The Brigham Young Cougars Football Media Day has arrived. A full list of the events for today can be found here. I will be adding to this post throughout the day with updates, insights, analysis, and impressions.
Go Cougars!!!
BYU FOOTBALL 2011--State of the Program
10:15
I missed most of this session, so I will have to go back and watch it on BYUtv.org.
I did catch Greg Wrubell, KSL Radio, ask the question about what other schools were saying about BYU's move for independence.
Bronco Mendenhall responded that the other schools didn't understand that BYU owned its own television network, and they didn't have the BYU brand. Other schools may have a brand, and the help of a conference brand, but they don't have the ability to control its brand via a TV network.
The best part of the answer to Wrubell's question came from Dave Brown, ESPN. He said he got a tour of the new BYU Broadcast building and his reaction was that this place was just like the ESPN facilities in Bristol, Connecticut.
For those who do not understand the meaning of the "BYU Brand," this comment from Dave Brown goes a long way to explaining it. BYU has world class assets. When BYU does anything, they do it right and do it as best they can.
BYU is in a great position to make independence work because of the BYU brand.
10:25 MT
Bronco plans to be the defensive coordinator indefinitely. He loves to be close to the players, and this allows that to happen.
Trevor Matich, ESPN, and former BYU football player, asked a question about the Honor Code's impact on the field.
I loved Bronco's answer. He said that the coaches are very upfront with recruits about it and tell them this is the way it is at BYU. If recruits want to live the standards of the Honor Code, then they need to sell themselves to the coaching staff and why they deserve a scholarship over the other players wanting to come to BYU. Bronco also clarified that there was no persuading, coaxing, or enticing done by the coaches.
Bronco also explained that students/players aren't automatically kicked out of school or off the team for violating the honor code. He pointed out that the intent of the honor code is to help people reach their full potential.
11:45
Some rough notes from the Ty Detmer and Bryan Kehl fan Q&A
Ty Detmer
Asking all the same questions from my interview with him.
Nate Miekle borrowed Ty’s cleats on his first day.
Speak their language and Wyoming fans will be nice to you. Once he started to talk hunting with them they started to be nice.
Who would TY want to dee BYU play: Arizona State, renew old rivalry. Military academies, Penn State, Notre Dame.
People in Texas don’t think that BYU is too crazy for going independent
No admission to the high school game. After the game he will be accessible and available.
Ross Apo’s high school is in the same conference as St. Andrew’s (Detmer’s school).
And the answer to the question I submitted: If we beat Texas he will definitely get one of the BYU Texas license plates.
Bryan Kehl
What are you doing during the lockout: work out, staying busy—football camp, golf
Wants BYU to play more Big XII and SEC teams. Want to play the best. Have to play the best and beat the best to be the best.
How much contact with former teammates: three were at the camp. Definitely a brotherhood. Point out BYU guys when watching film to teammates. Austin Collie picked his brain about Giants defense after giants released him.
How is Collie? Haven’t talked for awhile, others tell me he is ready to go. Would have been a Pro Bowler.
Favorite memory: 2007 utah game. We were much better than utah, offense played terrible. Thought the game was over, but 4th and 18 and Harvey ran over tate, fans rushed the field, final home game.
12:00 PM
Corby Eason
Meeting with Bronco was one of biggest reasons Eason came to BYU. Saw Bronco could help him have new values in life and become a better person.
Being baptized last november was the best decision of his life.
have playmakers in the secondary. Secondary has to do its job for BYU defense to be a good defense.
Have a lot of depth and will be able to do a lot of things. Having to prove themselves is motivation.
Wonderful to run the corner blitz and get some sacks. Bronco put that play in when he took over as defensive coordinator. hard for him to hide his excitement that he was coming on a blitz.
Who will be like Andrew Rich? Have a lot of guys, can't single one out. Have to watch the games and see the season unfold. Be patient.
He knows every position in the secondary. Comfortable with his abilities, not going to worry about others taking his starting spot.
This is the best front 7 he has seen since he got here.
Mike Hague is adjusting well to the new position. He can help us out a lot.
gained his work ethic by being smaller than everyone else, so he had to work extra hard to prove himself day in and day out.
Wants to see BYU play Georgia. BYU could get some recruits from there if BYU wins.
When you are small you have to be good tacklers. Have to be good tackler anyways as a corner.
True Blue Player Interviews
10 of 12 BYU football games will be on ESPN. Idaho State will be on BYUtv. Only game without TV arrangements at this time is the October 15 game at Oregon State.
