Ethan Stuart has always had an interest in Brigham Young University football. After last week, the interest should be mutual.
Stuart, an upcoming sophomore lineman for the Pioneers, was a standout performer at the BYU Cougar football camp held in Provo, Utah. Stuart received one of only three lineman awards given at the camp and was the only player to be honored that wasn’t a senior.
Getting the opportunity to see the BYU campus was a lifetime dream for Stuart. Showing out while being there was just a feather in his cap.
“BYU has always been somewhere I’ve always wanted to see and maybe play football there. They offer a great education and I’ve had family members attend there,” said Stuart. “I would like to go on a two-year mission for my church and they will allow you to do that and hold a scholarship.
“I went to this camp to check out it and see what it was like. It was an awesome camp and I had a great time.”
Stuart went to Utah with his eye on the Cougar campus, but it didn’t take long for the BYU coaches to single out the sophomore lineman. Stuart started working with players his same age, but coaches pulled him out of those drills because his domination. Stuart spent the rest of the camp working against juniors and seniors while more than holding his own.
By the time the camp was over, Stuart was recognized as one of the most outstanding performers. It came as no shock to new Pioneer coach Scott Smith, who has seen the strength and skill of his upcoming sophomore lineman in workouts and in spring practice.
Stuart was the first Pioneer to join Smith’s 900-pound club, which took into account the max lift by each player in bench press, squat and power clean. On the field, Stuart worked himself into potential starting jobs on the offensive and defensive lines. Last year, Stuart started the first game of his WCHS career on the offensive line and went on start nine games.
The BYU coaches look to build on the strong base Stuart has already shown. Working with the team’s offensive line coach Garrett Tujague seemed to be the biggest joy for Stuart.
“I really liked coach ‘2J.’ He was definitely my favorite,” said Stuart. “They had me playing nose guard and offensive tackle. They really helped me on my pass rushing defensively and my kick slide and hand usage on offense.”
Given the chance to go back, Stuart wouldn’t hesitate to return to Utah and work with the Cougars once again.
“It seems like a great program and I’m really glad I went,” said Stuart. “It was an awesome experience all around.”