Redshirt Freshman BYU Tight End Stands Out During Week One Of Spring Football

PROVO, Utah – The BYU Cougars football team wrapped up the first week of spring football practice and one player who is standing out through four practices is redshirt freshman tight end Isaac Rex. 

“Isaac Rex probably had 10 catches today,” said BYU tight end coach Steve Clark. “He played really well today. Big guy, big target.”

Only one tight end had double-digit receptions last season. Of course, that was Matt Bushman. It would be a huge boon for the offense to see someone like Rex step into a larger role. Someone like Rex could relieve Matt Bushman from receiving double teams week in and week out. 

“He’s a big body guy. He’ll be able to make a lot of plays for us,” said BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. “A guy that big who can run and block, who has great ball skills, he’s got a really bright future.” 

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Coach Clark is really high on the talent his tight end group possesses, but they’re young. Learning the playbook will be the emphasis for them throughout spring ball. 

“I want to see them compete and understand the offense,” said Clark. “I can’t emphasize this enough, it’s a pretty complex offense. They got to know the offensive line, tight end, full back, wide receiver, there’s a lot for them to know. If they can master what we are putting in, we will be good to go in the fall.”

BYU Football Tight Ends

The group includes:

• Matt Bushman
• Isaac Rex
• Carter Wheat
• Kyle Griffitts
• Bentley Hanshaw
• Nate Heaps
• Lane Lunt
• Alema Pilimai
• Masen Wake
• Hank Tuipulotu

Tight ends and fullbacks are included in the same personnel group. 

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Tuipulotu will not be participating in spring football as he is still recovering from his second ACL surgery. 

Coach Clark mentioned the team is being really careful with him as he recovers. It will be interesting to see how he fits into the group come fall camp because he was stand out players last fall before suffering the injury. 

Matt Bushman

What a luxury it is for the BYU offense to have Matt Bushman back in the fold. It wasn’t a certainty that he would return to Provo. 

“We had a lot of conversations during the season about it (coming back to BYU),” said Clark. “I kind of knew where he was. I wasn’t all that surprised, but I was obviously very happy when he decided to come back.” 

Whoever wins the quarterback job will hopefully target Matt Bushman more than ever this season. As of right now, there is no definitive separation in the quarterback competition. 

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— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) March 4, 2020

“I think the competition is a healthy competition,” said Sitake. “The guys are doing a really good job.” 

There are still no announcements on changes to the coaching or support staff. 

“As soon as we get those things figured out, we’ll be announcing them,” said Sitake. 

Dax Milne, Gunnar Romney, and Isaac Rex made outstanding catches during the team period in which the media members were allowed to observe. 

DAY ONE ✔️ pic.twitter.com/W2szHRzdnc

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Neil Pau’u made a great reception on a tipped ball as well. It was awesome to see him back at practice after clearing up the insurance issue that held him out of the first spring ball practice. 

Next week will be the first week in full pads.

There are no planned scrimmages except for the spring game on March 28th, 2020 in Lavell Edwards stadium.