PROVO, Utah - Starting the third week of football practice, the defense continues to improve and bring high amounts of energy to answer a strong offensive attack.
During the team series of practice, the defense made athletic plays and showed off some big play capability. The secondary played with tight coverage and the front seven played physical at the line of scrimmage.
"The offense was a sluggish today and didn't execute nearly at the same level," head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "The defense had a stronger day today and most of it was their mindset and coming ready to compete."
Linebacker Kyle Van Noy intercepted quarterback Jake Heaps first pass of the series. Defensive end Graham Rowley and middle linebacker Uona Kaveinga each recorded sacks. Corby Eason deflected a pass, swatting away the ball with an athletic dive. Running back JJ Di Luigi had a 16-yard catch while receiver Ross Apo was back in action with a 12-yard reception after sitting out of contact drills with a groin injury for part of last week.
Some redshirt and scout team decisions of note have been made. Junior college transfer Joe Sampson and freshman Ryker Mathews will not redshirt and will play this season. A decision regarding freshman Austin Heder will likely be reached by Wednesday. Other newcomers are expected to redshirt.