2 weeks Ago
Kalani Sitake and his crew wrapped up spring camp almost three weeks ago now. But for the rest of the country, the offseason practice period is just ending and the transfer portal is about to open again. The portal opens on Wednesday and will close on April 25.
BYU doesn’t need too much — honestly, it doesn’t have the roster space to allow it either — so the Cougars will be selective as they look for talent. On offense, there isn’t one position that really needs help. It is a veteran crew with a returning quarterback, wide receivers, running backs and offensive line.
“If we don’t add anybody, I think we will be just fine,” offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said. On defense, the defensive tackle and corner positions could use some experience. The tackle position doesn’t have the depth and the corner position has depth, but lacks the top-end starting experience.
“There are three or four [defensive tackles] that I like,” defensive coordinator Jay Hill said. “It is the group past there, that if you had a bunch of injuries,” would cause Hil some concerns. As for corners, Hill said, “Although I think they are pretty talented, there are just not a lot of game reps.
” So this week, look for the Cougars to be active at those two spots. Otherwise, BYU’s roster is relatively set. The Big Thing (Jaren Wilkey | BYU athletics) BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill celebrates a stop against Sam Houston.
BYU had its first shutout since 2014 to open the 2023 season. Staying on Hill for a minute, BYU’s defensive coordinator was circled in some head coaching searches last fall. That included the job just a few hours north in Logan, when Utah State was looking for a leader.
The Aggies landed on former BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall , but it underscored a reality for Sitake. With BYU winning games, retaining his staff will only get harder. Hill knows that.
But for now, he’s fine staying put. “They have taken great care of me and my family,” Hill said. “.
.. I’m not one of those guys who is always looking to leave and to bounce.
If it is a good thing for me and my family, and it is a good thing for the university, I’m not looking to go just to go.” Hill is less than a year removed from suffering a heart attack just before the team’s season opener . He added that he is “happy and content” at BYU, particularly with the current coaching staff.
“I get to work for the best head coach,” Hill said. “He’s amazing. He allows me, on defense, to do what I want to do.
And I get to work next to Aaron Roderick, who I have so much respect for. I think he is one of the best play callers in the game.” It won’t be the last time we visit this question with Hill.
But it sets a baseline for future head coaching discussions. Fourth down (Chris Carlson | AP) Baylor guard Robert Wright III brings the ball down court against Mississippi State on March 21, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C.
Wright is transferring to BYU. 1. Egor’s replacement Head coach Kevin Young didn’t waste any time replacing point guard Egor Demin.
Baylor guard Robert Wright III will be AJ Dybantsa’s wingman next year. 2. Egor leaving Demin explained why he’s heading into the NBA last week, a decision that was tougher than he expected.
3. Super Bowl Champ Andy Reid broke down what he sees in BYU and Jake Retzlaff’s game. 4.
High expectations BYU made it to the Sweet 16 this year. For an encore? The expectations are mounting for the Cougars to get to Indianapolis..
