Gerry Bohanon, the new quarterback for BYU, has participated in 31 collegiate football games at South Florida and Baylor. The graduate transfer has already played for two teams in the Bulls’ organization and four with the Bears.
The seasoned signal-caller can spot a gifted receiver with ease. People ought to pay attention when Bohanon claims that the BYU receivers as a whole will be the best he has ever seen.
Fesi Sitake, the passing game coordinator and receivers coach, has so far been able to hold onto all of his best pass-catchers from 2023, with the exception of walk-on Dom Henry, who committed to FAU on January 5 after making an impression in spring camp the previous year but failing to register any stats, and tight end Isaac Rex, who graduated and declared for the NFL draft.
Sitake told the Deseret News last week, “I feel like it is the best I have ever had in terms of depth.” Every so often, there are a few receivers who (could have been better). However, it is as deep as ever in terms of the caliber of the depth and the number of individuals I can work through, particularly when you take into account the incoming freshmen we will soon have.
The brother of Los Angeles Rams rookie sensation Puka Nacua, Tei Nacua, a three-star recruit out of Timpview, will join the program this summer. Before enrolling, Jett Nelson of American Fork, a three-star receiver in the class of 2024, will conduct a church mission.
“Adding those guys to the six guys who are already experienced, there is a lot of depth there,” Sitake said. “It is early. We will see how those guys flourish, and how they grow in this offense. But I am excited for the group.”
Chase Roberts, an American Fork native who caught 42 receptions for 573 yards and five scores the previous season, is leading the group of returning receivers. Parker Kingston, Darius Lassiter, Kody Epps, and Keelan Marion are also back; all four had at least 200 receiving yards and at least 20 catches in the previous campaign.
Keanu Hill, the other top receiver from 2023, has been switched to tight end for his last season of eligibility in order to utilize his blocking prowess and accommodate his larger, heavier frame.
JoJo Phillips, a redshirt freshman, caught just one pass in his first season, but it was for a 5-yard score against Iowa State. Along with walk-on Weston Covey, a graduate of Lone Peak High School, returned missionary Devin Downing had some outstanding receptions at spring camp. Downing was also a member of the scout team last year.
“I think it is going to be a solid group. All those (returning) guys had their moments last year. … And there were some ups and downs,” said offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick. “I think this year you are going to see the experience (show) after taking some lumps last year. I expect that to pay off this year for those guys. I have a lot of faith in that group.”
Roderick, like Sitake, made reference to the receivers who will join this summer and bolster the receivers room. He indicated that unlike the previous year, when they added Lassiter and Marion during spring camp, the Cougars are not turning to the portal for assistance; if the offense adds players, it will be at offensive line and, if a “game-changer” is available, at running back.
Indeed, Roderick stated, “We have some excellent players joining us this summer.” “You never really know who is going to step up, but we have some guys coming in who can help us in the fall if they can catch up with the offensive knowledge,” the coach said.
After post-spring interviews are held in the coming weeks, neither Sitake nor Roderick think they will lose any of their top receivers, but they also don’t take anything for granted. Sitake stated that, as they do each year, they are actively seeking new players for their team.
Lassiter had an amazing spring camp, according to Sitake.
Of all the guys in the room, Sitake claimed that he had had “arguably the best spring ball.” “You see him with the knee brace around here.” It’s merely a preventative measure. He is in perfect health. He’s prepared to go. He’s made a few excellent catches. He’s become really physical in his play. He will be making a lot more plays than we saw from him last year, in my opinion, if he keeps healthy and on the correct path.
Sitake stated that Phillips, the 2023 class’s three-star recruit from California, performed well in spring camp and will have more of an impact in 2024.
He’s gained the appropriate amount of weight, which has increased his speed. He’s become stronger and faster, and he runs the route with such fluidity. Sitake praised Phillips for his “strong style of play.” You consider men such as Puka (Nacua). Nobody was able to contain him. He was an extremely powerful route runner. JoJo has received some of that. He is now more powerful. It wasn’t there before for him.
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