Day 7 of spring practice

PROVO, Utah - The BYU football team conducted its seventh spring practice on Monday at the Indoor Practice Facility.

"Guys worked really hard today; we had a very tough, physical and competetive practice," BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "They're not getting tired of running into each other. I'm encouraged by what I see."

This marked the first practice indoors so far this spring. The players wore shoulder pads and helmets as they went through the usual practice session including conditioning and individual, position and team drills. 

An interception from sophomore defensive back Garrett Juergens highlighted the 7-on-7 portion of practice as he picked off a pass from quarterback Christian Stewart.

During the final team session, junior running back Nate Carter exploded for two runs of more than 40 yards that resulted in touchdowns for the offense. Carter adds to the list of productive running backs this spring.

"Nate is consistent, working really hard and has had a nice spring so far," Mendenhall said while also referencing the overall running attack. "The combination of Paul (Lasike), Algie (Brown) and Jamaal [Williams], those three when you put Taysom (Hill) in there as well, there is a physical and fast combination that makes it really difficult to stop. Now when you consider Nick Kurtz and Michael Davis on the outside and the other receivers coming (this fall), I like our skill a lot within the system."

The passing game benefitted from a productive ground game as Hill found receiver Colby Pearson for a touchdown on a play-action pass. 

A few minutes later, the defense responded as newly converted outside linebacker Bronson Kaufusi picked off a pass to end any chance at a score by the offense on the drive.

The Cougars are approaching the midpoint of spring football and will continue their practices throughout the week.