When you lose your top three receivers, panic might seem inevitable, right? Not for BYU receivers coach and pass game coordinator Fesi Sitake. Despite the departure of key players like Parker Kingston, Chase Roberts, and Carsen Ryan, Sitake remains confident and upbeat about the future.
These players were instrumental in helping offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick achieve a stellar 12-win season in 2025 with freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier. Yet, after BYU’s 13th spring practice session, Sitake isn’t flinching. He’s seen enough to keep his spirits high.
Reflecting on spring ball, Sitake shared, “I can’t believe it’s almost done. A lot of questions were answered, and there are still some that are left. That’s the most fulfilling part of spring, seeing who steps up.”
One standout is 6-foot-6 former 4-star recruit and Oregon transfer Kyler Kasper. Returning starter Jojo Phillips is back in form, showing significant improvement.
Meanwhile, Cody Hagen, Tei Nacua, Tiger Bachmeier, and Reggie Frischknecht are rising to the occasion. Freshmen like Legend Glasker, Jaren Pula, and Terrance Saryon are also making their presence felt.
Sitake is optimistic about filling the massive void left by the departing trio. “We all knew those were big shoes to fill,” he said.
“Carsen, Parker, and Chase accounted for probably 90 percent of our perimeter production.” But after 13 practices, he confidently declared, “We’re very confident that the next guys will be ready.”
Adding to the optimism are two veteran tight ends: USC transfer Walker Lyons and Oregon transfer Roger Saleapaga. “They are huge pieces,” Sitake noted.
“Some might see it as competition between receivers and tight ends, but it’s not. The better players we have, the more problems we create for defenses.”
Roderick emphasized the significance of bringing in experienced players like Lyons and Saleapaga. “They’ve played a lot of football.
They know what practice and meetings should be like. Roger, Walker, and Kyler are already leaders, setting examples every day.”
Roderick also highlighted Phillips’ progress. “That injury last year was tough, but he’s bounced back.
The bowl game showed us the Jojo we’ve been expecting. I’ve seen growth in him this spring, and Kasper is living up to expectations.”
With a mix of returning talent and fresh faces like Pula, Glasker, and Saryon, managing expectations and keeping everyone motivated is crucial. Sitake acknowledges the challenge: “They’re fresh off being the best on their teams, but each is getting different doses of playing time. Comparison is the thief of joy, so I tell them to focus on their own progress.”
Sitake is confident these players will shine, with some seeing significant action this fall. The future looks bright for BYU’s receiver room, filled with talent ready to step up and make their mark.