moa are making encouraging progress in their recovery.
The newcomers, including freshmen receivers like Legend Glasker, Terrance Saryon, and Trey Roberts, are intriguing prospects to watch. Veteran wideout JoJo Phillips is stepping up as a leader, filling the void left by Chase Roberts.
This team looks faster and more athletic, though true assessments will come when the pads are on. Key starters will be managed carefully to avoid unnecessary risks.
Sitake knows the challenge ahead: improving on a 12-win season. With Texas Tech reloading, Sitake is strategically bringing in transfers while retaining most of his starters, except for Parker Kingston.
A major focus this spring is how Poppinga will fill the void left by Jay Hill, whose contributions to recruiting and scheme were pivotal. Poppinga's older brother, Brady, offered insights on ESPNTheFan 960, noting the growth and comfort of players like Bear Bachmeier and Kyler Kasper.
Brady highlighted Kasper's impressive performance, particularly in the fade game and his adept route running. The receivers are showing a keen understanding of man versus zone defenses, a nuance that was still developing last year.
Sitake also praised the work ethic of Bachmeier and the offensive line, which boasts a deep rotation of players. The competition is fierce, and kicker Matthias Dunn is showing promise.
Recovering Big 12 leading rusher LJ Martin is limited but progressing well, adding speed to his game. Sitake is grateful for redshirting Oklahoma State defensive tackle Justin Kirkland, who is set to play a key role on the line.
After practice, Sitake made time for special visitors, capturing the spirit of a team and coaching staff that’s not just focused on the field but also on the community. Despite the absence of Parker Kingston due to off-field issues, this spring feels like a sweet continuation of last season's success.