Dallin Holker Among Observations From BYU Football Spring Practice

PROVO, Utah – The BYU football team continued their preparation for the 2022 season with their second week of practice.

Jakob Robinson had the defensive play of the media observation period with an interception  in the red-zone.

There was a miscommunication between Jaren Hall and the BYU receivers resulting in the turnover.

#BYU spring football practice report! @baiamontematt and @lilthoint recap the Cougars fourth practice from the indoor practice facility. #BYUFootball #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/cAMqLIcyUa

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 8, 2022

Jacob Conover threw the only touchdown pass of the media observation period with a laser to Brayden Cosper on a slant route.

Below are my main three observations from the fourth practice.

1. Dallin Holker targeted frequently

A theme is beginning to emerge from BYU spring football. Quarterbacks like throwing the ball to tight end Dallin Holker.

My unofficial count has Holker has the most targeted pass catcher in the three media observation periods.

Holker also made one of the best catches of the day on a pass from Jacob Conover.

He ran a post route from the slot position and made a diving grab over the middle.

It remains to be seen when Isaac Rex will return from injury, making the emergence of Holker more important for the Cougar offense.

2. BYU football backup quarterback battle

Jaren Hall is the starting quarterback, there is no doubt about that.

Who is going to replace Hall remains a big question.

I thought Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters had his best day of practice this spring.

A few observations from #BYU 🏈 practice today:

– Dallin Holker was the most targeted pass catcher
– Holker had the catch of the day on a post route
– Jacob Robinson intercepted Jaren Hall in the redzone
– Gunner Romney and Chase Roberts made nice sideline grabs from Sol-Jay

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) March 8, 2022

He made several impressive intermediate throws near the sideline to Gunner Romney and Chase Roberts.

It’s not likely this battle is decided by the end of spring football, but it’s encouraging that all three quarterbacks vying for the position have made plays in the passing game.

3. Ben Bywater bulking up

Several Cougars have made physical transformations, including linebacker Ben Bywater.

He added weight and muscle during winter conditioning, and it’s noticeable.

With Keenan Pili and Payton Wilgar recovering from injury, Bywater is making the most of a  great opportunity to get valuable reps with the first string defense.

The Cougars have a great problem on their hands figuring out how to deploy four proven linebackers.

It’s evident that Bywater is not content after breaking onto the scene last year with 102 tackles.

You can hear Matt Baiamonte every Saturday on KSL Newsradio for Cougar Sports Saturday from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or you can find him on Twitter here.