12:20
Jake Heaps and Matt Reynolds
Reynolds: lineman conditioning/weight management has been very good. Playing with brother and for his dad is normal. Played with brothers in high school and his dad would come down on the sidelines.
Heaps: one reason he came to BYU is because of the great offensive line. Has been exciting to see guys mature and become masters of their craft.
Reynolds: Excited with every aspect of independence. The risks present opportunities for huge rewards.
Heaps: One of the hardest parts of the recruiting process was whether he would been seen nationally.
12:40
McKay Jacobsen and J.J. DiLuigi
Mckay: Took trip back to Japan this summer. Excited about more exposure
Can’t really tell with the baggy clothes, but looks like Jacobson has dropped some pounds to be closer to the size he was as a freshman.
J.J.: Definitely quicker now than when he came to the program. Washington game last year was his biggest moment so far at BYU.
McKay: have the guys we need to make plays and be successful.
J.J.: Has been a great experience at BYU as a Catholic. Had lots of LDS friends growing up, not too big of a culture shock.
12:50
Uona Kaveinga and Travis Uale
Uona: Do 7 on 7 drills and one on one drills during the summer to get ready for the season.
Uale: This has been the most organized offseason since he has been here.
Uona: Has been forever since got to be in a game. Humbling to go through the wait. Got used to the program last year. As a sophomore at USC felt he needed a change on and off the field, which made him want to transfer to BYU. Knowledge of football at USC will be used to help BYU. Pete Carroll was a defensive genius.
Uale: Kaveina and Ogletree are the meanest guys on the defense.
Uona: Confident on the field with other linebackers.
Uale: Don’t see either side of the ball carrying a burden for the first games of the season. Team will be prepared come season.
Uona: Wants defense to be known as hard hitting and a solid unit. Confident the coaches will prepare them well.
More national exposure the first six weeks of the season than any team in the nation.
Holly Rowe
First job in broadcasting was BYU football games. At that time had a network with 62 stations going all the way to Florida.
Can’t imagine a better television partner for BYU than ESPN. ESPN has wanted BYU for a long time. Dave Brown would call her and ask what is happening with BYU.
BYU football is a brand of its own independent of the Church.
Legends Roundtable
With LaVell Edwards, Steve Young, Trevor Matich, Ty Detmer, Bryan Kehl
LaVell tells the story of when Ty came for recruiting trip and Detmer looked like a little boy.
Trevor Matich: 1984 was ultimate team accomplishment.
Bryan Kehl: Born in 1984, that is why BYU was so good.
Steve Young: I was bigger than Ty, at least. Not highly recruited. Begged my way onto campus. LaVell saw something in me. He had a gift to see who you could become. LaVell saw more in me than anyone else.
Thoughts on Independence
LaVell: Going to have to change the mindset. Winning conference championship is what we strove for each year. Will be exciting to see how it unfolds.
Ty: Agree. We had opportunity to play first non-conference games, and when conference games started like it was a new season. ESPN contract will bring exposures. Will take some getting used to not having the old rivalry games—Wyoming, Colorado State, etc.
Steve: The conference gives you a net, so first few years, it is like being on the high wire without a safety net. We need to get used to it. When we recognize that we are alone, need to have the mentality it is us against the world. Have tremendous upside, but need to get used to new philosophy.
Trevor: Independence is exciting and a little terrifying. BYU is completely on its own to either sink or swim. BYU will become more familiar with recruits nationwide.
Bryan: Bronco is creative, I would follow him to the end of the earth. Bronco will come up with some ways to motivate the players.
ESPN Contract
Steve: ESPN is exposure for BYU. It is the new world, just look at Jimmer and the social media this last year. People who know football know BYU, but this gives an opportuinity to get other who don’t know BYU to know them. The pressure is greater because you cannot have a losing season and have an excitement around the program. BYU has always had the pressure to win, so it won’t be much of a big deal.
Ty: Couldn’t even get games on the Mtn. in Texas. People in Texas are excited. Have the chance to see all the games. BYU has fans all over the country. The scheduling allows all BYU fans to see them live.
LaVell: Don’t think there is any question that what helped us reach a national conscious was ESPN. The Pittsburgh game and the Thursday night games. The fact that BYU has the contract with ESPN will make this very exciting. Has the potential to be great.
Honor Code
LaVell: It is there and it is part of it. Interesting that those who get in trouble say they don’t know about it—that is not true. A great thing about BYU is that each case is treated on its own. Never found it to be true that athletes get breaks when students don’t. He was a student bishop and saw regular students have to go through honor code issues.
