Cougars continue fall practices

The BYU football team conducted its fourth practice of fall camp on Tuesday. The team donned shoulder pads and helmets on Tuesday, which provided an opportunity for players to be more physical during the late-morning practice. Players wore pads and helmets for the first time on Monday during the closed practice.

"Yesterday's practice might have been one of the most difficult and intentse practices we've ever had. Even though it's day four, guys are working hard," head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "As of today, we're probably a 3.75 out of 4 on the feistiness scale."

One of the highlights of the practice came in the 11-on-11 session when senior quarterback Christian Stewart found wide receiver Travis Frey open for a 20 yard pass. Frey then outran the secondary to score a touchdown for the offense.

"I like him; he's done a nice job," Mendenhall said of Stewart. "He's more accurate, more decisive and he's certainly a run-first quarterback but he's done a nice job of delivering the football so far."

Offensive coordinator Robert Anae said he was pleased with the direction the offense is headed, especially at the quarterback position.

"Taysom's really worked in the offseason and that is obvious. I love his physicality and he's in great shape. The ball is ripping and it's sharp."

Sophomore Michael Davis, who played defensive back last year but came into fall camp as a wide receiver, was moved back to the defensive side of the ball on Tuesday.

"We liked a lot of what we saw last year from Michael and that was more out of neccessity," Mendenhall said. "A lof of the growth that is happening on our team right now is based on competition. I thought even more competition at corner would be good. I also look at what could be his best position for his future and I think he could be a really, really nice corner."

The team resumes camp with practice on Wednesday that is open to the public.