Final week of spring football begins

PROVO, Utah – The BYU football team began its final week of spring practices on Monday afternoon.

The team held an open practice and scrimmage on Saturday in prep for the 2019 season. Read more about the scrimmage.

The following quotes are from Monday's post-practice media availability. 

Head Coach Kalani Sitake
Thoughts after reviewing the film from the open practice
Obviously, we got to see all 11 guys on both sides of the ball and their assignments. There was really good competition and I was really pleased with how our guys played. We held some guys out but a lot of the guys got some work. Our offense did well and the defense did too. It is easy to say that if we would have played certain guys the defense would have done better, but these guys are only one play from being in the game.

On quarterback Jaren Hall’s performance in the open practice
He’s been doing that all spring. He’s about a year from being home from his mission and his legs are feeling fresh. It was nice seeing him run around today and that is a huge weapon that he has. We’re going to be able to use his legs, extend plays and use his athleticism in space. I also liked how he threw the ball. I thought he was very efficient.

On what he expects from his players as the team closes spring practices
We want to keep using these practices to get better. That is why I like doing these three practices after the scrimmage so we can see the film and get corrections made. Then guys can really see what they can work on for the last three practices whether it is technique, fundamentals or learning assignments.

Wide Receiver Gunner Romney
On his personal performance at the open practice
I feel like I did pretty good. It was a good game coming off my first spring ball here. It was my first time to really show what I’ve been working on in my offseason. There are a couple minor things that I can fix but it was a good gauge to see where I’m at and how I’m doing.

On his health this spring compared to the fall of last year
One hundred times better. Coming in the fall, I was plagued by injuries and I didn’t really get healthy until midway through the season. It felt great coming off full offseason workouts fully healthy.

Thoughts on becoming a leader in the wide receiver group
It is a confidence booster. Coming into last season, I was still able to do some things even though I was held back by some injuries. Now I’ve got a little experience under my belt and I know what I need to work on this offseason. I’m excited to see how this season goes and hopefully staying healthy.