PROVO -- The Cougars completed the second day of Fall Camp on Monday, participating in an early-morning practice session. Following practice, the team met for special teams and position meetings to round out its Monday schedule. The Cougars will meet at Edwards Stadium on Tuesday for the annual Media Day. Following the media event, the team will have meetings in preparation for an afternoon practice.
"I'm excited the season is underway," BYU head coach Gary Crowton said. "We've had a lot of enthusiasm in our first two practices, and its only going to get better. I'm pleased with how the guys have come in prepared and are ready to get going."
Crowton said one of the things they will be working on during Fall Camp is increasing team unity.
"Last season we were a little too individualized and not very team-oriented," Crowton said. "This year we're trying to be more team-oriented. That's our emphasis right now, to be more of a team. We need to get back to playing together, and not as individuals. I can already see a big difference. It's like we were in 2001. We had a lot of great individuals, but we played together as a team. That's what we're looking for again this year."
Sophomore quarterback Matt Berry added to Crowton's assessment, "We are more together this year. Our leadership is a lot different. There are several guys who are stepping up into roles as leaders."
Another season of BYU Football means another season of examining the "quarterback situation" -- whether there really is one or not. Crowton said, entering Fall Camp, Berry is the guy everyone will have to beat.
"Right now, [Matt] Berry is the starter," Crowton said. "If another guy beats him out, it will have to be obvious. That's why we have Fall Camp. We'll just wait and see what the other guys can do."
While Crowton has set the standard for the annual quarterback derby, he said coaches will be looking at other positions to determine this Fall's depth chart. He specifically mentioned positions along the offensive and defensive line, receiver and tight end.
"That's why we have Fall Camp," he said. "We're looking to see who wants that position, who will step up and fight for it."
On Saturday, Crowton announced senior defensive lineman Ryan Gunderson will not compete in his final season. Crowton said Gunderson has been battling with back pain for some time, in addition to other health-related issues. He also said linebacker Chris Stevens will transfer. Crowton also said Lance Pendleton will switch from quarterback to defensive back. Originally the coaching staff anticipated moving Pendleton to receiver, but due to off-season injuries in the defensive secondary, Crowton decided to move Pendleton to defensive back.
On Tuesday, Crowton said sophomore offensive lineman Scott Tidwell had been added to the Fall Camp roster, bringing the total number in camp to 104. NCAA rules permit each team to hav 105 players in camp. It is expected the BYU roster will hit the 105 mark by week's end.
INJURY UPDATE: Head trainer George Curtis reported senior tight end Justin Jory fractured his hand during Saturday's practice. Jory will undergo surgery on Tuesday. He is expected to compete in non-contact drills within 10-14 days, and should be cleared for full-contact within three weeks of the surgery. Jory is listed among the candidates for a starting position at tight end this season.
Senior linebacker Paul Walkenhorst underwent back surgery on Saturday. While he has already showed signs of improved leg strength following surgery, according to Curtis, Walkenhorst could be out anywhere from one to three months. A decision on whether or not Walkenhorst will compete this season has yet to be determined. Crowton said senior Levi Madarieta will take over the outside linebacker position. Madarieta was listed as the starter on the pre-fall depth chart after Walkenhorst missed spring ball with a knee injury.
Safety Aaron Francisco, who underwent surgery in July to repair a broken bone in his foot, is continually improving and has been participating in light workouts. Curtis expects Francisco to be at 100 percent within the next two to three weeks.