Ty: Have training rules, which are basically an honor code, for his high school team, like no drinking. That is part of why I came here.
Steve: BYU reflects the passionate effort of the church to see how good can we be. If you make mistakes you move on and keep trying to be better. Cannot fathom BYU without the honor code. Once you are on campus you realize it is an important part of the school. It is compassionately administered. Bronco does a great job presenting the honor code during recruiting. As more light is shined on it people will respect it more.
Trevor: BYU does not want you to shoehorn your lifestyle into the honor code. It is an aspiration, we all fall short from time to time. BYU has won big games because of discipline which comes from honor code living.
Bryan: BYU asks a lot and gets a lot from players. In the NFL, players immediately respect BYU’s respect when they know about the honor code. They are impressed by the number of wins we get from a limited recruiting pool.
Steve: Tom Holmoe arrived as a non-member. It was close to 50/50 members of the church and non-members. This has been going on for a long time. BYU is not 100% Mormon players.
Greatest Moment at BYU
LaVell: Greatest moment was to see players reach their potential. Miss association with the program the most since retirement. Wins were nice since they kept me employed doing what I liked—working with the players. Told the 1984 team at 20th anniversary that he was more proud of them in 2004 than 1984 because of what they had done with their lives.
Ty: Miami game was his biggest moment and the hype that went with it. The whole experience was great. Enjoyed on and off the field. LaVell was a great coach to play for.
Steve: Threw 5 interceptions in first half against Georgia. Was glad that laVell let him go back on the field. Took over for Jim McMahon in 1982, and BYU had to go to the Holiday Bowl every year—unwritten rule—so making to the 1982 holiday bowl was great. Wonderful to do something that kept the QB factory going.
laVell: Score was still 7-7 at halftime, so wanted to calm down Steve. He kept saying he was fine.
Trevor: Only gave up 9 sacks in 1984, so when Bosco went down in Hoiday Bowl we just huddled up. Could see the pain in Bosco’s eye when he returned. The suffereing and sacrifice for teammates was greatest moment.
Bryan: Las Vegas Bowl 2007—fell on the ground and couldn’t see if FG was good. Heard the fans cheering and thought the kick was good. Then realized that the cheering was too loud for UCLA to win, then knew that we had won.
Laramie Memories
Ty: Drunk fans were yelling all night. Sitting on the bench at the end of a blowout they were still yelling at him. Asked them where he could hunt in Wyoming, and they turned to be nice.
LaVell: Has been close to 90 years BYU has been going to Wyoming. It is a unique place. Fans get into it. It was a fun place to go.
Steve: Top 5 roughest place to play football. Going to Laramie is number one (Philadelphia Eagles is number 2). Wyoming fans have a hatred that not even Utah fans have. Felt safer in Philly when fights were happening in the stand than in Laramie.
Trevor: Roger French thought Wyoming had bugged the locker room, so he cut the cord to a speaker before giving his halftime speech.
Bryan: Airplane was struck by lightening, so just happy to get there. Glad never going there again.
Steve: Can fly into Ft. Collins, but not Laramie
Jake Heaps and Matt Reyonlds join the group, LaVell and Bryan Kehl leave.
Jake: Awesome to be around these guys. Didn’t know much about BYU than the quarterback fraternity, so great to be with them and talk with them about BYU. Great to see that they care about who takes over at QB.
Steve: Look forward to talking with Jake in the future. The year QB is transitioned are the year BYU struggles. Now with Jake established, the expectations are high. At the end of last year you had the sense that Jake had gotten up to speed.
Ty: It takes time to get your feet wet and get a feel for it. It is the little things—reminders in the huddle. The game goes so fast, you don’t have time for the little things. When you are comfortable then you can give those reminders. Brandon Doman will help Jake do that. Great to have QB coach as play caller. Jake is a veteran now so people are looking to him.
Jake: These guys know what I am going through, they are the only ones, so being able to talk to them and relate is a special and humbling opportunity.
Trevor: Advice to Matt Reynolds is that in college you are a better athlete than the guys you play against. In the NFL they will be better athletes than you. Need to work on technique and know why you do what you do, then you can beat those with more athleticism.
Matt: Working on the things that will make me the best I can be. Focusing on being more aggressive and putting people on their backs. After seeing what defense is doing getting into stance and mad.
Jake: One of biggest reasons he came to BYU was the tradition of great offensive line men. Four of five guys coming back on the line, they are all talented. Fired up to hear about Matt getting nasty.
