We have some great receivers. Not only because of their size, but we have guys that are big but can move as well as they do. – BYU quarterback Taysom Hill
PROVO — BYU senior wide receiver Mitch Mathews was back practicing Thursday after being limited for much of fall camp due to an injury.
And his impact was felt immediately.
“He got in for one play and scored,” wide receiver Terenn Houk said of Mathews. “It shows the dominance and presence he has once he’s actually playing. Our offense has been missing that, and it’s good to have him back out there.”
Mathews, who’s 6-foot-6, 215 pounds, and fellow receiver Nick Kurtz, who’s 6-5, 205, have already been dubbed the "Twin Towers." They are roommates and close friends.
Mathews and Kurtz receive a lot of attention and are expected to put up some big numbers this season. But Kurtz acknowledged that they’re surrounded by a lot of playmakers at the receiver position.
“It’s not just me and him,” Kurtz said. “There are a lot of other guys. A lot of competition.”
Indeed, the Cougars also boast other tall wideouts like Houk (6-5, 225), Josh Weeks (6-3, 217) and Moroni Laulu-Pututau (6-4, 190).
Quarterback Taysom Hill has plenty of tall targets to throw to this fall.
“We have some great receivers. Not only because of their size, but we have guys that are big but can move as well as they do,” Hill said. “The opportunities are really endless in what we can do as an offense in throwing the ball specifically.”
On the other hand, there are also several smaller BYU receivers for Hill to look for, like Mitchell Juergens (5-10, 182), Kurt Henderson (6-1, 190), Devon Blackmon (6-0, 187) and Colby Pearson (6-0, 204) and Trey Dye (5-9, 172).
Tall or small, whether it's lanky Mitch Mathews or diminutive Mitchell Juergens, it all adds up to depth at wide receiver.
“The skill level at wide receiver is improving and depth is improving,” said coach Bronco Mendenhall.
Houk calls the depth at receiver “very good. We have a lot of seniors stepping up like Mitch, myself and Kurt. We’re also deep with young guys like Josh Weeks and Moroni. Moroni’s come back from a mission and he’s starting to rotate with the one’s. He’s doing a very good job. We have a lot of depth, so if someone gets hurt, we have other guys who can step in and make big plays.”
Receivers coach Guy Holliday has had Houk, and others, lined up at multiple spots within the offensive scheme.
“It’s called inside receiver, but really, they have us flexed out at the wide receiver position,” Houk explained. “They also have us at slot and lined up in the backfield … we block, we catch passes … we pretty much do a lot in the inside spot.”
Early in fall camp, offensive coordinator Robert Anae said he would “splice in” Juergens “at running back a little,” which the Cougars have shown over the past week. Juergens ran for a long touchdown during Tuesday’s practice session.
Aside from depth and versatility, the receivers are looking to push each other to be their best.
“I think we’re going great. A lot of improvement from last year,” Henderson. “As far as the receiver unity, it’s where it should be. The competition is there. Nobody’s comfortable. That’s really good for a receiving corps because everyone’s hungry. Off the field, we look after each other. There’s a culture for the receivers.”
Henderson said he’s used to not being one of the “tall” guys.
“It’s how you grow up, right? You’re not the biggest, you’re not the fastest, you don’t have as many stars by your name. But it gives you that much more reason to reach your highest potential. There’s no ceiling on you. If you talk about the big guys, it’s great because we expect big things out of them. Then we smaller guys, if you will, expect huge things out of ourselves. That’s what we do.”
In fact, Henderson relishes being overlooked and underrated.
“I like that. You get to focus more on yourself in the right ways,” he said. “You recognize who you are. I’m never going to be 6-foot-6. I’m never going to be 215 (pounds). I’ll always be me. It’s perfecting my craft and skills.”
Holliday said Henderson is a key member of the receivers group.
“Kurt brings a lot of determination. His knowledge is good. He’s improved tremendously. There’s always a place for a guy that’s willing to sacrifice. There are some other players who may have a better skill set, but Kurt’s improvement is significant. He’s going to have a role on our football team. He’s competing to be one of the first ones on the field like everybody else. We can look at 40 times and heights and weights. At the end of the day, it’s who makes plays.”