Camp report: Day 9

Today’s practice was open to the public and several hundred people turned out to watch. Among the highlights included a 35-yard pass from Max Hall to McKay Jacobson. J.J. DiLuigi also had a 36-yard catch down the sideline while cornerback Corby Eason picked off a pass while covering wide receiver Brett Thompson. Players were in full pads, but tackling was off-limits.

Coach Bronco Mendenhall said he was pleased with the way things looked on both sides of the ball. However, he did address one of his concerns — field goal kicking. Mitch Payne missed a few short field goals. Mendenhall said if that doesn’t get shored up, he may open up the competition to freshman Riley Stephenson, who, once again, was impressive with his booming punts.

At linebacker, projected starter Jordan Pendleton was out (he was attending a funeral) while safety Shiloah Te’o was running with the linebackers. Mendenhall said this wasn’t really a switch, but rather they’re looking at Te’o to be involved in nickel and dime packages. Freshman safety Craig Bills delivered the hit of the day, barreling into running back Mike Hague near the sideline.

Cornerback Robbie Buckner appears to be getting closer to returning to the field. In his absence, Eason and Brian Logan are getting plenty of reps at that position.

Much was made of Hall’s dislocated ring finger yesterday, but Hall has been just fine. During Monday afternoon’s practice — which was closed to the media — Hall completed 11 of 13 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown. On Tuesday morning, he was 19 of 26 for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Dennis Pitta caught five passes for 45 yards.

After practice, Hall spent about 30 minutes with the fans who attended, signing autographs and posing for pictures. One woman gave Hall a cell phone, telling him to talk to her husband. So Hall did.

That’s the life of a BYU quarterback.