PROVO, Utah – The offense stood out in Wednesday's continuation of spring practice as the receivers and quarterbacks were able to make several big plays.
"I'm really excited about what I saw offensively today," BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "Especially throwing the ball downfield, I think we're progressing nicely that way."
In the final stage of practice, Mitch Mathews caught an 80-yard touchdown pass from Christian Stewart. Algernon Brown and Nate Carter had 40- and 30-yard wheel route receptions against the defense as well. Terenn Houk closed out practice with a 25-yard catch over the middle, outjumping the defenders for the reception.
"I feel like the offense is doing great," Houk said. "We're rolling and our young guys are stepping up and making big, big plays."
Mendenhall said the offense is ahead of the defense so far this spring because of experience at quarterback and receiver, which is a departure from the norm the last couple springs.
Defensive lineman Remington Peck said he is looking forward to the opportunity to face the offense in Friday night's scrimmage.
"We got worked today (as a defense) to be quite honest," Peck said. "They scored a lot of touchdowns and did well. I feel like it's been a pretty fair battle through this spring. There's great players on both sides. It'll be fun to see how it plays out on Friday."
The spring scrimmage will be held Friday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium with the gates opening at 4 p.m.
"The main intent at the beginning is to connect with fans," Mendenhall said. "A kids clinic with our younger players, our older players will be signing autographs. Players will go in to change and it will be offense vs. defense and there will be a 25-minute fan fest while the players are changing.
"We'll come out, warm up, do some 1-on-1, 7-on-7 and then some scrimmage work. It's not a typical spring game, part football, part fan fest, part fan appreciation. That's the idea."
The change from regular practice has players excited.
"I'm pumped," Houk said. "Hopefully it's more of a scrimmage than practice. That's up to the coaches, but I'm excited to go out there and just fly around and make plays."
BYU Pro Day
In the morning on Friday, departing seniors will take part in their Pro Day in front of NFL scouts. It's a big day for the next part of their careers and lives.
"I met with most of the returning players coming back for Pro Day," Mendenhall said. "Hopefully they do well. I know they've been training hard, and I hope they get a chance to play.
"I think it's really important for the players that that has always been a dream or aspiration to do, and there's no one that wants them to make it more than I do. There's also no one that wants to have them be more prepared to make it or be in the NFL more than I do, for all the unique challenges. I love watching the guys play. The games that I do watch during the season are usually not college games, they're NFL games and it's with the teams we have players on."