BYU camp report: Day 12

A lot going on during this morning’s practice.

Let’s start with Manase Tonga’s return. He was cheered by teammates as he came out for his first practice after being sidelined all last year. Ruled academically ineligible in June 2008, Tonga has been re-admitted for school. He found out this morning while watching film with other BYU players. In his first practice back, Tonga looked surprisingly good for a guy who hasn’t strapped on a helmet for a long time, catching two passes for 31 yards.

Coach Bronco Mendenhall said after practice that Riley Nelson has moved up to No. 2 at the quarterback position. Yesterday, senior Brenden Gaskins met with Mendenhall and told him that for the good of the team, Nelson should be the backup. Mendenhall mentioned that he’s never been more impressed with a player than he was with Gaskins for gracefully conceding to Nelson. With the second-team, Nelson completed 7 of 11 passes for 46 yards.

In the other news of the day, starting safety Andrew Rich suffered a groin injury. It was not immediately known how serious the injury is.