PROVO -- The BYU offense was hungry to get into the end zone as players participated in team drills on day three of spring practice. Quarterback Max Hall led the first team offense down the field, completing 6-of-6 passes for 53 yards in the 11-on-11 drill.
To begin the drive, Hall connected with senior wide receiver Michael Reed for an eight-yard gain. A 25-yard pass to tight end Andrew George was followed by a short two-yard rush from Harvey Unga.
"Harvey [Unga] looks just as he finished last fall," said head coach Bronco Mendenhall. "He's remained humble which is the most important part because it ties into the day-to-day work ethic. Our goal is to help him to improve and maintain his health, as it is with most of our offensive players."
With 10 offensive starters returning from last year's team, Mendenhall is confident their experience will translate into leadership and success heading into the fall.
"This spring there won't be nearly as much contact, rather a lot more fundamentals, execution and timing work," he said.
After two connections with Austin Collie, Hall found Reed White in the endzone to complete the 60-yard drive.
The second team offense was not as lucky, with Brenden Gaskins throwing two interceptions. Recently returned missionary and linebacker Matt Ah You came away with a pass intended for tight end Andrew George on the 38-yard line. Ah You is one of several returned missionary players participating in spring practice.
"Our returned missionaries are still trying to get their legs back under them and get adapted to the speed and program expectations," said Mendenhall. "Most of them are concerned now with learning to multi-task, manage school, manage football, manage a social life and hold on to what's been most important to them and all encompassing for two straight years. We do everything we can in our program to help them maintain that same focus."
The defense continued to hold strong, as Shawn Doman intercepted a tipped pass to end the drive. Gaskins finished the day completing 5-of-8 passes for 19 yards.
The Cougars will return to practice tomorrow to wrap up the first week of spring practice.