PROVO, Utah – More than 300 high school coaches from nine different states took part in the BYU High School Coaches Clinic and watched the Cougar football team finish its third week of spring practice on Friday.
"We had a really strong practice today,” BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. “There are a ton of high school coaches here today for the clinic. We’ve had positive, really positive feedback, and it’s also always fun for me to see our program through the lens of those who are coming to Provo for the first time.”
High school coaches participating in the daylong clinic with the BYU football staff came from Florida, Texas, Kentucky, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah. The clinic participants attended team and position meetings with the team before going to practice in the Indoor Practice Facility. During the clinic in the afternoon, coaches invited as breakout-session speakers presented insights about the profession before the event concludes with dinner and position-specific meetings with the BYU coaching staff.
At practice, clinic attendees saw senior quarterback Taysom Hill connect on numerous scoring plays with senior receiver Mitch Mathews.
“A lot of players were doing a really nice job at practice,” Mendenhall said. “Taysom threw the ball really, really, really well today. In addition to Taysom, Mitch Mathews is looking really, really strong.”
Hill threw three touchdowns to Mathews, two coming from nearly 50 yards with another a 10-yard strike. Hill also connected with junior receiver Colby Pearson for a score over the middle.
“I feel really good. I’d say each day I feel better and better,” Hill said. “I feel that through spring I’ve developed. I’ve gotten better health wise and also timing and chemistry with the guys has improved.
Hill joined Mendenhall in offered high praise for the way Mathews has played during spring practices.
“Honestly, I think Mitch is one of the top receivers in the country. He continues to get better and better,” Hill said. “We came in together and have been able to grow and develop together, and I think where he has really developed is he has become extremely smart with his route running. He’s really quarterback friendly. With all that I’ve seen him do I’ve got a lot of trust and know he will be where he needs to be.”
Other highlights on offense from Friday’s practice included a long catch and run by junior receiver Mitchell Juergens, who evaded defenders as he sprinted across the goal line from 35 yards out. Sophomore receiver Trey Dye also caught a long touchdown for a 40-yard score.
Defensively, senior outside linebacker/defensive end Bronson Kaufusi pulled down an interception off a deflected pass, and 6-foot-5 freshman defensive back Grant Jones leaped high in the secondary to pick off a pass that he returning down the left sideline. Defensive backs Micah Hannemann and Gavin Fowler also made nice pass breakups, with Fowler’s saving play made in the end zone.
Another defender who has had a consistently good spring is junior college transfer Eric Takenaka. The safety out of Snow College continues to make plays while training at free safety, KAT safety and nickel as well as a return specialist.
“Defensively, a story I think is worth talking about is Eric Takenaka, the safety from Snow (College),” Mendenhall said. “He’s carving out a really nice reputation for himself. He’s been a real bright spot.”
The team is anxious to continue improving with two weeks remaining of spring practices. The annual spring scrimmage will take place next Friday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium. The “Friday Night Lights” event is free and will feature a kids clinic, autograph signing and other activities in addition to the team practice and scrimmage.