Day 12: Injury scare for Cougars
Late during BYU’s Friday morning practice, in an 11-on-11 situation, starting safety Andrew Rich dropped to the ground and was attended to by trainers for several moments. Initially, it appeared serious. Later, team trainer Kevin Morris told reporters that Rich had suffered a bruised forearm, as the result of a lineman landing on him.
“It’s scary,” Mendenhall said. “I was thinking about ‘now what?’ in terms of who plays where. If you were to say where could we not afford to take a loss, Andrew Rich’s position would be one that is as impactful as any. Right next after that, it would be (nose tackle) Romney Fuga. If you’re talking about seasoned, experienced players that consistently do what they’re supposed to do, we need enough of those guys with all of the youth sprinkled around them so you know at least a couple of parts will do the right thing.”
As for the quarterback race, Riley Nelson was 10-for-14 for 107 yards, on touchdown and an interception while Jake Heaps as 7-for-12 for 91 yards, a touchdown and an interception. “They looked more composed, confident, and efficient than they’ve been the last two or three days,” Mendenhall said of the QBs. “I was impressed. I think they took a step forward today.”
O’Neill Chambers caught both TD passes, for 52 (from Heaps) and 17 yards (from Nelson), respectively. J.J. DiLuigi had four carries for 46 yards. Vic So’oto had two “whistle” sacks. Travis Uale and Steven Thomas each had an interception.
The Cougars plan to scrimmage again Saturday. Depending on how it goes, it could be the final scrimmage of fall camp. Coaches are still evaluating some of the position battles, including the ones at the two inside linebacker positions.
“It’s any man’s ballgame. We’re using different combinations (at linebacker),” Mendenhall said. “Now that Zac Stout has come back, that’s been a real positive. He’s emerged and showed up strongly the last two practices. He’s making plays and he’s in the right spot, which has earned him more reps. Aveni Leung-Wai is also playing very well. (Brandon) Ogletree and (Shane) Hunter are going to have to battle. And Austen Jorgensen. There’s no clear favorite, but the newer players are starting to push and push hard.”
Mendenhall took his team on a river rafting trip down the Provo River after Wednesday’s practice. Though it was rainy and 57 degrees, the coach called it “One of the most fun days I’ve had, in a twisted way.” That’s because So’oto and l Ogletree enjoyed capsizing Mendenhall’s raft, so Mendenhall spent most of his team swimming down the river.