Detmer Cautions Wilson Against High Expectations, Taking Too Many Risks

PROVO, Utah – BYU fans everywhere were excited to see Cougar legend and former offensive coordinator Ty Detmer back in Provo.

In Detmer’s return to BYU, the former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback carried out an alumni flag onto the field in pregame and also exchanged hugs with head coach Kalani Sitake.

Kalani Sitake and Ty Detmer with a pregame handshake. 🤝 #BYU #KSLsports pic.twitter.com/NqIi6CZE90

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 21, 2019

It was a great moment to see Detmer back at BYU. Detmer’s legendary status at BYU not only stems from his video game numbers during his playing days in Provo but his overall knowledge game of the football.

Very few know the game better, especially at the quarterback position than Ty Detmer.

Detmer is impressed with Wilson

Earlier in the week, Detmer joined KSL’s UnRivaled on KSL Newsradio to discuss his return to BYU and also share thoughts on the Cougars current signal-caller at QB, Zach Wilson.

“He’s played well. You know one of the things Zach brings to the table is he makes plays with his legs and is able to extend plays and at times take off and get a first down on his own,” Detmer said on KSL’s UnRivaled.

Because of Wilson’s dual-threat abilities and athleticism, a lot of expectations were being placed on the young sophomore quarterback. Detmer can understand the struggle as he received a lot of expectations on him as a sophomore 30 years ago heading into 1989 season.

“I felt like people were maybe putting maybe too high of expectations on him going into the season after the finish he had last season in the bowl game and then he missed spring rehabbing from surgery,” said Detmer. “I feel like he’s gotten better each week and more comfortable in the game and I think you’re starting to see that experience he had last year now starting to come forward with the way he’s playing at this high level at this point in the season. I think he’ll continue to improve as the year goes on and will continue to do big things.”

So far through four games in 2019, Wilson has thrown for 997 passing yards on a 62.8 completion percentage.

Tip from Detmer for Wilson

For Wilson to achieve those big things that Detmer was referencing, what tips or pointers would the Heisman winner give to BYU’s young star at QB?

Right now on @KSLnewsradio, Ty Detmer on what Advice he’d give Zach Wilson at #BYU QB “people put too high of expectations on him…be careful taking too many shots when he takes off and runs”

— Alex Kirry (@AlexKirryKSL) September 20, 2019

“Probably just be careful taking too many shots down the field, as far as when he takes off and runs,” Detmer said. “he takes a big hit from time-to-time, and some of that you can’t avoid because you’re trying to get a first down. I thought last week (against USC) he took a couple of hits that maybe he could have avoided and protected himself a little bit. But part of that is being young and gung-ho and you don’t want to take that away from people either.”

Wilson is important piece to the success of BYU moving forward throughout this season. Only once in the independence era has BYU had their starting quarterback every week for an entire season and that was in 2013 with Taysom Hill. BYU finished that year 8-5. Cougars would definitely like to see it happen a second time this fall.

Ty Detmer still has a great relationship with BYU.

Check out the full podcast.https://t.co/USgLm9k401 pic.twitter.com/8mJpJOOHbL

— KSL's UnRivaled (@KSLunrivaled) September 20, 2019

BYU is currently 2-2 and now begins preparations to travel on the road to face preseason Mid-American Conference favorite Toledo in the Glass Bowl on Saturday, September 28th on ESPN+ and KSL Newsradio. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. (MDT).

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.