I’ve got to say — this is exciting.
I don’t think y’all realize, but this is my first time covering the NFL draft. Of course, I was here for it last year, but BYU didn’t have any player drafted in 2020. This year, they have one of the top prospects.
That changes things.
It’s been interesting (and even kind of fun) to see how BYU and Cougar Nation act when they have one of the Top 3 quarterbacks and a Top 5 pick in the NFL draft, but also to possibly have the biggest draft class in more than a decade.
Obviously, this has been a weird year for us all. We’ve dealt with different forms of loss, loneliness and other hardships. So, I get why this moment — seeing Zach Wilson be one of the top picks in the draft — is resonating with so many.
Also, the state of Utah isn’t exactly known for producing top quarterback talent, and here we have a kid from Draper making it to the biggest stage.
Wilson, along with BYU coaches Kalani Sitake, Aaron Roderick and Fesi Sitake, arrived in Cleveland yesterday for today’s festivities. So far today, Wilson has been busy signing all sorts of Draft Day memorabilia. Who knows how much that will be worth some day.
So, what are your expectations or hopes and dreams for Zach in the NFL? What type of career do you think he can carve out for himself?
I know a lot of people, while excited, are concerned that the New York Jets (who have the second pick) will, in a sense, destroy Zach. I think, if the Jets are serious about turning the boat around and finding a franchise quarterback, they can’t afford to mess up Zach.
This could be a really good opportunity for both Zach and the Jets.
And it all begins tonight.
What’s going on with BYU men’s basketball?
Most importantly, why hasn’t there been any news about signing transfers?
At this point last year, BYU had locked down arguably the top transfer in Purdue’s Matt Haarms, along with JUCO transfers Spencer Johnson and Gideon George. Utah Valley transfer Brandon Averette wouldn’t make his decision official until June, but it was noticeable that BYU was hitting the transfer portal hard.
So far this offseason, there hasn’t been any commitments from transfers.
BYU’s been in the top 3 or top 5 of different players looking for a different program, but none of them have chosen the Cougars as of yet. Could it be that Mark Pope is losing his mojo or what?
As far as the Cougars who entered the transfer portal themselves, Jesse Wade has decided to retire from basketball, Connor Harding signed with Utah Valley and Kolby Lee signed with Dixie State.
Wyatt Lowell, the fourth Cougar to enter the transfer portal, hasn’t made a decision yet.
Haarms and Alex Barcello were both weighing their options about taking advantage of the NCAA’s eligibility waiver due to the pandemic year, but also have yet to announce whether they are coming back or not.
Basically, we don’t have any idea what’s going on, but hopefully we start to get some answers soon.
More thoughts
• Have y’all seen the Zach Wilson mural in downtown Provo? I’m thinking of checking it out tonight (after Zach gets selected) to watch Aljay Fuimaono, the artist, paint on the NFL jersey.
• Last night, BYU soccer found out its opponent for its NCAA Tournament second-round game on Saturday — Virginia. Today, the Cougars left to North Carolina to start getting ready for their tourney debut. BYU made it all the way to the Elite 8 in the last NCAA Tournament; it’ll be interesting to see how far they advance this time around.
Other voices
• Jeff Hanse of Cougar Sports Insider penned a Thank You note to Zach Wilson from all of Cougar Nation.
• Zach Wilson’s polarizing NFL draft hype reaches Jets apex, wrote Brian Costello of the New York Post.
• Watch Stephen A. discuss his issues with Zach Wilson, here.
Normita’s Spanish Lesson of the Week
meteórico/a
meteoric
El ascenso meteórico de Zach Wilson llega a un final explosivo esta noche.
Zach Wilson’s meteoric rise comes to an explosive end tonight.
