BYU’s Coordinators Highlight Standout Players Heading Into Utah Game

PROVO, Utah – BYU vs. Utah is finally here! The historic rivalry returns on Thursday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo.

Fall camp practices are over and it’s time to zero in on the big game to kick off the 2019 season.

The Cougars three coordinators Ed Lamb (Special Teams), Ilaisa Tuiaki (Defensive), and Jeff Grimes (Offensive) were on BYUtv’s Coordinators’ Corner to discuss the big game.

Each coordinator was asked who was a standout during fall camp. Each coordinator highlighted one player and here were their three standouts.

Special Teams: Jake Oldroyd

On Coordinators' Corner on BYU Sports Network. Ed Lamb highlighted Jake Oldroyd as a special teams standout during fall camp. Very possible Skyler Southam is handling kickoffs this season.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) August 26, 2019

Ed Lamb highlighted returned missionary Jake Oldroyd as the standout in fall camp for the special teams. Oldroyd has emerged as the likely starter on Thursday night against No. 14 Utah at placekicker and punter.

Oldroyd has been competing with Skyler Southam, last year’s starter, at placekicker and Danny Jones at punter.

The former walk-on arrived at BYU as a walk-on from Southlake, Texas in 2016 and in his first game with the Cougars kicked a game-winning field goal against Arizona in Phoenix.

It’s not known who will handle kickoffs, but Skyler Southam might be the likely candidate to handle that area of BYU’s kicking efforts.

Defense: Austin Lee

Tuiaki highlighted Austin Lee as a standout during fall camp. "He's been really good for us." #BYU

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) August 26, 2019

Former Alta High standout and Utah transfer Austin Lee has become a leader of the BYU defense. Lee was out during spring practices but returned for fall camp and has been an anchor of the Cougar defense.

During camp, safeties coach Preston Hadley highlighted Lee’s ability to make big plays and hard hits against the opposing offenses.

Offense: Matt Bushman

Grimes' standout in fall camp on the offensive side was TE Matt Bushman. #BYU

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) August 26, 2019

What a difference a year makes. Last season heading into BYU’s season opener against Arizona, Bushman wasn’t the clear-cut starter at tight end. He was listed as an OR with true freshman Dallin Holker.

This year, Bushman was in tip-top shape despite missing all of the spring this past March due to a shoulder injury. He was cleared in June and has been a go-to target during camp.

Bushman was ranked by USA Today earlier this summer as the fourth-best tight end in college football this year. He has the potential to be special in year two of Jeff Grimes’ offense.

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.