BYU Football: Stories, interviews and updates from Day 4 of Fall Camp

Interviews with Kalani Sitake, Ilaisa Tuiaki Matt Hadley and Talon Shumway

We got to hear from two coaches and two players after the session today, each providing some specific insights to how things are progressing. Kalani talked about position battles on the offensive line (specifically right tackle), safety, as well as the fight for the backup quarterback position. Tuiaki praised Sione Takitaki for his emotion and passion that he brings to the defensive line. Matt Hadley confirmed his return to the defensive backfield (after a brief stint at running back this spring) and discussed the competitive nature of their talented position group. Talon Shumway (who had an impressive grab to end the practice session) talked about his dream of playing for BYU as a kid, back when he idolized Luke Staley.

Offense shines in two-minute drill

To end the final session of practice, the offense ran a two-minute drill and based on the video footage they had no trouble moving the ball. Tanner Mangum completed passes to Micah Simon, Matt Bushman and Talon Shumway. Check out the video below unless you are allergic to tight spirals and accurate passing.

BYU grad and former Utah assistant coach Aaron Roderick makes another appearance in Provo

For the second time in the last few days former Utah offensive assistant Aaron Roderick was in attendance at BYU’s practice. Roderick was let go this last off season so maybe he’s trying to connect with his bud Kalani Sitake to work with the Cougars in some capacity. It could be that he’s just visiting but its definitely something to keep an eye on.

Mo Langi: Still large and in charge

In all honesty I thought that it would be a few weeks before we got another update on Mo Langi but here we are a few days in and he’s getting some love. At some point during the practice Mo was getting reps at defensive tackle and he batted down a ball at the line of scrimmage. The play apparently sent the defense into a frenzy. Hans Olsen noted that Mo is still working on some fundamentals (specifically getting into a three point stance) but Kalani apparently said himself that they will find a way to get Mo on the field. Jay Drew also mentioned an injury but it doesn’t appear to be serious.

More quick cuts from the BYU Football Video team

The good people of the BYU Football video team are working hard to give us some great clips of practice, even if it is footage of warm-ups. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we’ll take any kind of football footage at this point.

NFL BONUS: Jordan Leslie, Jamaal Williams and Taysom Hill are making plays in training camp

While we’re very excited for the current Cougar squad, we’re also excited to see our alumni doing well at the next level. Former WR Jordan Leslie is trying to work his way onto the roster and catches like the one below will surely get the coaches attention.

It also looks like Jamaal and Taysom are up to their usual tricks with the two connection for a completion. Jamaal is expected to contribute immediately and there is a chance Taysom could stick on as a backup to Aaron Rodgers. Colby Pearson is also up in camp with Green Bay.