BYU fall camp: day 4

Now things should really get interesting.
Tomorrow is the first day the Cougars will be in full pads. Friday is the first day of two-a-days and Saturday is the first scrimmage.

After the defense stood out Monday, the offense shined Tuesday. On Wednesday, coach Bronco Mendenhall declared it was pretty even between the offense and defense. And that’s just how Mendenhall likes it. “It’s swinging back and forth,” he said. “It’s evening out.”
Among the highlights and notes:
*Fullback Zed Mendenhall stretched out to catch a long pass from Jake Heaps — but the pass was ruled incomplete by Mendenhall’s uncle, and coach, Bronco. Earlier, Zed caught a touchdown pass from Heaps.
*James Lark led the offense to an impressive drive, completing 4 of 6 passes for 48 yards and ran for another 17 yards. Mendenhall said Lark is “just slightly behind” Riley Nelson and Jake Heaps in the quarterback race. “He showed that again today.”
*Heaps was 6 of 11 for 61 yards and a touchdown. Nelson was 2 of 4 for 25 yards and a touchdown.
*Wide receiver Ross Apo caught a touchdown pass from Nelson, and running backs David Foote and Bryan Kariya all scored touchdowns.
*Freshman running back Drew Phillips still is not dressed and still is not participating in practice due to NCAA clearinghouse issues. Mendenhall said Phillips’ status is uncertain. He could be cleared tomorrow or maybe not until next week.
*Offensive tackle Matt Reynolds left practice early so he could attend his pregnant wife’s ultrasound.
*Placekicker Mitch Payne missed a long field goal attempt and had an extra point attempt blocked.

Among those I talked to after practice included senior cornerback Brian Logan. He told me about the struggles he had during fall camp last year and how he almost left the team. You can read the story online tomorrow.