PROVO -- With BYU’s season opener against Northern Iowa just over a week away, the team held its first game-preparation practice on Friday. Following the normal Monday-format, the team moved practice inside the Indoor Practice Facility.
“It is game week, even though it’s a few days prior to our normal segment,” said head coach Bronco Mendenhall. “We intend to create the exact same feel as we always have. Another reason we came in was to help maintain our grass outside, considering the number of weeks we still have to go out there.”
After watching from the sidelines during the majority of Fall Camp due to a leg stress fracture, junior wide receiver Austin Collie finally got back in the action, but not at the familiar position he is used to. Following Wednesday’s scrimmage, Collie was told he would begin practicing and attending position meetings with the quarterbacks, as well as maintaining his responsibilities as a receiver.
“I was a little shocked and taken aback,” said Collie. “It’s a whole new world. The last time I played quarterback was when I was 10 years old. The coaches want to add more depth at the QB spot. There’s a lot to think about, but it’s definitely going to help me as a wide receiver—to read the defense and know where I’m going.”
Friday also marked the first appearance for the newly established scout team. Mendenhall realizes the scout team can be a hard adjustment for young and returning players, but acknowledges their willingness to help the team.
“They handled it very well,” he said. “Today was the best first day in terms of scout division and the work we got done. There are some players out here who are on scout teams, but will play for us on special teams, and will help in that way.”
Looking towards Northern Iowa, a team that lost only one game in 2007, Mendenhall and his staff have studied film and begun to implement their game plan.
“We have a very good idea of what they do,” he said. “I can learn a lot from their program. They’re very well coached, and I’ve been impressed with their consistency and execution. I’m going to spend a little more time, personally, and see what it is that’s led to their consistency.”
The team will follow a Tuesday practice format on Saturday.