BYU QB Zach Wilson Is Cleared, ‘Ready To Go’ For Idaho State
Nov 13, 2019, 7:52 PM
Photo courtesy of BYU Photo/Jaren Wilkey
PROVO, Utah – BYU sophomore quarterback Zach Wilson is making his return to the gridiron this Saturday when the Cougars take on Idaho State.
When asked about his status for this week’s game Wilson replied, “I’m ready to go. I’m feeling good. A broken bone is sometimes the best thing you can ask for sometimes.”
#BYU QB Zach Wilson on his status for Saturday: “Ready to go.”#BYUfootball #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/fh6VvQCKdB
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 14, 2019
The broken bone Wilson is referring to is a broken thumb injury he suffered against Toledo back on September 28th. Wilson had surgery on his thumb one week later and has missed the last four games. BYU posted a record of 3-1 without Wilson.
While Wilson was out with the thumb injury, he continued to prepare and always had intentions of returning to the field to play out the remainder of his sophomore season.
“Just taking those mental reps the past couple games that I’ve missed and watched these other quarterbacks just trying to keep up with all the mental reps I could,” said Wilson. “And then just trying to improve in other aspects and just get the thumb as healthy and strong as I could.”
According to Passing Game Coordinator Aaron Roderick, Wilson has “been available for a bit” but he hadn’t practiced a lot until this week. Roderick confirmed that Wilson is ready to go.
Aaron Roderick: “We’ve decided pretty much what we’re doing, but we’re not going to announce it.” #BYU #BYUFootball #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/gpRhklaZmc
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 14, 2019
Roderick also said that they wouldn’t be publicly announcing who the starting quarterback is before Saturday’s game against Idaho State, but noted, “We’ve decided pretty much what we’re doing, but we’re not going to announce it.”
Both Wilson and Baylor Romney are getting reps in practice.
Last Saturday, Wilson participated in warmups with the team as they got ready to take on the Liberty Flames, but Wilson didn’t play. During the last four games, Wilson was happy for his quarterback teammates and the way they performed while he was out.
“It was a huge role for those guys and they stepped up. I know a lot of people know we have great quarterback talent here at BYU. So I was super proud of those guys with a lack of experience being able to step and take advantage of the opportunity and win us some big games,” said Wilson.
Where Wilson is looking to improve in his game
One of the biggest compliments Wilson has received from coaches and mentors is the love he has for studying film. While sidelined with the thumb injury, Wilson poured over the film from his first five games and identified areas he wants to improve in his game.
Zach Wilson is a SNIPER#BYUFOOTBALL #GoCouogs pic.twitter.com/8fvPxVNXNx
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) September 21, 2019
“Right now it’s just that arm strength and accuracy and working on your physical abilities, but also in the quarterback room. Game-by-game you’re learning something new,” said Wilson. “Just when you feel like you’ve figured it out, there’s always something new that’s coming up. Each game, each practice, there’s always something I’m taking out of it.”
BYU fans will see Zach Wilson and the Cougar offense this Saturday at 1 p.m. taking on the Idaho State Bengals from the FCS ranks on BYUtv and KSL Newsradio 102.7 FM and 1160 AM.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
