PROVO -- Monday not only marked the end of two-a-days, but also the end of a close battle for backup quarterback between Brenden Gaskins and Kurt McEuen. Head coach Bronco Mendenhall and his staff decided Gaskins will take the No. 2 quarterback position behind returning starter Max Hall on the depth chart.
“By a slight edge, as of today Gaskins is the No. 2 quarterback,” said Mendenhall. “It was very close. The decision was made between practices today.”
Several other players stood out during the course of both practices Monday, including freshman receiver O’Neill Chambers, who made a tough, one-handed touchdown catch during morning 7-on-7 drills. Though still in the process of memorizing his playbook, Chambers has continually made plays throughout Fall Camp.
“The longer we’re around O’Neill Chambers the more spectacular plays he’ll make,” said Mendenhall. “We already know that besides a demonstrated ability to make plays, this program also develops young men in terms of their day-to-day accountability, discipline, work ethic, and so the combination of all that will be pretty formidable by the time he’s a senior. But already, he certainly can play football.”
The offense was held scoreless during the 11-on-11 team session. Sophomore defensive back Brandon Bradley made the defensive play of the day, intercepting a potential touchdown pass from Max Hall to Tyler Kozlowski in the endzone.
The offense came back in the evening, however, with Hall opened the team session with a deep 51-yard pass to Michael Reed. Two short plays later the offense scored after a five-yard completion to Dennis Pitta.
Gaskins took the field with the second-team offense, connecting with Landon Jaussi for a 39-yard reception on fourth-down. Overall the team converted on 2-of-3 fourth-down attempts.
Hall’s second drive was threatened as David Nixon stepped in front of a pass to Reed White. After picking up another first-down on the following play, Hall threw a 20-yard pass to Jaussi. Jaussi ended the session with 63 yards on three catches. Surrounded by three defenders, White pulled down a 30-yard pass from Hall, giving the offense its second touchdown of the day.
The evening practice ended much like the first, with an interception by Bradley. This time the sophomore picked off a pass from McEuen to Kozlowski.
Hall 7-of-9 passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns on the evening.
With several players still battling for positions, Mendenhall has schedule a third scrimmage on Wednesday at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
“There are three to possibly five spots that I need to see more situation,” he said. “The majority of the team I feel very good about, and even those spots I feel good about, but it’s too close to call. I was hoping it would be more clear after looking at it, but those three to five spots need one more day.
The team will resume practice at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.