Questions from the Media
Ty: Favorite Steve Young story. Would ride with Steve to every home game. They were like therapy sessions. Had to talk Steve into being a good player. He was complaining about feet blisters, etc.
Steve: Favorite Ty Detmer story. Ty doesn’t have a great QB body. He did have the best QB mind, including Joe Montana. Ty could slow things down. Always asked Ty questions because he respected Ty’s mental ability. Could never slow down the game like Ty could.
Trevor: Steve took a big hit one game, and he thought it was my guy, but it wasn’t. Decided the best thing to do was stand there and take it.
One Heisman and two Outland in Legacy Hall. Do you guys think about those and adding to the collection?
Matt: if you are focused on the awards, then you are playing for the wrong reason. However, if you are playing at a high level, you want to be the best you can. My philosophy is to be the best I can be and everything will take care of its place.
Jake: The rich history and great players at BYU, I have always felt I could accomplish anything I wanted to accomplish it. If matt wins the Outland or I win the Heisman, then it means the team is playing well. It is really about our team and where we want to go. If we get a national championship that will override everything else.
What constitutes a successful first independent season?
Steve: Lots of pressure. Vital to hit the ground running. Everyone who has ever played will be behind you 100%. This season is for the mentally tough. Lot of new things. You will see Bronco try to get you motivated to be independent. Hope have mental toughness to take it all in.
Trevor: Remember what you have heard from the guys who came before you. Be focused, but fun. It is a success principle to know when to have fun. Make sure you enjoy it and that teammates enjoy it.
Ty: Important to go out there and have fun. Fans need to understand what you are going through. There will be rough patches along the way. Have highs and lows in a game and a season. We are all behind you with what you do and stand for. Do things the right way.
2:15
Live Chat with Mckay Jacobson, Bryan Kariya, Justin Sorensen, Jake Heaps
JacobsonWhy be excited about this receiving corps?
Will be opening the offense and throw the ball down field a bit.
Ross Apo has similar body type to Cody Hoffman, Apo will do a good job and make some big plays for us.
How get off to fast start?
Continue to work.
How much more sense of responsibility with nation looking in on independence?
Have to be ready to go from game one.
What was it like to play with Chase Daniel and Greg McElroy?
We were 63-1 in high school. Had great quarterbacks. Stays in touch with them some.
Race with Phillips, Apo, and him?
Runs a 4.4 40.
Special plans for game in Cowboy stadium?
Get a win. Would like a good game.
Dad gave out close to 100 tickets for OU game in 2009.
How does independence change BYU long-term and what are the challenges?
Not in conference. Pressure to win every game. Still playing football.
What opponent do you want BYU to play?
USC, Big XII schools, Notre Dame
Bryan Kariya
How does new offensive scheme help his game?
Don’t see a ton of changes. Some new formations. Don’t see that it will change my game.
How fun was the 2009 Oklahoma game, since Harvey Unga did not play?
Realized I could only play my best. Got a lot of touches. It was awesome.
Path to BYU.
Didn’t get very many looks as a high school senior, even as the 5A State MVP. Bronco gave him an opportunity to walk on. Was given opportunities to progress.
Had 4.0 in high school, what is it now?
Don’t know. Above 3.5, not on Dean’s List.
Last year we were a click away from taking off. Just needed to get things settled. Ben Cahoon brings experience. He puts on cleats and goes through the drills.
Plans to go to dental school.
What do you do between spring and fall, and how much contact do you have with coaches?
First 9 weeks of summer, can have closer contact with the coaches. They can be out there with us, but cannot touch a ball. After 9 weeks coaches have to take a step back. Players are on their own. Coaches can be in weight room to make sure we are doing things right.
Will Drew Phillips make it into the rotation?
He is deceptively fast. Don’t know what his situation is. Hope he can be a part of what we do.
Justin Sorenson
Has 14 unicycles.
It helps your legs better because legs are your breaks. Better workout riding a unicycle than the coaches workouts.
Trick plays
Would love to run them. Kicker does the exact same thing every time, so any change is the highlight of the day.
Post mission legs?
Surgery on ankle. Was surprised how fast they came back. Attribute it to the uni.
How many FG kick per day?
Normally 20-30. Kicked 45 today. Best to have holder and snapper. Tries to simulate game situations.
Does the unicycle develop muscles that other kickers don’t have?
Yes. Ride unicycles to get strength in abnormal ways.
Kicked a 76-yard field goal in practice once.
How satisfied with freshman season?
