ball team has a lot to look forward to during the Alamo Bowl preparations. While postseason bowls are an exciting opportunity to cap off a season, they also offer a chance for player development, especially for those on the fringe of breaking into the starting lineup or improving their skill sets. The Alamo Bowl, which offers a high-profile platform against a strong opponent, is the perfect setting for players to shine and make their mark for the future. Here are some BYU football players who could benefit the most from the practices leading up to the Alamo Bowl.
1. Jacob Conover (Quarterback)
Jacob Conover, a young quarterback who has seen limited action this season, is one of the players who stands to gain immensely from the Alamo Bowl practices. With Jaren Hall potentially leaving for the NFL, Conover could be in line to compete for the starting job next season. The Alamo Bowl offers him the chance to get more first-team reps, improve his timing with the wide receivers, and gain valuable game experience. Even if he doesn’t start, the practice time with the first-team offense and facing off against a high-level defense will accelerate his development.
2. Kody Epps (Wide Receiver)
Kody Epps is one of BYU’s top young wide receivers, but he has been banged up at times during the season. The extra practices before the bowl game give him an opportunity to refine his route-running, develop chemistry with his quarterbacks, and get back to full strength. Epps could play a crucial role in next year’s offense, especially if top receivers like Puka Nacua move on. The extra time working on skills like catching under pressure, creating separation, and understanding defensive coverages could be invaluable.
3. Keanu Hill (Wide Receiver)
Keanu Hill has shown flashes of potential throughout the season but has been inconsistent at times. He possesses the size and athleticism to be a dominant receiver at the college level. With more reps in practices before the Alamo Bowl, Hill can work on his consistency, particularly in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s refining his ability to catch passes in traffic or improving his route precision, the practices leading up to the bowl could be a turning point for Hill to take his game to the next level and become a primary target in future seasons.
4. Lopini Katoa (Running Back)
Lopini Katoa is a key member of BYU’s backfield, and with the departure of seniors like Christopher Brooks, Katoa could be the leader of the running back room moving forward. The Alamo Bowl practices allow him to hone his skills and build his leadership presence for the 2024 season. His ability to balance both the running and passing game will be crucial, and more practice reps in a game-like environment will sharpen his decision-making, vision, and blocking ability. Katoa could set himself up for a breakout year in 2024 with a strong showing.
5. Tenny Tapu (Defensive Lineman)
Defensive linemen like Tenny Tapu can also benefit significantly from extra practice time, especially in facing strong competition. Tapu has shown flashes of potential but has also had some inconsistency throughout his early years. The Alamo Bowl practices allow him to develop his pass rush, improve his technique, and grow in his understanding of defensive schemes. Tapu’s physical traits make him an exciting prospect, and an improvement in his fundamentals during these bowl practices could lead to a bigger role next season.
6. Ben Bywater (Linebacker)
Ben Bywater has been one of BYU’s key defensive players this season. However, additional practice reps can help him further refine his instincts, coverage abilities, and leadership skills. As one of the anchors of the linebacker corps, Bywater’s development will be crucial to BYU’s defensive success in future seasons. The Alamo Bowl presents an opportunity for him to demonstrate his ability to lead and make crucial tackles in critical situations. More time to work with the coaching staff on his mental approach and tactical awareness could make him an even stronger defensive player in 2024.
7. Max Tooley (Safety)
Max Tooley has been another standout defensive player, but the bowl practices provide him with a chance to further improve his leadership and coverage skills. As a safety, Tooley’s ability to read the quarterback and react quickly to plays is crucial. Extra practice time can also help him with his tackling and decision-making, as well as his role in coverage against both tight ends and wide receivers. By continuing to work on his technique, Tooley could establish himself as a key playmaker for BYU’s defense going forward.
8. Clark Barrington (Offensive Lineman)
Clark Barrington is a vital part of BYU’s offensive line, but like other experienced players, the bowl practices offer him a chance to sharpen his skills further. The extra time in the weight room and on the field can help him maintain his physical edge, as well as hone his technique against different types of defensive players. Barrington’s leadership on the offensive line next season will be critical, and the bowl practices offer a good opportunity for him to continue developing his understanding of the offense and improve his play against top-tier competition.
9. Chase Roberts (Wide Receiver)
Chase Roberts is another receiver who could significantly benefit from the bowl practices. With a chance to work with Conover or other quarterbacks, Roberts can continue to build his rapport with the quarterbacks and improve his ability to make plays downfield. Roberts has shown a knack for making crucial catches this season, and with the added bowl practice time, he could position himself as a bigger contributor in the future.
10. Caleb Etienne (Offensive Lineman)
Caleb Etienne is one of the most important players for BYU’s offensive line, and with the Alamo Bowl serving as his last game before leaving for the NFL, this time in practice is invaluable. The extra practices will provide him with the opportunity to refine his blocking techniques and make sure he’s fully prepared for his next steps, whether it’s in the draft or at the next level.
The Alamo Bowl is not just a chance for BYU to close out the season on a high note, but for many players, it’s a chance to improve, gain experience, and set themselves up for future success. With these players having the most to gain, their performances in the bowl game and the weeks leading up to it could play a key role in shaping the future of BYU football.
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