Kalani Sitake Media Availability - Boise State

The following quotes are selected from BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake's Monday media availability, including quotes from select players for the Boise State game on October 9. 

Head coach Kalani Sitake
On injuries and who will be available to play in Saturday’s game
Guys are still banged up and guys are trying to come back and so we’ll see how that goes. It’s hard to predict from Monday going into a Saturday game, but I’d imagine we’re going to get more guys back this week.

On what factors go into deciding availability
All the positions go through the same protocol, which is practice. If you can practice, then we’ll gauge what situation we’re going to be in come game day. I’ve already said this, but we’re going to protect our players.

On the team’s focus going into the Boise State game
They’re a really tough opponent, I know we’re gonna get their best shot. We’re looking forward to the matchup, but our entire focus is on us improving.

On BYU’s depth development and rotating players
It’s not just what they do in the weight room, or how much stronger and faster they get; it’s giving them the trust to get out there and play in games. It’s not about the stats, it’s about what’s right in the game. These guys that have worked extremely hard, when they have an opportunity to play, let’s give them the chance to do it.

On being ranked top-10
We need to stay hungry and keep working. There’s still a lot more opportunities for us to shock people, and there’s still more for us to do. We’ve got to keep that edge. I love that these guys are willing to learn and trying to get better.

Linebacker Morgan Pyper
On playing Boise State
I've always bled BYU blue. I’m excited to get out there and play this weekend. It’d be good to pull out a win for sure, they’re a good quality team. I’m excited to play against them, something I’ve been dreaming about since I was a little kid.

On rivalry with Boise State
We have a lot of respect for all our rivals, they put a lot of work in, you have to take these rivalries seriously. I think they are a lot better than their record shows, they’re going to give their best and we’re going to give our best. You get excited to play and to get them at home too. It's gonna be a fun time… it's always a really quality game. I’d absolutely love to play this game every year, just because it’s a fun game and it’s always a quality game with quality teams going at it.

On getting more reps now
The team camaraderie that we have on this team is huge. So we knew that we needed to be deep playing seven power fives and group of five teams that are really high caliber. It’s comforting knowing that the coaching staff has trust in their players and believes in you. It’s everything from top to bottom, there’s just this feeling that everyone has everybody's back. I've got a role to play and I’m going to do everything to the best of my ability and make things happen and make this season special.

Defensive lineman Atunaisa Mahe
On pressure building
Honestly, I feel like all of our boys are dialed in, we don’t really pay attention to that. We are just really looking forward to looking at each game week by week.

On teammate Gabe Summers
He’s a dominant player, probably one of my best friends. He has a knack for the ball, he knows what plays are going to run and he’s a very intelligent person

On having depth
It’s refreshing, it feels good, it’s a competitive advantage for us. If someone gets injured we all have the next-man-up mentality. I am extremely grateful for the depth that we have.

Tight end Isaac Rex
On the wide receivers’ blocks
Those guys are killing it on the perimeter. They get a lot of praise for catching, but what goes unnoticed is the blocking. To the outside world, catching is the most important thing. Without blocking, you can’t win football games.

On the offense mentality
It’s kind of who we are, we’re just a violent offense and we try to pound people. If we get knocked down, we get right back up. Everyone has a job, and everyone’s job is equally as important.

On the uncertainty of who will play quarterback this Saturday
I have faith in any one of those quarterbacks. Whichever one’s healthy, I know they’re gonna play great and we’ve got their backs. We’ll be ready to help them.