Could have done better. Had some small injuries and tried very hard to get back quickly. Leg got too tired. Legs are fresh now.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
Go Cougars!!!
BYU FOOTBALL 2011--State of the Program
10:15
I missed most of this session, so I will have to go back and watch it on BYUtv.org.
I did catch Greg Wrubell, KSL Radio, ask the question about what other schools were saying about BYU's move for independence.
Bronco Mendenhall responded that the other schools didn't understand that BYU owned its own television network, and they didn't have the BYU brand. Other schools may have a brand, and the help of a conference brand, but they don't have the ability to control its brand via a TV network.
The best part of the answer to Wrubell's question came from Dave Brown, ESPN. He said he got a tour of the new BYU Broadcast building and his reaction was that this place was just like the ESPN facilities in Bristol, Connecticut.
For those who do not understand the meaning of the "BYU Brand," this comment from Dave Brown goes a long way to explaining it. BYU has world class assets. When BYU does anything, they do it right and do it as best they can.
BYU is in a great position to make independence work because of the BYU brand.
10:25 MT
Bronco plans to be the defensive coordinator indefinitely. He loves to be close to the players, and this allows that to happen.
Trevor Matich, ESPN, and former BYU football player, asked a question about the Honor Code's impact on the field.
I loved Bronco's answer. He said that the coaches are very upfront with recruits about it and tell them this is the way it is at BYU. If recruits want to live the standards of the Honor Code, then they need to sell themselves to the coaching staff and why they deserve a scholarship over the other players wanting to come to BYU. Bronco also clarified that there was no persuading, coaxing, or enticing done by the coaches.
Bronco also explained that students/players aren't automatically kicked out of school or off the team for violating the honor code. He pointed out that the intent of the honor code is to help people reach their full potential.
11:45
Some rough notes from the Ty Detmer and Bryan Kehl fan Q&A
Ty Detmer
Asking all the same questions from my interview with him.
Nate Miekle borrowed Ty’s cleats on his first day.
Speak their language and Wyoming fans will be nice to you. Once he started to talk hunting with them they started to be nice.
Who would TY want to dee BYU play: Arizona State, renew old rivalry. Military academies, Penn State, Notre Dame.
People in Texas don’t think that BYU is too crazy for going independent
No admission to the high school game. After the game he will be accessible and available.
Ross Apo’s high school is in the same conference as St. Andrew’s (Detmer’s school).
And the answer to the question I submitted: If we beat Texas he will definitely get one of the BYU Texas license plates.
Bryan Kehl
What are you doing during the lockout: work out, staying busy—football camp, golf
Wants BYU to play more Big XII and SEC teams. Want to play the best. Have to play the best and beat the best to be the best.
How much contact with former teammates: three were at the camp. Definitely a brotherhood. Point out BYU guys when watching film to teammates. Austin Collie picked his brain about Giants defense after giants released him.
How is Collie? Haven’t talked for awhile, others tell me he is ready to go. Would have been a Pro Bowler.
Favorite memory: 2007 utah game. We were much better than utah, offense played terrible. Thought the game was over, but 4th and 18 and Harvey ran over tate, fans rushed the field, final home game.
12:00 PM
Corby Eason
Meeting with Bronco was one of biggest reasons Eason came to BYU. Saw Bronco could help him have new values in life and become a better person.
Being baptized last november was the best decision of his life.
have playmakers in the secondary. Secondary has to do its job for BYU defense to be a good defense.
Have a lot of depth and will be able to do a lot of things. Having to prove themselves is motivation.
Wonderful to run the corner blitz and get some sacks. Bronco put that play in when he took over as defensive coordinator. hard for him to hide his excitement that he was coming on a blitz.
Who will be like Andrew Rich? Have a lot of guys, can't single one out. Have to watch the games and see the season unfold. Be patient.
He knows every position in the secondary. Comfortable with his abilities, not going to worry about others taking his starting spot.
This is the best front 7 he has seen since he got here.
Mike Hague is adjusting well to the new position. He can help us out a lot.
gained his work ethic by being smaller than everyone else, so he had to work extra hard to prove himself day in and day out.
Wants to see BYU play Georgia. BYU could get some recruits from there if BYU wins.
When you are small you have to be good tacklers. Have to be good tackler anyways as a corner.
True Blue Player Interviews
10 of 12 BYU football games will be on ESPN. Idaho State will be on BYUtv. Only game without TV arrangements at this time is the October 15 game at Oregon State.
