Practice report: Defense shines, picks Hall twice
While Saturday's scrimmage could be called a standstill, there was a winner in Monday's team sessions at BYU's morning practice: the defense.
Quarterback Max Hall was intercepted twice -- the first two picks of fall camp -- and freshman linebacker Jared Richardson returned one for a TD, after plucking it beautifully out of the air with one hand.
Another freshman, safety Craig Bills, came up with the other pick.
"The defense was more execution-sound today," coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "The defense made some strides today."
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The injury plaged offensive line held up well, as freshman Houston Reynolds returned to practice after missing a few sessions with a quad strain. Mendenhall said Houston Reynolds is the "most techically sound of the freshmen" offensive linemen. Monday, Houston Reynolds mainly played center with the second-string O line.
Left tackle Matt Reynolds watched practice with his arm in a sling.
No word after practice on the status of running back Manase Tonga. However, running backs coach Lance Reynolds said more will be known "very soon."
Other players who did not participate today included fullback Brian Kariya, linebacker Brandon Ogletree and defensive tackle Russell Tialavea.
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Because of the injury situation, Mendenhall said coaches did eliminate a few drills this morning, in an effort to avoid further injuries.
The coach mentioned that after watching film of Saturday's scrimmage that it appears juco transfer Brian Logan is "more game ready" than the other two. Still, he said the No. 1 guy on the depth chart at field corner right now is still Robbie Buckner, who remains out with a sore hamstring.
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In the first team session, all four possessions started in the blue zone (at the 20-yard line), but the offense never got into the end zone.
Mitch Payne made two field goals (24 and 31 yards), had one blocked by Brandon Bradley and missed one from 42 yards.
Mendenhall said blocking kicks is a point of emphasis for the Cougs this year.
Jan Jorgensen "sacked" Max Hall once, while Jameson Frazier got to Riley Nelson twice.
There were no offensive highlights to speak of in the first team session.
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Both interceptions happened in the second team session.
The best drive was actually engineered by third-string QB Riley Nelson. He threw some nice balls to Mike Hague, Tucker Lamb and Stephen Covey and then hit tight end Braden Brown for a touchdown.
Nelson was 5-for-6 for 61 yards on the day, while Hall was 7-for-12 for 78 yards and a touchdown, which went to tight end Andrew George.
Mendenhall wasn't prepared to say after practice that Nelson has surpassed senior Brenden Gaskins on the depth chart, but it is becoming more and more clear that the transition could come more sooner than later.
Nelson seemingly improves and looks more comfortable every practice, while Gaskins has yet to show the ability to move the offense.
Quarterback Max Hall was intercepted twice -- the first two picks of fall camp -- and freshman linebacker Jared Richardson returned one for a TD, after plucking it beautifully out of the air with one hand.
Another freshman, safety Craig Bills, came up with the other pick.
"The defense was more execution-sound today," coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "The defense made some strides today."
--------------------
The injury plaged offensive line held up well, as freshman Houston Reynolds returned to practice after missing a few sessions with a quad strain. Mendenhall said Houston Reynolds is the "most techically sound of the freshmen" offensive linemen. Monday, Houston Reynolds mainly played center with the second-string O line.
Left tackle Matt Reynolds watched practice with his arm in a sling.
No word after practice on the status of running back Manase Tonga. However, running backs coach Lance Reynolds said more will be known "very soon."
Other players who did not participate today included fullback Brian Kariya, linebacker Brandon Ogletree and defensive tackle Russell Tialavea.
---------------------
Because of the injury situation, Mendenhall said coaches did eliminate a few drills this morning, in an effort to avoid further injuries.
The coach mentioned that after watching film of Saturday's scrimmage that it appears juco transfer Brian Logan is "more game ready" than the other two. Still, he said the No. 1 guy on the depth chart at field corner right now is still Robbie Buckner, who remains out with a sore hamstring.
------------------------
In the first team session, all four possessions started in the blue zone (at the 20-yard line), but the offense never got into the end zone.
Mitch Payne made two field goals (24 and 31 yards), had one blocked by Brandon Bradley and missed one from 42 yards.
Mendenhall said blocking kicks is a point of emphasis for the Cougs this year.
Jan Jorgensen "sacked" Max Hall once, while Jameson Frazier got to Riley Nelson twice.
There were no offensive highlights to speak of in the first team session.
-------------------------
Both interceptions happened in the second team session.
The best drive was actually engineered by third-string QB Riley Nelson. He threw some nice balls to Mike Hague, Tucker Lamb and Stephen Covey and then hit tight end Braden Brown for a touchdown.
Nelson was 5-for-6 for 61 yards on the day, while Hall was 7-for-12 for 78 yards and a touchdown, which went to tight end Andrew George.
Mendenhall wasn't prepared to say after practice that Nelson has surpassed senior Brenden Gaskins on the depth chart, but it is becoming more and more clear that the transition could come more sooner than later.
Nelson seemingly improves and looks more comfortable every practice, while Gaskins has yet to show the ability to move the offense.
12:38 PM
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