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BYU Football: Cougars to focus on fundamentals in spring practice

By Tanner Sperry

Jan 30, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars football coaches Ty Detmer and Kalani Sitake are introduced during halftime at the game between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Pepperdine Waves at Marriott Center. Brigham Young Cougars won the game 88-77. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars football coaches Ty Detmer and Kalani Sitake are introduced during halftime at the game between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Pepperdine Waves at Marriott Center. Brigham Young Cougars won the game 88-77. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /
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The BYU football team and its new staff will focus on the basics in spring football in 2016.

BYU assistant head coach Ed Lamb said the Cougars will focus on fundamentals this spring. While BYU has a few specific team needs, it’s the right decision for the Cougars to get down to the basics before getting to the nitty gritty plays and schemes later this fall.

BYU football spring practices begin on Tuesday, March 1, which will mark the starting point for new head coach Kalani Sitake to start putting his schemes and coaching style to the test.

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Lamb said BYU still plans to use a 3-4 defense, but with a 4-3 set as well. Offensively, BYU has previously run a no-huddle offense in the past but is adapting to a pro-style offense under first-year offensive coordinator and former BYU Heisman Trophy winner, Ty Detmer will implement a pro-style offense that should cater to the strengths of Tanner Mangum this spring.

Taysom Hill is planning to return after two consecutive injury-shortened seasons, but will be limited in the spring, which allows the sophomore Mangum to get most of the reps. However, Detmer said that this doesn’t necessarily mean Mangum has a leg up in the QB derby, but he will be that much ahead of Hill in terms of learning and operating in the new system.

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According to Phil Steele, BYU returns seven starters on offense and eight on the defensive side of the ball, so BYU’s coaches should have a solid and experienced group to work with, especially with the return of Hill.

We won’t know the role Hill will play this year, but his experience will prove to be invaluable for Mangum and for a first-year offensive coordinator in Detmer and first-time head coach in Sitake.

BYU’s spring scrimmage date is set for March 26.

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