12:20
Jake Heaps and Matt Reynolds
Reynolds: lineman conditioning/weight management has been very good. Playing with brother and for his dad is normal. Played with brothers in high school and his dad would come down on the sidelines.
Heaps: one reason he came to BYU is because of the great offensive line. Has been exciting to see guys mature and become masters of their craft.
Reynolds: Excited with every aspect of independence. The risks present opportunities for huge rewards.
Heaps: One of the hardest parts of the recruiting process was whether he would been seen nationally.
12:40
McKay Jacobsen and J.J. DiLuigi
Mckay: Took trip back to Japan this summer. Excited about more exposure
Can’t really tell with the baggy clothes, but looks like Jacobson has dropped some pounds to be closer to the size he was as a freshman.
J.J.: Definitely quicker now than when he came to the program. Washington game last year was his biggest moment so far at BYU.
McKay: have the guys we need to make plays and be successful.
J.J.: Has been a great experience at BYU as a Catholic. Had lots of LDS friends growing up, not too big of a culture shock.
12:50
Uona Kaveinga and Travis Uale
Uona: Do 7 on 7 drills and one on one drills during the summer to get ready for the season.
Uale: This has been the most organized offseason since he has been here.
Uona: Has been forever since got to be in a game. Humbling to go through the wait. Got used to the program last year. As a sophomore at USC felt he needed a change on and off the field, which made him want to transfer to BYU. Knowledge of football at USC will be used to help BYU. Pete Carroll was a defensive genius.
Uale: Kaveina and Ogletree are the meanest guys on the defense.
Uona: Confident on the field with other linebackers.
Uale: Don’t see either side of the ball carrying a burden for the first games of the season. Team will be prepared come season.
Uona: Wants defense to be known as hard hitting and a solid unit. Confident the coaches will prepare them well.
More national exposure the first six weeks of the season than any team in the nation.
Holly Rowe
First job in broadcasting was BYU football games. At that time had a network with 62 stations going all the way to Florida.
Can’t imagine a better television partner for BYU than ESPN. ESPN has wanted BYU for a long time. Dave Brown would call her and ask what is happening with BYU.
BYU football is a brand of its own independent of the Church.
Legends Roundtable
With LaVell Edwards, Steve Young, Trevor Matich, Ty Detmer, Bryan Kehl
LaVell tells the story of when Ty came for recruiting trip and Detmer looked like a little boy.
Trevor Matich: 1984 was ultimate team accomplishment.
Bryan Kehl: Born in 1984, that is why BYU was so good.
Steve Young: I was bigger than Ty, at least. Not highly recruited. Begged my way onto campus. LaVell saw something in me. He had a gift to see who you could become. LaVell saw more in me than anyone else.
Thoughts on Independence
LaVell: Going to have to change the mindset. Winning conference championship is what we strove for each year. Will be exciting to see how it unfolds.
Ty: Agree. We had opportunity to play first non-conference games, and when conference games started like it was a new season. ESPN contract will bring exposures. Will take some getting used to not having the old rivalry games—Wyoming, Colorado State, etc.
Steve: The conference gives you a net, so first few years, it is like being on the high wire without a safety net. We need to get used to it. When we recognize that we are alone, need to have the mentality it is us against the world. Have tremendous upside, but need to get used to new philosophy.
Trevor: Independence is exciting and a little terrifying. BYU is completely on its own to either sink or swim. BYU will become more familiar with recruits nationwide.
Bryan: Bronco is creative, I would follow him to the end of the earth. Bronco will come up with some ways to motivate the players.
ESPN Contract
Steve: ESPN is exposure for BYU. It is the new world, just look at Jimmer and the social media this last year. People who know football know BYU, but this gives an opportuinity to get other who don’t know BYU to know them. The pressure is greater because you cannot have a losing season and have an excitement around the program. BYU has always had the pressure to win, so it won’t be much of a big deal.
Ty: Couldn’t even get games on the Mtn. in Texas. People in Texas are excited. Have the chance to see all the games. BYU has fans all over the country. The scheduling allows all BYU fans to see them live.
LaVell: Don’t think there is any question that what helped us reach a national conscious was ESPN. The Pittsburgh game and the Thursday night games. The fact that BYU has the contract with ESPN will make this very exciting. Has the potential to be great.
Honor Code
LaVell: It is there and it is part of it. Interesting that those who get in trouble say they don’t know about it—that is not true. A great thing about BYU is that each case is treated on its own. Never found it to be true that athletes get breaks when students don’t. He was a student bishop and saw regular students have to go through honor code issues.
