As the BYU Cougars prepare for their upcoming Alamo Bowl game, a wealth of opportunities exists for players to develop and fine-tune their skills in a competitive environment. Bowl games offer a unique chance to get extra practice time, work on individual fundamentals, and boost player confidence. For many players on the roster, the Alamo Bowl could serve as a critical stepping stone in their careers, whether they are looking to improve their draft stock, secure a starting role for next season, or simply gain experience. Here are some BYU football players who could benefit the most from the Alamo Bowl practices.
1. Keanu Hill (Wide Receiver)
Keanu Hill has been one of BYU’s most consistent wide receivers throughout the season, but he still has room to develop into a more dynamic threat. The Alamo Bowl practices will be a valuable opportunity for him to improve his route-running and sharpen his hands to secure more consistent catches. Hill has shown flashes of brilliance, including his ability to make spectacular catches, but his consistency and timing with the quarterbacks need refinement. With a bowl game on the line, Hill can benefit from facing top-tier defenders and refining his technique.
2. Jaren Hall (Quarterback)
Although Jaren Hall has had a successful season, his development as a quarterback will continue to be one of the most crucial aspects of BYU’s future. The extra bowl practices offer Hall the chance to build more chemistry with his receiving corps, especially as the team transitions into the Big 12 Conference next season. He has the raw talent to be an NFL prospect, but the Alamo Bowl provides an opportunity for Hall to polish his decision-making, develop better touch on his deep balls, and continue his growth in managing the offense with poise. A strong performance in the bowl game could give him a chance to build momentum heading into next year.
3. LJ Martin (Running Back)
LJ Martin has demonstrated promise in his freshman season, showing flashes of explosiveness and vision in the backfield. As a young player, the additional bowl practices can help him further refine his skill set, particularly in terms of pass protection, ball security, and developing better patience in his running style. If Martin can show improvements in these areas, he could solidify himself as a key component of BYU’s offense going forward. Moreover, as a freshman, getting more reps with the starting offense during the bowl practices can give him valuable experience and confidence moving forward.
4. Blake Freeland (Offensive Tackle)
Blake Freeland is one of the most talented players on BYU’s offensive line and has the potential to play at the next level. However, there are areas of his game, especially in terms of hand placement and footwork against elite edge rushers, that can be improved. The extra bowl practices give Freeland the opportunity to refine his technique before the start of next season. The Alamo Bowl’s competition will likely feature some of the best defensive linemen he will face, and getting practice against such opponents could give him the edge he needs to impress NFL scouts and further develop as a potential draft pick.
5. Ben Bywater (Linebacker)
Ben Bywater has been a steady presence for BYU’s defense this season, contributing as a tackler and playmaker. However, there are moments when he has struggled with consistency in coverage and reading plays quickly. The Alamo Bowl practices offer Bywater the chance to work on his pass coverage and the mental aspects of the game. As BYU prepares for the competitive challenges of the Big 12, Bywater’s development as a versatile linebacker will be crucial to the defense’s success. His ability to diagnose plays and remain sharp against high-caliber offenses will be vital, and bowl practices are an excellent time for him to further hone these skills.
6. Caden Herring (Defensive End)
Caden Herring has shown flashes of brilliance as a pass rusher, but like many young defensive players, he could benefit from more experience in reading the opposing offensive line and timing his rushes. With a few more weeks of practice leading up to the Alamo Bowl, Herring could further develop his hand techniques, learn to use his size and strength more effectively, and become a more consistent disruptor in the backfield. These improvements would not only benefit him in the bowl game but also help him secure a starting role next season as BYU faces stiffer competition in the Big 12.
7. Chaz Ah You (Safety)
Chaz Ah You has been one of BYU’s most athletic defenders, but injuries and inconsistency have hindered his performance at times. The Alamo Bowl practices give Ah You an opportunity to focus on his coverage skills, especially as the team faces off against strong receiving corps. If he can stay healthy and focused during this time, Ah You has the potential to be one of the top playmakers in the secondary. Bowl practices will allow him to gain confidence and work on his timing when it comes to reading the quarterback and breaking up passes.
8. Jacob Robinson (Cornerback)
Jacob Robinson has had a solid season for BYU, but he has occasionally struggled in tight coverage situations. The extra bowl practices will give Robinson the chance to sharpen his coverage skills and continue working on his footwork and anticipation. Cornerbacks need to be able to cover both deep routes and short, quick passes, so practicing against BYU’s wide receivers in these bowl practices will help him work on adjusting his positioning and reading the quarterback’s eyes. Improving his ability to play against diverse routes will be a key component in his development.
9. Talmage Gunther (Defensive Tackle)
Talmage Gunther’s physicality in the trenches has made a difference for BYU’s defensive line, but there is still plenty of room for improvement, especially when it comes to his pass-rushing technique. The Alamo Bowl offers Gunther a chance to refine his fundamentals and improve his ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage. As BYU heads into a more competitive conference next season, having a strong defensive line will be essential, and Gunther’s development will be a key factor.
10. Isaiah Kaufusi (Linebacker)
Like his teammate Ben Bywater, Isaiah Kaufusi has been an anchor for the BYU defense but has room to improve his overall playmaking ability. The extra practices leading up to the bowl will allow Kaufusi to fine-tune his recognition of offensive schemes, sharpen his pass coverage skills, and improve his ability to move sideline to sideline. Kaufusi’s leadership in the middle of the defense will be important for BYU, and continued development during bowl prep can help elevate his impact on the field.
Conclusion
The extra practices and preparation that come with participating in the Alamo Bowl present a unique opportunity for BYU football players to develop their skills and position themselves for success in the future. Whether it’s refining their technique, gaining experience, or improving physical attributes, these players have a chance to make significant strides in their personal and team development. The results of these extra practices could have long-term impacts, not only on the outcome of the game but also on the individual careers of these players as they prepare for future challenges.
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