More from Monday morning practice
After reviewing tape of Saturday’s scrimmage, BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said freshman Daniel Sorensen was one of the highlights. The coaching staff saw in him potential at outside linebacker, so the move was made official this morning. Mendenhall said that the staff would like to groom Sorensen and fellow freshman Michael Alisa to be the future heir apparents to Bryan Kehl and David Nixon at outside linebacker. Monday was Sorensen’s first practice at linebacker.
Mendenhall also said quarterback Kurt McEuen has been “chipping away” at Brenden Gaskins’ backup spot. It’s very close between the two, based on the numbers that have been tracked during fall camp, according to Mendenhall.
Defensive lineman Ian Dulan was out again today due to a shoulder injury. Mendenhall indicated that he hasn’t been pleased with the way Dulan has approached his rehab and that Dulan needs to be more diligent.
Safety David Tafuna, who has been out after suffering a concussion, was back running with the first team, along with Kellen Fowler. While Mendenhall reiterated that Andrew Rich is the primary backup at both free and kat safety, Jordan Pendleton and Shiloah Te’o are battling for that fourth safety spot.
Fullback Kelly Bills, who has also been dealing with a concussion, had a talk with Mendenhall Saturday about his future. Bills has suffered four concussions during his career and Mendenhall said he doesn’t want to subject Bills to any more concussions. “The risk is too great,” Mendenhall said.
Max Hall was 6-for-11 for 57 yards and an interception during 11-on-11 drills. The pick came at the end of practice as Hall was going deep for Tyler Kozlowski. Bradley made an athletic play, stepping in front of the pass at the last moment and making a diving grab in front of Koz.
Tight end Andrew George continued to impress, making a variety of catches. Running back Fui Vakapuna showed a nice burst of speed on a handoff, breaking into the secondary. He doesn’t show any ill-effects of the hamstring injury that slowed him down during the early days of fall camp.
Mitch Payne had a 41-yard field goal attempt miss wide left.
Wide receiver Reed White is pretty much entrenched as the starting punt returner, Mendenhall said. White is not flashy, but kind of in the same mold as former Cougar Nate Meikle — very solid, very dependable, very sure-handed, a guy who can pick up 10 or so yards per return.
The Cougars will likely hold a scrimmage Wednesday to sort out some backup roles, including at quarterback.
Mendenhall said the players won’t practice Thursday. They will do their lifting and participate in a team activity while the coaches will devote the entire day to preparing for Northern Iowa. The Cougars will begin their first No. Iowa practice on Friday.
Wide receiver Rhen Brown, brother of offensive lineman Terence Brown, returned home from a mission last week from Argentina. He came to practice today and met with Mendenhall afterwards.