Ty: Have training rules, which are basically an honor code, for his high school team, like no drinking. That is part of why I came here.
Steve: BYU reflects the passionate effort of the church to see how good can we be. If you make mistakes you move on and keep trying to be better. Cannot fathom BYU without the honor code. Once you are on campus you realize it is an important part of the school. It is compassionately administered. Bronco does a great job presenting the honor code during recruiting. As more light is shined on it people will respect it more.
Trevor: BYU does not want you to shoehorn your lifestyle into the honor code. It is an aspiration, we all fall short from time to time. BYU has won big games because of discipline which comes from honor code living.
Bryan: BYU asks a lot and gets a lot from players. In the NFL, players immediately respect BYU’s respect when they know about the honor code. They are impressed by the number of wins we get from a limited recruiting pool.
Steve: Tom Holmoe arrived as a non-member. It was close to 50/50 members of the church and non-members. This has been going on for a long time. BYU is not 100% Mormon players.
Greatest Moment at BYU
LaVell: Greatest moment was to see players reach their potential. Miss association with the program the most since retirement. Wins were nice since they kept me employed doing what I liked—working with the players. Told the 1984 team at 20th anniversary that he was more proud of them in 2004 than 1984 because of what they had done with their lives.
Ty: Miami game was his biggest moment and the hype that went with it. The whole experience was great. Enjoyed on and off the field. LaVell was a great coach to play for.
Steve: Threw 5 interceptions in first half against Georgia. Was glad that laVell let him go back on the field. Took over for Jim McMahon in 1982, and BYU had to go to the Holiday Bowl every year—unwritten rule—so making to the 1982 holiday bowl was great. Wonderful to do something that kept the QB factory going.
laVell: Score was still 7-7 at halftime, so wanted to calm down Steve. He kept saying he was fine.
Trevor: Only gave up 9 sacks in 1984, so when Bosco went down in Hoiday Bowl we just huddled up. Could see the pain in Bosco’s eye when he returned. The suffereing and sacrifice for teammates was greatest moment.
Bryan: Las Vegas Bowl 2007—fell on the ground and couldn’t see if FG was good. Heard the fans cheering and thought the kick was good. Then realized that the cheering was too loud for UCLA to win, then knew that we had won.
Laramie Memories
Ty: Drunk fans were yelling all night. Sitting on the bench at the end of a blowout they were still yelling at him. Asked them where he could hunt in Wyoming, and they turned to be nice.
LaVell: Has been close to 90 years BYU has been going to Wyoming. It is a unique place. Fans get into it. It was a fun place to go.
Steve: Top 5 roughest place to play football. Going to Laramie is number one (Philadelphia Eagles is number 2). Wyoming fans have a hatred that not even Utah fans have. Felt safer in Philly when fights were happening in the stand than in Laramie.
Trevor: Roger French thought Wyoming had bugged the locker room, so he cut the cord to a speaker before giving his halftime speech.
Bryan: Airplane was struck by lightening, so just happy to get there. Glad never going there again.
Steve: Can fly into Ft. Collins, but not Laramie
Jake Heaps and Matt Reyonlds join the group, LaVell and Bryan Kehl leave.
Jake: Awesome to be around these guys. Didn’t know much about BYU than the quarterback fraternity, so great to be with them and talk with them about BYU. Great to see that they care about who takes over at QB.
Steve: Look forward to talking with Jake in the future. The year QB is transitioned are the year BYU struggles. Now with Jake established, the expectations are high. At the end of last year you had the sense that Jake had gotten up to speed.
Ty: It takes time to get your feet wet and get a feel for it. It is the little things—reminders in the huddle. The game goes so fast, you don’t have time for the little things. When you are comfortable then you can give those reminders. Brandon Doman will help Jake do that. Great to have QB coach as play caller. Jake is a veteran now so people are looking to him.
Jake: These guys know what I am going through, they are the only ones, so being able to talk to them and relate is a special and humbling opportunity.
Trevor: Advice to Matt Reynolds is that in college you are a better athlete than the guys you play against. In the NFL they will be better athletes than you. Need to work on technique and know why you do what you do, then you can beat those with more athleticism.
Matt: Working on the things that will make me the best I can be. Focusing on being more aggressive and putting people on their backs. After seeing what defense is doing getting into stance and mad.
Jake: One of biggest reasons he came to BYU was the tradition of great offensive line men. Four of five guys coming back on the line, they are all talented. Fired up to hear about Matt getting nasty.
