PROVO -- Over 360 high school football coaches from 10 different states were on hand Friday as the BYU football team wrapped up its first week of spring practice. While for some it was as easy as crossing the street from Provo High School, others traveled from longer distances, including crossing the Pacific Ocean.
Coaches arrived early in the morning to attend meetings and participate in breakout sessions with members of the BYU coaching staff. Along with attending the afternoon practice, visiting coaches also had the opportunity to tour the Student Athlete Building and the Indoor Practice Facility. David Stant, head coach at Kamehameha High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, was the keynote speaker. Other speakers at the clinic included John Barnes, Chris Jones, Matt Lewis and Steve Gervais.
At practice, the team participated in its first scrimmage of the spring season. Sophomore Harvey Unga rushed for a five-yard gain to begin the first drive. Quarterback Max Hall recorded three consecutive completions to Austin Collie, Michael Reed and Fui Vakapuna for a combined 20 yards. After suffering from injuries throughout the 2007 season, Vakapuna is healthy and eager to participate this spring.
"It really does feel good," he said. "One goal that players have when they come in is to try and stay healthy. I'm happy to be here for spring and be 100-percent, and happy to be out with the team and see the offense progress."
The offense did continue to progress, with Unga posting another five-yard run, and Hall connecting with Dennis Pitta for six yards.
As the second team took the field, quarterback Brenden Gaskins found Ryan Neeley for a nine-yard gain. Freshman J.J. DiLuigi recorded a two-yard rush, followed by an eight-yard reception, however the offense couldn't convert after an off sides call and two incomplete passes.
With the first team back for the third drive, Hall relied on his arm to get the job done. The sophomore first completed a five-yard pass to Unga, followed by a 12-yard pass to Michael Reed. The defense was unable to stop the air attack, as Hall found Andrew George for five yards.
"[Our defense] is constantly improving," said head coach Bronco Mendenhall. "The calls are a little bit slow and the reactions are a step or two behind, but each day it's getting closer."
Hall and Reed connected once again for a four-yard gain. On the 34-yard line, Hall found Collie 23 yards out, setting up a seven-yard toss to George. Collie pulled down a four-yard pass in the end zone to conclude the drive.
The fourth and final drive consisted of a three-yard pass from Gaskins to DiLuigi, before back-to-back incompletions to end the session.
Hall finished the day completing 11-of-12 passes for 86 yards, while Gaskins completed 3-of-7 for 20 yards.