I had an inguinal hernia, which is not a sports hernia. It’s better news than a sports hernia. It was really random ... I’m expected to practice full-go next week. – Mitch Mathews
PROVO — During the first week of fall camp, BYU senior wide receiver Mitch Mathews has spent part of his time by himself at practices — rehabbing and riding the stationary bike.
Mathews suffered a groin injury over the summer and underwent minor surgery a couple of weeks ago, which has kept him off the field.
“I had an inguinal hernia, which is not a sports hernia. It’s better news than a sports hernia,” he explained. “It was really random ... I’m expected to practice full-go next week.”
Mathews said that he’ll be ready for the season-opener at Nebraska on Sept. 5, adding that it's better that this happened now "rather than having to miss a few games."
Being on the sidelines has given Mathews a chance to watch his teammates perform.
Mathews, who caught 73 passes for 922 yards and nine touchdowns last season, has been impressed with the receivers he’s seen, including junior Nick Kurtz and freshmen Moroni Laulu-Pututau and Josh Weeks.
“They’re really good. We have a lot of depth,” said the 6-foot-6, 215-pounder from Beaverton, Oregon. “I’ve played with really good receivers here at BYU, but this is the most depth we’ve had, which helps a lot. We’re trying to save guys’ legs during camp so we can hit the ground running for that first game and be fresh, which we haven’t had in the past. Whoever you put in there, they can be trustworthy. It’s a good feeling to have those guys out there, making plays.”
Receivers coach Guy Holliday said Mathews’ absence has allowed for the development of other players.
“We’re looking forward to Mitch coming back. What it’s helped us to do is really find some other guys who can play and they get opportunities. As I always say, one man’s junkyard is another man’s gold mine. Right now, Mitch is in the junkyard because he’s hurt. When he shows back up, we’ll have more competition and it will make us better.”
Holliday said no starting spots are guaranteed, regardless of past accomplishments.
“When Mitch comes back, he’s got to compete. I tell all my players when we open camp that every position is open and the best players will play. I’m not a big believer in last year or entitlement. You play today because that’s the only thing you’re promised. What he did last year was fantastic. But he’s got to come out and earn it and improve again. I don’t expect anything less than that.”
What are Holliday's impressions of Kurtz (6-6, 205), Laulu-Pututau (6-4, 190) and Weeks (6-4, 200)?
“Nick is a much better player than he was his first summer. He's playing with confidence. He's tall and can do some things for us that way. Really, football is all about attitude. His attitude and confidence is a lot better. That's really helping him. He's more comfortable with who he is as a player," Holliday said. "Moroni’s really shown up and has done really well. I’m really pleased. It’s another big guy that gives us an advantage. He’s made some plays. Josh is a lot better than he was in the spring. He’s healthy. He’s catching the ball. There are some things we have to refine with him and get some footwork done. But as far as catching the ball, he does a great job. He just goes up there and catches the ball. What more can you ask from a receiver?”
Meanwhile, senior wide receiver Kurt Henderson has felt the void of Mathews not being on the field.
“It’s rough. He’s definitely a leader in the receiving corps,” he said. “He’s been there, he’s made big plays. He’s a leader and he’s vocal. He’s one of my best friends. Not seeing him out there, there’s a presence that he brings, not only on the field but off the field. Guys listen to him. When he’s not there, it hurts us in that way. We want him out there. He’s one of us. What it’s done for a lot of us in the rotation is it’s caused us to step up. When you can’t lean on someone, you’ve got to learn to be someone others can lean on.”
Mathews said even though he’s not practicing, he’s still been able to be a leader and an example to younger teammates.
“I’ll be back next week practicing so they know it’s not something (long-term). I can still be there for the guys. I get lots of questions, ‘Hey, what about this?’ ‘What do I do here?’ I think it’s having a guy like me who’s played in lots of games, watching the younger guys and they feel like, ‘That’s a place I want to be later, where he is and the other seniors are.’ From a leadership standpoint, it’s been fun to teach these guys. They’re really good and talented. It’s been fun to see their confidence grow.”