Now that Independence Day has passed, college football fans will be eagerly anticipating the arrival of fall.
While the first games are still nearly two months away, there are several milestones approaching that will heighten the excitement: realignments are now official, conference media days are just around the corner, and fall camp begins at the end of this month.
However, for the players and coaches, it is the time to appreciate the last moments before the frenzy of the next few months.
BYU sophomore defensive back Micah Harper expressed in June how much he appreciates the summer practices and spending time with the other Cougar players.
“The best part of this time is all of the workout and the team bonding, getting ready for the football season,” Harper told me. “Looking back at the conclusion of summer, everything is beautiful. You are aware that you worked hard with your guys.
“Summer workouts are no joke, and you’ll need to give it your all to go through some of the most difficult workouts you’ve ever done. But then you go bowling, golfing, or anything you want with your sons. “Everything is great.”
This is also a period in which veterans and newbies learn a lot about one other and themselves.
BYU senior quarterback Gerry Bohanon explained that while going through the year-long cycle for numerous seasons brings perspective, it can take some time for athletes to figure things out.
“Most young guys come in and they want to prove a point,” Bohanon told me. “They want to fit in and they want to make sure the older guys accept them as well, see who they are and see that they love balling.”
He discussed how vital it is, but athletes must also understand how all of the components fit together in order to perform at their best on the field.
“I think there’s a balance at the beginning stage where you understand you have to develop and respect that work ethic,” Bohanon told reporters. “From the guys around you, you can tell this isn’t high school football anymore. This is collegiate football. This is a huge thing. We have to win games, and you have to work hard; this is a year-round sport for everyone.”
He said he enjoys witnessing the enthusiasm and desire that shines through during offseason exercises.
“I love it because you can see the guys are trying,” Bohanon added. “That’s the most significant element. You’d rather have a guy who wants to go all out than a guy who refuses to do anything.
The fact for BYU this season is that all players, from the most seasoned to the least experienced, must raise their game to avoid another poor season.
The Cougars have known this since 2023, but the dismal prognostications released this summer have confirmed it, according to Cougar junior wide receiver Kody Epps.
He stated that hearing people think BYU would not be very good motivates him.
“I do not like the underdog role,” Epps stated. “I dislike any role that someone imposes on us. I enjoy the part I want to play.”
According to Epps, the focus right now is on making the most of the remaining days of July.
“The role now is enjoying the moment, going to workouts, having fun getting ready for football season,” Epps told ESPN. “That’s the role that I love.”
He did, however, emphasize the need of maintaining perspective and enjoying the experience.
“Right now I don’t care about being on top and I don’t care about being on the bottom,” Epps said. “What matters is that wherever we are at the end of the season, how can we learn from it? How can we grow from it? How can we do what we’re supposed to do? How can we enjoy the moment? That’s all I’m focused on. I don’t care about the rules that anybody else is putting on us right now.”
