Grimes, Roderick Give High Praise To Zach Wilson

PROVO, Utah – BYU has entered a new era at the quarterback position. With Taysom Hill and Tanner Mangum no longer under center, the Cougars have turned to Zach Wilson.

After four games last season, Wilson became the clear-cut starter for the remaining 9 games and will be the starter for the next three years.

At BYU Media Day, the coaches, particularly offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes and passing game coordinator Aaron Roderick

“He is a really smart guy to begin with,” Roderick said. “His understanding of the game, pass protections and defenses. It’s one thing to know the coverages and what the defense is going to do, but to know what all 11 guys on your team all at the same time.”

Wilson is recovering from a shoulder injury that he had surgically repaired in the off-season. It was a nagging injury that he had since he played for Corner Canyon High School.

“That’s when he reaches the coaches level. He isn’t there yet but well on his way,” Roderick added.

BYU passing game coordinator Aaron Roderick is really excited about Zach Wilson entering his sophomore season. #BYUMediaDay pic.twitter.com/GlfY5AdAvs

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) June 18, 2019

Taking Game To Next Level

Both Grimes and Roderick are amazed with how much time that Wilson spends watching film. Even on his own time, Wilson watches film and looks for ways to improve his game.

“He loves studying the game, ” Grimes said. “He has more than made up for his missed time by watching more film and studying the game at a higher level. I think naturally from year one to year two, he will have a greater knowledge of our system and opponents.”

BYU offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes went in-depth on the growth of QB Zach Wilson. #BYUMediaDay pic.twitter.com/Z3gIQIXjln

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) June 18, 2019

“At 10:30 at night and I text him, he is probably more likely watching football than playing a video game or watching Netflix,” Grimes said.

Football IQ Is On Another Level

Wilson threw for 1,578 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He will most certainly surpass that with a full season under his belt and the experience.

Roderick has coached and seen a lot of quarterbacks during his career at Utah, including Travis Wilson. When it comes to Zach Wilson, Roderick thinks he is on another level.

I would say that Zach is on the higher end of the football IQ spectrum,” Roderick said. “He also has the work ethic to go with it.”

Roderick thinks that his work ethic is what stands out above the rest.

“What makes him so good is that he wants to do more than what the other guys are doing,” he added.