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Provo • Coach Kalani Sitake said after BYU's first scrimmage of preseason training camp on Saturday that he was pleased with the progress the team has made this month.
Watching film over the weekend did nothing to change his mind.
"I think we are right where we need to be as a team," he said after Monday morning's workout. "We are just looking forward to this next week, for a full week of practice. There are some things we need to work on, and polish up a little bit more so we are ready for the game, but for the most part we are right on track."
Sitake said coaches will use this week to solidify a two-deep depth chart, although that is mostly set in their minds.
"There will be a few changes here and there, but for the most part we have an idea who are best guys are," he said. "We feel really good about developing the depth we have on this team, both on offense and defense. So far, the competition has been providing a lot of opportunities, and it is getting our depth a lot better in each position."
The Cougars scrimmage during every practice now, but will have a lengthier one at the stadium on Thursday.
Putting it out there
Sophomore receiver Moroni Laulu-Pututau said Monday that there is a big difference between the coaching styles of new receivers coach Ben Cahoon and former receivers coach Guy Holliday, who is now at Utah.
"The whole, how they handle us, how they teach us, the approach," Laulu-Pututau said. "It is two different worlds. It goes from, like, fire and brimstone to pillows and feathers. It is so much different, but both are effective. Different guys respond to different things. But in the end, it is the same: just make plays downfield and help our team win."
The Mountain Crest High product who caught six passes for 112 yards last year will be expected to carry more of the receiving load this year with Terenn Houk, Devon Blackmon and Mitch Mathews having graduated. He has been nursing a minor injury that has kept him sidelined at practice.
"Just being safe in the legs," he explained. "I should be back soon, though."
Wilcox update
Senior offensive lineman Brad Wilcox started in 12 games last year and has played in all 13 games each of the last three seasons, so the big tackle's absence at preseason camp naturally has some folks a bit apprehensive.
Wilcox said Monday as he headed to study hall on the third floor of the Student Athlete Building that he plans to rejoin the team soon, but is catching up on some schoolwork after having switched his major relatively late in the game.
Wilcox, from Edmond, Okla., was a Phil Steele Postseason All-Indepedent Second Team selection last season.
Briefly
Freshman linebacker Alema Pilimai has been moved to tight end, giving the Cougars six tight ends in camp. … Receiver Nick Kurtz (fractured foot) participated in some light receiving drills at the beginning of practice Monday. … Freshman receiver Beau Tanner, an Arizona native who originally signed with Kentucky but attended Scottsdale Community College, is on scholarship at BYU after being picked up by the school this summer, Cahoon confirmed on Monday. … Sitake said he will let the players select their team captains, probably the middle of next week.
Twitter: @drewjay —
BYU camp corner
Monday's developments
• Receiver Nick Kurtz participated in some light drills as he returns from a fractured foot suffered in June
• Coach Kalani Sitake said he will let the players select team captains this season
• Beau Tanner, a freshman receiver from Arizona, is on scholarship, coach Ben Cahoon confirmed