PROVO -- On Monday 68 members of the Brigham Young University student body, including former high school standouts, past junior college players, intramural all-stars and some who were just looking to fulfill a lifelong dream, participated in the annual walk-on tryout.
After today's workout, the BYU coaching staff has identified six candidates who will be invited to continue the evaluation process over the next four weeks. (See complete list below.)
"We congratulate those who have made it to the next phase," BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "It's an exciting time for these guys and we're looking forward to evaluating them over the next four weeks."
The list of participants was trimmed early when some candidates failed to pass an initial physical screening by team trainers. Others, who were identified as part-time students, were also dismissed from the one-hour tryout.
"We had a great group of kids out here today," recruiting coordinator Paul Tidwell said. "They all had great attitudes and were working pretty hard. We told them last week how hard this process was going to be, and we still had almost 70 guys out here."
After a series of position drills, the first cut was made. The list of candidates was quickly reduced to just 23. The remaining candidates participated in a mini-combine, which included the 40-yard dash and a shuttle drill.
According to Tidwell, the coaches met this afternoon to discuss the remaining 23 candidates. They were evaluated on several criteria.
"We evaluated them based on what we saw this afternoon," Tidwell said. "We looked at quickness, footwork, change of direction, physical ability and potential talent. We even checked their grades.
"The list was narrowed to six guys after we evaluated everything and looked at our position needs. We already have 118 players in our program right now, not including the guys who will be here in the Fall. So, we still have to cut down from what we already have. Knowing what they're up against, we're looking for the guys who are willing to work hard. It's not easy to make it through this process, so they have to be dedicated."
Tidwell said the six remaining candidates will have their physical exams Tuesday afternoon. Each candidate will also have to go through the BYU compliance office to ensure his eligibility through the NCAA clearinghouse. Thursday morning, the walk-on candidates will begin their morning workout schedule, beginning at 6 a.m., followed by conditioning in the afternoon.
"They'll be evaluated over the next four weeks," Tidwell said. "Just because they made the first cut, doesn't mean they'll make it all the way to Spring Camp. We'll still make more cuts if necessary."
Tidwell said BYU has a long history of walk-on success and is something the program will continue to do in an effort to identify members of the student body who are able to contribute to the team.
"Over the past few years, we have identified guys like Richard Nehring, who will see playing time this year at linebacker. Also, guys like Dennis Pitta, Jayson Clark, Spencer White, Kayle Buchanon and Jon Burbidge have come up through the walk-on tryout. If we can find one or two guys, it's worth our time to have tryouts."
WALK-ON CANDIDATES
Name HT WT YR POS Hometown
Thomas Lloyd 6-1 185 Jr. DB Alamo, California
Mareo McCracken 6-4 232 So. DE Boise, Idaho
Mike McInelly 6-0 220 Fr. RB Olympia, Washington
Val McQuiston 5-10 210 Fr. LB Bountiful, Utah
Brett Palmer 6-0 230 So. LB Silverdale, Washington
Dan Richards 5-8 185 So. DB Mantua, Utah