Provo • It took a while for Jake Retzlaff to make an impression on his teammates.
After all, the new BYU quarterback had three surgeries in the span of three weeks to start spring camp. He was only cleared to participate in 11 on 11 work last Saturday — over halfway through spring ball.
But now that he is actually playing, his initial imprint on the team has some defenders comparing his style to that of a certain Super Bowl champion.
“Jake, he brings a different throwing motion that we are not used to,” BYU safety Micah Harper said. “Sidearm, a little Patrick Mahomes. He also can make plays with his legs as well.”
Retzlaff’s first full week has been marked by him scrambling out of the pocket and throwing sidearm to receivers. Even in his routine throws, he tends to drop his shoulder and sling it. Is it too much to compare him to Mahomes? Yes, but it underscores the point.
He is quite different from the more traditional Kedon Slovis. Certainly, he throws differently than Jaren Hall. But that might be a good thing.
Retzlaff is currently in a battle with Cade Fennegan to be the primary backup behind Slovis. The transfer from Riverside City College was the No. 1 rated quarterback in the junior college last year by ESPN.
Quick hits
• Is Aidan Robbins’ hand injury going to be an issue this summer? And what does that mean for the running back room?
• The Athletic looked at BYU’s recruiting compared to the rest of the conference.
Around the Big 12
Baylor — The first spring scrimmage gave few answers on the quarterback battle.
UCF — Is the UCF pro day indicative of where the program stands?
Cincinnati — The legend of new head coach Scott Satterfield.
Houston — There will be rare roster turnover in the basketball program before the Big 12.
Iowa State — Is looking for a pass rusher.
Kansas — Hired Sean Snyder, the son of the legendary Kansas State coach.
Kansas State — Is piecing together a sneaky rebuild on offense.
Oklahoma — Had a classic April Fool’s joke.
Oklahoma State — Are the Pokes behind in recruiting?
TCU — Where will Max Duggan land?
Texas — Got a visit from 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan in practice.
Texas Tech — Is dipping into the portal to fill a key spot on the line.
West Virginia — Is having a homecoming of sorts with many current assistants.
