Report on the quarterback position after Day 1 of Fall Camp
By: Courtney Tietjen
ESPN 960 Sports Intern
As the first day of Fall Camp is now in the rear view mirror for BYU Football, the battle for starting quarterback still continues. Whistle after whistle, play after play, pass after pass, the competition isn’t getting any easier for Tanner Mangum, Beau Hoge, Joe Critchlow, and Zach Wilson. If one this is for sure, they are giving it everything they’ve got.
When listening to the thoughts of the quarterbacks, here’s what Tanner Mangum had to say about the situation.
“It’s a healthy competition. We all are out here trying to do our best on every play. One play at a time, that’s the way we have to take it. You just gotta go out there, do your best, execute, and run the show. We’ll let that take care of itself.” Mangum explained.
On his first official day back, Mangum felt great.
“Spring ball was a little tease, I had to perform some but not all. Being able to come out here and get all the reps that I was missing out on in spring felt really good. I feel healthy, I feel strong, and in shape.” Mangum stated.
As some questions still arise about Mangum’s past injuries, Mangum isn’t worried about it at all.
“I don’t even think about it anymore. The strength staff and the conditioning staff do a great job. It’s in the rear view mirror, now I get to go play again and have fun.” Mangum stated.
Many have been noticing Mangum’s more physical transformation; Mangum only had a brief statement.
“I feel like I’m in the best shape I have ever been in, at a strong 205. I recognized that I needed to get healthy and in better shape in order to help myself, as well as to better help the team.” Mangum said.
During fall camp, Beau Hoge was listed as being a quarterback as well as a Running Back. Mangum also had thoughts on that.
“I love it. I think he looks great out there. He’s always been a strong, muscular specimen. So to see him out in the backfield, it fits him. He’s a smart guy too, extremely smart player. He understands the offense and knows where he needs to be. He’s reliable. He’s also one of my best friends, honestly one of the most selfless guys you’ll ever meet. He’s been through a lot with injuries and position changes but he’s one of the most talented guys I’ve ever seen. He just wants to do what’s best for the team.” Mangum explained.
Joe Critchlow, another candidate in the running for starting quarterback, has actually liked the tough competition.
“There’s a lot that I like about the quarterback competition. A great thing is the guys that I’m competing with are great friends and we have a great coaching staff. It also gives us an opportunity to show what we have, what separates us from other guys, and what helps us to become leaders on the team. There are a lot of things that will define us as quarterbacks through this competition.” Critchlow stated.
Coach Lamb gave word that some of the BYU fans down south stated that Critchlow might be one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play at BYU. Taken back, Critchlow responded.
“Oh wow. I did hear a little bit about that. It’s always great to get a compliment but I’m just trying to focus on fall camp, on the quarterback competition, trying to win a job, and to help this team as much as I can to win.” Critchlow explained.
Critchlow was also asked about Hoge at running back.
“Hoge is an incredible athlete. I feel confident with him anywhere on the field. If the coaches think he can help us at running back then so be it. I’ll support it.” Critchlow said.
With the quarterback competition, some feel like it’s wide open and other’s feel like it’s Tanner’s job to lose and the other guys to prove that they can out preform him. Critchlow had an answer.
“I feel like all of the quarterbacks have the same mind set. We are going out here everyday and working as hard as we can to help this team win. Whoever that guy ends up being I know he’ll do a great job and we’re going to have a great year.” Critchlow stated.
Last but not least, Kalani Sitake was asked about how he thought the quarterbacks looked during the first day of Fall Camp.
“Ummm I don’t know I’ll have to watch the film. Nothing was great but it was nice to see Tanner back out there again throwing the ball. There are a lot of things to see but like I said I’ll have to review the film. I thought they did well. They all worked hard during the off season.”
BYU fans make sure to grab a seat, and get your popcorn because the show is on its way.
