Watch today's post-practice interview with linebacker David Nixon.
PROVO -- Solid performances on both sides of the ball were displayed during the second day of Fall Camp on Monday afternoon.
The first-team offense consistantly moved the ball against the second-team defense, using its powerful running game and highly efficient passing attack. Like the offense, the first-team defense had success, stopping the second-team defense throughout the rest of the non-contact team drill.
"The level of execution was improved today," BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "The general concentration was better and we're really trying to focus on that. The position mastery and execution is what we are trying to solidify."
Quinn Gooch led the defense with one interception and one pass-breakup against the second-team offense. Gooch was credited with his first big play on the first play of the team drill, scooping up a deflected Max Hall pass before it hit the turf. Kelly Poppinga and Bryan Kehl continue to catch the attention of their head coach and defensive coordinator.
"The defense is very confident and executing at a very high level," Mendenhall said. "I'm very impressed with Bryan Kehl and Kelly Poppinga, they form a formidable pair that we have already seen."
During practice the team broke apart and worked on position-specific drills before combining to run the 11-on-11, non-contact team drill. Overcoming the first play from scrimmage that was recorded as an interception, Hall came back to pass for 147 yards, connecting on 16-of-20 attempts. He also managed to lead the offense on two scoring drives, capped by Fui Vakapuna runs up the middle.
Tuesday's practice will be the first day where the newcomers and veterans are combined for the entire practice. It will also be the first time the team will dress with half pads for camp.
"I like the tempo our team is setting. We're getting a ton of work done and a lot of volume in a very short amount of time," Mendenhall said.