Marcus Mathews catches the ball during BYU's first public football practice on Friday.
Jason Olson, Deseret News
PROVO — Boasting speed, size, depth and talent, BYU's cadre of wide receivers could be among the best in the country — and among the best ever in Cougar history.
So says junior receiver O'Neill Chambers.
"We've got a lot of weapons. We have a lot of dangerous receivers," he said. "We have guys in a lot of different categories — different heights, different weights, different abilities and different talents. I feel we're going to be one of the best receiving corps that ever came through BYU. Probably one of the top 10 in the nation as well. I believe in our receiving corps. We just have to focus on trusting ourselves and having fun."
Chambers backed up his words during Friday morning's 11-on-11 session, catching four passes for 70 yards and a touchdown.
His TD was on an impressive, one-handed catch in the back corner of the end zone on a pass from freshman quarterback Jake Heaps — despite great coverage by cornerback Brandon Bradley.
"(Bradley) was on me. He played great defense," Chambers said. "I had to figure out some way, some how, to get the ball. I was determined to go get it. Jake put it in the right spot."
Two other receivers, McKay Jacobson and Spencer Hafoka, also recorded touchdown catches Friday. Other receivers in the mix include senior Luke Ashworth, true freshman Ross Apo, redshirt freshman Cody Hoffman, sophomore Rhen Brown, junior Matt Marshall, senior BJ Peterson and freshmen J.D. Falslev, D.J. Doman and Dallin Cutler.
How good can BYU's offense be this season, despite losing Max Hall, Dennis Pitta and Harvey Unga?
"You don't downgrade. You upgrade every year," Chambers said. "When we're gone, they're going to get better and better. I feel like this team is getting better than last year. We have a lot more talent and a lot more heart. We have more individuals that want to be together instead of just individuals. We're going to be ready to go."
SCRIMMAGE SATURDAY: BYU is holding its first scrimmage of fall camp Saturday at 10 a.m. at LaVell Edwards Stadium. It is open to the public.
Cougar players are looking forward to playing in Edwards Stadium.
"It's going to be great. When we step into LaVell Edwards Stadium, that's our home," said running back J.J. DiLuigi. "Provo is our home, yeah. But Edwards Stadium is our home. We come there and we play hard every time. It's going to be a hard scrimmage. It's going to be fun."
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