More from Wednesday's practice

During the 11-on-11 non-contract scrimmage, the offense dominated the defense inside the “blue zone.” Harvey Unga run in nearly untouched from about five yards out for a touchdown and, later, wide receiver Luke Ashworth hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass from Max Hall, with Brandon Howard defending. Third-string QB Kurt McEuen also threw a touchdown strike to freshman Kaneakua Friel. Mitch Payne and Justin Sorensen each hit their PATs.
Backup QB Brenden Gaskins threw a pass that was deflected by G Pittman and went into the air, where it was intercepted by Steven Thomas.
All in all, the offense looked sharp.
‘It always takes the offense a little longer to get things going,” said quarterback Max Hall. “I think finally things are really starting to click. We’re starting to understand. I’m getting a good feel for my guys out there right now.’
‘We already know our effectiveness in stopping blue zone plays and scoring on blue zone plays is a huge part of our success,” said coach Bronco Mendenhall. “Right now, our offense is clearly ahead in the blue zone production.’

With Jordan Pendleton sitting out this morning’s practice due to illness, Andrew Rich saw time with the first team at safety, along with Kellen Fowler. Shawn Doman and Matt Bauman were at the inside linebacker spots with Kevin Nixon and Vic So’oto on the outside. Brandon Howard and Scott Johnson manned the corners.
Thomas and freshmen Shiloah Te’o and Daniel Sorensen each saw action at the safety positions with the second team.

R.J. Willing took a lot of snaps at center with the first-team, but he’s expected to be the backup for Dallas Reynolds at that spot. Matt Reynolds appears to be the guy at left tackle. Willing is a versatile player who can play pretty much anywhere on the line. Speaking of the O-line, Mendenhall said, “It’s, I think, the best offensive line since I’ve been the coach. When you look across at the experience and ability, they’re a good unit.’

Wednesday marked junior college defensive lineman Bernard Afutiti’s first involvement in full pads since arriving at camp last Friday. ‘He’s quick but has a lot to learn about the physical part of this game,” Mendenhall said. “He has no idea where to go yet, as you would expect.’

A couple of officials showed up, unannounced, to Wednesday’s scrimmage.
‘They just showed up, which is an added bonus for the day,” Mendenhall said. “I would love them every day if they would come because it makes a huge difference on the team and I then don’t have to be the official besides the head coach, and that’s always a better thing.’
So can anyone be an official for a day at BYU practices? ‘Any that have stripes in their closets, come on out,” Mendenhall joked.

BYU’s next scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday. “It will be similar to the first in terms of who plays,” Mendenhall said. “In terms of whether its run-emphasis, pass-emphasis or situational, I haven’t determined that part yet.’
Another scrimmage could be held next Wednesday.