Fall camp update: Cornerbacks and odds and ends

A lot of eyes this fall camp are on the cornerbacks, and with good reason. To this point, Brandon Howard (field corner) and Scott Johnson (boundary corner) are running with the first team. Behind them are G Pittman and Brandon Bradley. One thing is certain, they are tested against the likes of Mike Reed and Dennis Pitta and Luke Ashworth during 11-on-11 non-contact drills. Pitta had a nice touchdown grab over Johnson during one sequence today.

Today’s temperatures were pleasant, to say the least, with overcast skies. When asked about the weather, coach Bronco Mendenhall joked, ‘I think LaVell might have been watching today. From what I understand, he can control the weather. Maybe he knew we needed a cloudy day.’

Two defensive players Mendenhall is very happy with are linebacker Vic So’oto and defensive lineman Russell Tialavea. So’oto was switched from tight end during the off-season while Tialavea is back after suffering a season-ending knee injury a year ago.
About So’oto Mendenhall said: “I really like him. I like his leadership, I like his work ethic, I like his enthusiasm. He hasn’t been like this since he was a true freshman. We’ve found the right place for him. It’s a good move.’
This is what Mendenhall said about Tialavea: ‘It’s been one of the great stories of the year. He’s struggled off and on for a long time with off-the-field conduct, with the classroom, with the work ethic. He has always had exceptional talent. He has declared and is working very hard. His consistency has been great. I’m really proud of him. He’s one of the bright spots so far.’

Thursday marks the first day in full pads for BYU, but Mendenhall said not to expect much more contact as to avoid more injuries. The Cougars’ first scrimmage of fall camp will be Saturday.

BYU linebackers coach Barry Lamb now has a son, Tucker, on the team. Tucker is a running back. ‘It’s fun. He and I really like each other. It’s a joy. We tease each other all the time. He calls me ‘old man.’ We just have a good time. I don’t coach him, so I don’t get to see him a lot. But when I do, it’s fun.’