Watch today's post-practice interview with running back Fui Vakapuna.
PROVO -- Entire families, teenagers and even those skipping work made their way to the Cougars practice field for the second time this week, to watch the team practice in the summer heat.
"It is the community's team and I want to form connection with the fans because I believe it will give us a competitive advantage," BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall. "I think it is nice for the players to see the support of the fans that really care about them. I want the fans to come to the games early, to stay late and feel like they know these guys, and that they are supporting who they are and what the athletes are doing."
Fans saw the team run 11-on-11 drills in the blue zone. The defense held Max Hall to completing 9-of-13 passes and only allowed one touchdown. Kicker Mitch Payne also saw action, connecting on 2-of-2 attempts.
"We felt comfortable with our execution in the blue zone," Mendenhall said. "Offensively, we believe that we have got to score touchdowns every time we are there and defensively, we want to hold them to field goals. We saw a little of both today."
Offensive lineman Rick Wolfley made the transition to the defensive line. Mendenhall experimented with Garrett Reden, switching between the two lines earlier in the week. Reden will stay on offense and Wolfley will stay on defense.
"I was really pleased. It is going to be great move for us," Mendenhall said. "Today Rick showed us he was capable and his role will be increased on the defense. Now we implement the conditioning, consistency and being able to endure the practice format and tempo."
Rick Wolfley practiced with the first-team defense, to see if he could handle the position Mendenhall said. He was a tough defender for the guards to handle.
"I've got to work on a few things, but I think I can help the team out," Wolfley said. "It is difficult to go against the offensive line. It is one of the best lines in the country and I still have a brotherhood with them."