Fall practice report day five
PROVO — A team scuffle four plays into the team drill session cut practice short — sort of. Coach Bronco Mendenhall made up a brutal obstacle course as a form of punishment for defensive players getting too physical during a non-contact drill.
Mendenhall wasn’t particularly upset with his defense being a bit too aggressive and termed how he dealt with the incident as a “teachable moment” for the entire team.
The players were asked to jump over three sets of of stacked blocking pads followed by a dive into the ice-cold pools.
For senior defensive lineman Eathyn Manumaleuna, the physical play that led to the “teachable moment” was an expression of how anxious the defense is to start hitting.
“I’m usually not excited for fall practices, but it’s totally different this year for me and I think for the entire team or at least for the defense,” said Manumaleuna. “We’re feeling like we’re ready to go — that we could play tomorrow and that’s exciting. It’s a new thing I think.”
Although the defense was mostly responsible for the scuffle, the entire team took part in Bronco’s diabolical obstacle course. In year’s past, if the defense was held responsible, they’d do the extra work with the offense watching and vice versa.
“It’s not like we’re pointing fingers at the guys we think are responsible, but that we’re all in it together,” said Manumaleuna. “Sure, it wasn’t fun, but it’s what you do — you do what Coach asks and everything he asks us to do is for a purpose and if you know that and understand that then you’re willing to do anything. We’re in it together — not just the defense, but the entire team. We’re all together this year.”
The defense will be allowed to hit in full-contact drills very soon and the defense couldn’t be more excited.
Practice Notes
-Riley Nelson completed all three of his passes during team drills for 16 yards unofficially.
-The play of practice was Nelson hitting Brett Thompson downfield for a gain of around 50 yards.
-Offensive lineman Brock Stringham returned to practice and assumed his spot with the first-team offense. Michael Yeck saw reps in place of Ryker Mathews at left tackle with the 1s.
-Cougar commits Billy Green and Mike Davis both attended today’s practice session.
-Joe Sampson and Cody Hoffman were again absent from practice.
Brandon – why has Braden Hansen been playing with the 2′s during Fall Camp? Is it merely to cross-train at the various interior positions, injury related, or has he lost his spot?
He needs to pass the conditioning test before he sees first-team reps is the word.
How are Mitch Matthews, Houk, and Thompson looking so far? Will any of them get significant reps this year?
Houk looks efficient, but Mitch Mathews has really impressed. Both have a big advantage due to their size and I think you’ll see at least one of them in the rotation consistently this season.
What about Thompson? Saw that he had a big catch.
Follow-up about Matthews and Houk. Cahoon made a comment the other day that the bigger guys have trouble getting out of their breaks. Do you see him favoring the smaller guys because of that, or do you think he will weigh the possible advantages that 6’6″ brings against possibly less efficient route running?
it’s just a challenge for the taller guys to overcome, not something that eliminates them from competition. They have obvious advantages over the smaller guys that are quick with their breaks. Cahoon now just has to realize which combination of strengths will prove most effective.
How does Riley Nelson go 3 for 3 for 16 yards but hit Brett Thompson down field for a 50 yard gain?
The 3 for 3 was what he did during the final session of team drills…the 50-yarder was thrown during another drill…should have pointed that out. Stats are normally tabulated just for the last team drill.
Maybe one of his passes went for -34 yards?
Do you think they would move Houk or the younger Mathews to TE??
doubtful on both…more likely they’d move Houk, but I don’t anticipate them moving either
Any of the RB’s stand out today?
I thought Sampson and Hoffman were due back today. Anyone else concerned they were still held out?