PROVO — BYU football spring practices began on Monday and as expected, linebacker Chaz Ah You was not one of the participants.

The Timpview High School product was charged with driving under the influence just weeks prior to the start of the spring practice session, with BYU head coach Kalani Sitake addressing Ah You’s status to the media after Monday’s practice.

“I love Chaz, and obviously he’s part of the team,” Sitake said. “He’s here, but he’s not going to be participating in spring, and he has to go through a process. That’s probably the most I can say right now. I think it would be inappropriate for me to say more than that. We love him and we’ll support him as much as we can.”

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“It’s about helping young men and football isn’t the most important thing right now to help them and find their goals, and be on track to where their families want them to be.” — BYU coach Kalani Sitake

Ah You was a standout playmaker for the defense last season as a sophomore, finishing with 31 tackles, one sack and an interception while starting 11 games.

With regards to helping Ah You, and others, through legal and honor code issues, Sitake said, “It’s about helping young men and football isn’t the most important thing right now to help them and find their goals, and be on track to where their families want them to be. ... Consequence is part of the deal, but when they’re done you praise them as they’re accomplishing a lot of things.”

One player who was seen at practice, although not participating was receiver Neil Pau’u. The 6-foot-4 junior receiver sat out all of last season after being charged with a DUI just prior to the start of the 2019 season.

“It’s a paperwork deal, and it’s really unfortunate because I know he was really excited to get on the field,” Sitake said. “... I think he’ll be ready to go tomorrow, though.”

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With regards to what Pau’u has been through since his infraction, Sitake noted a lot of growth.

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“I’m proud of him,” Sitake said. “I’m just really proud of the stuff he’s done in this past year, and I’m really excited that he can get back on the field and play, and contribute to this team — a lot like he’s been doing within the community this past year. I’m really proud of the steps that he’s made and the things he’s been able to do ... and in sharing his experience with others.”

Pau’u had 18 catches for 216 yards and a touchdown during the 2018 season.

Although not suited up, Pau’u addressed the media on Monday, sharing a bit of his experience over the past year.

“It’s been tough, and for sure lonely,” Pau’u said. “It’s been the biggest learning experience for me outside of football — learning what I want to do after. ... There’s been a lot of things, which has been super good for me. You have to grow up faster than you want to.”

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