Whenever you talk about spring practice, you have to add the necessary caveats: Anything that happens five months before a season can change quickly and often. There is nothing definitive about spring camp.
But once you have that in mind, you can start to evaluate a few players who helped their stock in the 15 practices.
This year, there was no position more conducive to a player rising than wide receiver. BYU already lost Puka Nacua, Gunner Romney and Brayden Cosper at that spot. Add in that Kody Epps, one of the three remaining experienced players, was out this spring and you get a wide open room with a bevy of open reps to take.
We saw earlier in camp that Dom Henry, a former walk-on, took advantage of the situation to make an impact. But so too did Parker Kingston, a redshirt freshman who is viewed a speed guy. Kingston took a number of first-team reps. He hurt his hand halfway through camp, but he could be a backup in 2023. He played in one game last year.
“He was playing really well,” offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said. “I expect him to be a factor in the fall.”
Other older players, who have been left out of the rotation in years past, also got a shot at receiver this spring. Punt returner Hobbs Nyberg got more reps as a pass catcher. Talmage Gunther, going into his fifth year, did too.
“Both are reliable guys that I wouldn’t be surprised if you see play some this year,” Roderick said.
With all of these spring risers, it would be hard to imagine any of them actually starting games next year. BYU will bring in transfers at the receiver position, who will likely become immediate starters. But they might have carved out some role for themselves in the 2023 offense.
On defense, a name that kept emerging was Atunaisa Mahe. A defensive lineman who is now in his sixth year, Mahe might fit this Jay Hill system more than the old one. He is also finally healthy, after missing over 20 games in his career for injuries.
Quick Hits
• Spring is over and the coaching staff is doing its wrap-up evaluation this week. Here are our four major takeaways from the 15 practices, including sorting through the quarterback position and figuring out where veterans fit into a new system.
• The transfer portal window opened April 15. With a Big 12 season upcoming, this window will be critical for the Cougars. What are some of the program’s most immediate needs?
Around the Big 12
Baylor — Former Utah State player Byron Vaughns is heading to the Bears.
UCF — Transfer Thomas Castellanos wanted to be QB1, but did he pick the right program to do it?
Cincinnati — Takeaways from a busy first spring under a new regime.
Houston — QB1 in Year 1? Who are the Cougars looking at?
Iowa State — Has its new uniforms out for next year. When will BYU unveil its own?
Kansas — Spring practice is winding down. What have we learned?
Kansas State — Could K-State’s star running back Deuce Vaughn stay close to home in the pros?
Oklahoma — Just took UT’s star receiver.
Oklahoma State — Is having some trouble with its season opener.
TCU — What will Briles change in Sonny Dykes’ offense?
Texas — What does it mean to lose a receiver across the Red River?
Texas Tech — Is the defense ready to roll in 2023?
West Virginia — Neil Brown is pleased with the end of spring. This will be a make-or-break year for the head coach.