Questions from the Media
Ty: Favorite Steve Young story. Would ride with Steve to every home game. They were like therapy sessions. Had to talk Steve into being a good player. He was complaining about feet blisters, etc.
Steve: Favorite Ty Detmer story. Ty doesn’t have a great QB body. He did have the best QB mind, including Joe Montana. Ty could slow things down. Always asked Ty questions because he respected Ty’s mental ability. Could never slow down the game like Ty could.
Trevor: Steve took a big hit one game, and he thought it was my guy, but it wasn’t. Decided the best thing to do was stand there and take it.
One Heisman and two Outland in Legacy Hall. Do you guys think about those and adding to the collection?
Matt: if you are focused on the awards, then you are playing for the wrong reason. However, if you are playing at a high level, you want to be the best you can. My philosophy is to be the best I can be and everything will take care of its place.
Jake: The rich history and great players at BYU, I have always felt I could accomplish anything I wanted to accomplish it. If matt wins the Outland or I win the Heisman, then it means the team is playing well. It is really about our team and where we want to go. If we get a national championship that will override everything else.
What constitutes a successful first independent season?
Steve: Lots of pressure. Vital to hit the ground running. Everyone who has ever played will be behind you 100%. This season is for the mentally tough. Lot of new things. You will see Bronco try to get you motivated to be independent. Hope have mental toughness to take it all in.
Trevor: Remember what you have heard from the guys who came before you. Be focused, but fun. It is a success principle to know when to have fun. Make sure you enjoy it and that teammates enjoy it.
Ty: Important to go out there and have fun. Fans need to understand what you are going through. There will be rough patches along the way. Have highs and lows in a game and a season. We are all behind you with what you do and stand for. Do things the right way.
2:15
Live Chat with Mckay Jacobson, Bryan Kariya, Justin Sorensen, Jake Heaps
JacobsonWhy be excited about this receiving corps?
Will be opening the offense and throw the ball down field a bit.
Ross Apo has similar body type to Cody Hoffman, Apo will do a good job and make some big plays for us.
How get off to fast start?
Continue to work.
How much more sense of responsibility with nation looking in on independence?
Have to be ready to go from game one.
What was it like to play with Chase Daniel and Greg McElroy?
We were 63-1 in high school. Had great quarterbacks. Stays in touch with them some.
Race with Phillips, Apo, and him?
Runs a 4.4 40.
Special plans for game in Cowboy stadium?
Get a win. Would like a good game.
Dad gave out close to 100 tickets for OU game in 2009.
How does independence change BYU long-term and what are the challenges?
Not in conference. Pressure to win every game. Still playing football.
What opponent do you want BYU to play?
USC, Big XII schools, Notre Dame
Bryan Kariya
How does new offensive scheme help his game?
Don’t see a ton of changes. Some new formations. Don’t see that it will change my game.
How fun was the 2009 Oklahoma game, since Harvey Unga did not play?
Realized I could only play my best. Got a lot of touches. It was awesome.
Path to BYU.
Didn’t get very many looks as a high school senior, even as the 5A State MVP. Bronco gave him an opportunity to walk on. Was given opportunities to progress.
Had 4.0 in high school, what is it now?
Don’t know. Above 3.5, not on Dean’s List.
Last year we were a click away from taking off. Just needed to get things settled. Ben Cahoon brings experience. He puts on cleats and goes through the drills.
Plans to go to dental school.
What do you do between spring and fall, and how much contact do you have with coaches?
First 9 weeks of summer, can have closer contact with the coaches. They can be out there with us, but cannot touch a ball. After 9 weeks coaches have to take a step back. Players are on their own. Coaches can be in weight room to make sure we are doing things right.
Will Drew Phillips make it into the rotation?
He is deceptively fast. Don’t know what his situation is. Hope he can be a part of what we do.
Justin Sorenson
Has 14 unicycles.
It helps your legs better because legs are your breaks. Better workout riding a unicycle than the coaches workouts.
Trick plays
Would love to run them. Kicker does the exact same thing every time, so any change is the highlight of the day.
Post mission legs?
Surgery on ankle. Was surprised how fast they came back. Attribute it to the uni.
How many FG kick per day?
Normally 20-30. Kicked 45 today. Best to have holder and snapper. Tries to simulate game situations.
Does the unicycle develop muscles that other kickers don’t have?
Yes. Ride unicycles to get strength in abnormal ways.
Kicked a 76-yard field goal in practice once.
How satisfied with freshman season?
Could have done better. Had some small injuries and tried very hard to get back quickly. Leg got too tired. Legs are fresh now.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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