BYU Media Day: True Blue Special Edition

The Brigham Young Cougars media day included a special edition episode of True Blue. The content of interest in the special edition episode of True Blue was the interviews. Several players were interviewed, but ESPN analyst Holly Rowe’s brief interview at the end was far and away the best. She had a great perspective and shared some very interesting facts about how BYU football has a national following.

Jake Heaps and Matt Reynolds

Reynolds: The linemen’s conditioning/weight management has been very good. He thinks playing with his brother and for his dad is normal. He played with his brothers in high school and his dad would come down on the sidelines during games.

Heaps: One reason he came to BYU is because of the great offensive line. It has been exciting to see guys mature and become masters of their craft.

Reynolds: He is 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. Now, it is one of the biggest elements of the football program.

McKay Jacobson and J.J. DiLuigi

Jacobson: Took a trip back to Japan (where he served his mission) this summer. Excited about more exposure this year.

I couldn’t really tell with the baggy clothes, but it looks like Jacobson has dropped some pounds to be closer to the size he was as a freshman.

Di Luigi: Says he is definitely quicker now than when he came to the program. The Washington game last year was his biggest moment so far at BYU.

Jacobson: BYU has the guys we need to make plays and be successful.

Di Luigi: It has been a great experience at BYU as a Catholic. He had lots of LDS friends growing up, so it was not too big of a culture shock.

Uona Kaveinga and Travis Uale

Uona: Doing 7-on-7 drills and 1-on-1 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. It has been humbling to go through the wait. He got used to the program last year. As a sophomore at USC he felt he needed a change on and off the field, which made him want to transfer to BYU. He will use his knowledge of football at USC to help BYU. Pete Carroll was a defensive genius.

Uale: Kaveinga and Ogletree are the meanest guys on the defense.

Uale: I don’t see either side of the ball carrying a burden for the first games of the season. The team will be prepared when the season starts.

Uona: He wants the defense to be known as hard hitting and a solid unit. He is confident the coaches will prepare them well.

It would have been nice to see a question for Uale about being elected team captain for this coming season.

Holly Rowe

Talked about how her first job in broadcasting was to cover BYU football games. At that time BYU football was covered on a network (Blue and White Network) with 62 stations going all the way to Florida.

She 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.

She said BYU football is a brand of its own independent of the Church.

The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com

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