What stands out most about this BYU football team?

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BYU officially brought fall camp to an end this week and now pulls all the levers on game preparation for the Sept. 3 opener in Tampa with South Florida.

Here are some of our camp stories leading up to Sitake’s coaches and players putting on their game faces, preparing a depth chart and travel roster.

• Hopes high for receiving corps (Jay Drew)
• Brooks ignoring all the hype (Jay Drew)
• Cougars expect hot, muggy opener (Jay Drew)
• *What’s the status of Chaz Ah You? (Jay Drew)
• Some bold predictions by media (Dick Harmon)
• Defense making noise (Dick Harmon)
• How new NIL deal benefits players (Jay Drew)
• Meaningless preseason ranking is still news for Cougars (Dick Harmon)
• Safeties room looking deep, athletic (Jay Drew)

Cougar Insiders predictions

Question of the week: At the conclusion of fall camp this week, work begins on South Florida. What stands out about BYU’s football team so far?

Jay Drew: Although media access to BYU’s fall camp has been as limited as I can ever remember it being, a couple of things stand out about this team. First, there is as much team speed — from the receivers to the corners, safeties and even linebackers — as the Cougars have ever had. Some of the newer guys can really, really run.

Second, there are no glaring holes in the two-deep. BYU should be able to sustain injuries this year better than last — except at the quarterback position. A Jaren Hall injury feels like it would be devastating. 

Third, it appears the Cougars have put a major emphasis on identifying their pass rushers and putting them in positions to succeed. Kalani Sitake has preached the importance of the defense wreaking havoc for several years now, and I think the fruits of those labors will pay off in 2022.

Dick Harmon: Limited access means a lot of guessing, but in talking to sources on the team, there is a lot of confidence and hope in this season. Because there are so many experienced players returning, this camp was accelerated and a lot of work was accomplished fast. The corners are the real deal and man coverage could be as good as the program has seen since 1996. Because BYU can play man cover defense, it should open up things to bring more pressure — and that’s what this team needs. If it leads to disruption and gaining turnovers, this could be a special season. 

The hype for this offense is legitimate and that’s due to Jaren Hall, his protectors/blockers and the skill of the receiving corps. It’s hard to remember a time BYU had this many quality, athletic, speedy targets. Chris Brooks is the real deal. This should be fun to watch with a schedule to match. Get the popcorn ready.

Cougar tales

Here’s a collection of interesting stories, trends and developments with football and basketball.

• Mark Pope to get visit from elite player (Brandon Judd)
• How former QB greats size up Jaren Hall (Dave McCann)
• Receiver with multiple P5 offers commits (Brandon Judd)
• What happened to Robbie Bosco after 1984? (Dave McCann)

From the archives

From the Twitterverse

Extra points

• Could BYU play an SEC team in bowl? (KSL Sports)
• Khyiris Tonga gets pick-six in practice (KSL Sports)
• Newcomers arrive in camp (KSL Sports)

Fanalyst

Comments from Deseret News readers:

— Demitri

— Coug4life

Up next

Aug. 26 | Noon | Women’s volleyball | vs. Rider | @Provo

Aug. 26 | 4 p.m. | Soccer | vs. Ohio State | @Columbus, Ohio

Aug. 26 | 7 p.m. | Women’s volleyball | vs. Duke | @Provo

Aug. 27 | 7 p.m. | Women’s volleyball | vs. Washington State | @Provo

Sept. 3 | 2 p.m. | Football | vs. South Florida | @Tampa, Florida

Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo