PROVO -- A record-breaking 1,150 fans attended Friday morning's practice as the Cougars returned to two-a-days after having the previous day off from workouts.
With the team working to recover from a couple key injuries the intensity and execution remained at a high level during Friday's practices. The team practiced in full pads during the morning work out and in helmets during the afternoon.
Backup quarterback Brendon Gaskins handled a number of reps during the morning practice after seeing restricted duty for the past week due to a finger injury.
"He took reps in the shotgun today and it looks like he is progressing," BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said.
Freshman Rick Wolfley continued to split reps with Mosses Foketi at nose tackle and Corby Hodgkiss moved up to take over for injured safety David Tafuna.
Mendenhall said the team has remained focused and worked together to overcome key injuries during Fall Camp.
"I think the chemistry and nature of our team is the main contributor to the way they have responded to the injuries," Mendenhall said. "They understand it's the teams that have adequate backups that become resilient and pull together. Those are the kind of teams that move forward. From what I have seen so far, this is how this group has responded."
Aside from the injuries, Mendenhall said the team remains focused and is working to improve its execution. During Friday morning's team drill, the offense was given the task of stepping up.
"We wanted to see the offense respond at a higher level than they did the other day, which they did," Mendenhall said.
During team drills, quarterback Max Hall managed to spread the ball around the field, but found freshman running back Harvey Unga for two touchdown completions.
After the morning session, seniors Matt Allen and Kelly Poppinga took time off to participate in graduation ceremonies. Both players graduated today with a degree in exercise science.
Monday will be the last open practice during fall camp. Fans are invited to attend the morning practice, which begins at 10 a.m.