Friday morning practice report
With overcast skies, practice this morning was pleasant. It was entertaining to watch the receivers and corners lock horns in one-on-drills — Brandon Bradley vs. O’Neill Chambers and Scott Johnson vs. Luke Ashworth. An impressive display of athleticism. Just wait until Austin Collie is healthy.
As Dick reported in an earlier blog, highly touted defensive lineman Bernard Afutiti finally reported to camp today. He won’t be able to don full pads until after his acclimation period is over in five days.
Among the highlights today included impressive catches by Ashworth and backup tight end Andrew George during 11-on-11 drills. O’Neill Chambers made a nice, leaping 35-yard catch of a Max Hall pass near the sidelines. But the first-team offense couldn’t capitalize failing to get into the end zone against the third-team defense.
J.J. DiLuigi had some nice receptions and runs as well. He scored a touchdown on a nifty run after skirting to the outside. Earlier this week, running backs coach Lance Reynolds said this about DiLuigi: ?J.J. has made a massive jump since the spring. He’s breaking quicker, he’s more confident in the offense. He’s strutting around a little bit like he thinks he’s pretty good, which is great. He’s starting to get himself in a position where you’re not worried about putting him in the game. He’s working good every day and making good progress.?
During 11-on-11 Vic So’oto was credited with a sack. He is vocal and is playing with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. I think after spending the last couple of years as a backup tight end, he’s eager to be on the field and making an impact.
The Cougars practiced kickoffs today and Justin Sorensen’s leg is impressive. He will likely handle kickoffs. Mendenhall has said he hopes that all the kickoff coverage team has to do this year is run down field and watch the ball sail out of the end zone.
Collie is still not participating in drills and has a bone stimulator taped to his leg. He got a haircut the other day and is looking like he’s chomping at the bit to run routes and catch passes.
With a scrimmage scheduled for tomorrow and the first week close to wrapping up, coaches are evaluating what they’ve seen in practice and adjusting the depth chart. Mendenhall was asked how much he relies on position coaches to decide where players fit on that depth chart.
?It starts with the position coach, then goes to the coordinator. Seldom do I override it. There might have been only a few cases here or there over the four years. I’ve hired the coaches for a reason. They spend the most time with these players. The coordinators are expected to make the tough decisions. Both coach Hill and coach Anae have the presence and the personality to make those hard decisions. Usually they come to me for support of those decisions. Almost always they’ll say, ‘This is what I’m thinking. What do you think?’ Very seldom are we not in unison that way. I’m really working as hard as I can to allow ownership of the program to go to the coaches and players. My role is more of a key decision-maker at times and setting the vision.?
As good as Harvey Unga was last fall camp as a freshman, nobody knew how big an impact he would have on BYU’s offense. Now, Unga is a bonafide star and much is expected of him.
?I can’t say it’s not different from last year when he was battling to be a role player,” said Mendenhall, referring to Unga’s progression. “He clearly now has a different light on him. He has a different value to our team, especially now that Manase (Tonga) is lost. We have to practice him a little bit differently as well. And he’s had a successful season and he’s young. All those things lead to a constant reinforcement of attention to detail and improvement. He’s handling it as well as possible so far. We have 13 weeks to go, so it will continue to be a challenge as he’s being told more and more about the impact he’s having.?