Spring Practice Day Two

PROVO, Utah – All position groups are progressing as BYU football held its second practice of the spring Tuesday.

Cougar coaches invited Christian Stewart to participate as one of the three quarterbacks after an injury sidelined McCoy Hill. The Orem, Utah, native and former quarterback was asked to assist the team in spring practice while Taysom Hill and McCoy Hill recover from injuries. The other quarterback is Hunter Moore.

“It’s amazing that a player with no game eligibility would be willing and wanting to practice, so that absolutely helped our team today," BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "Our defense is getting a really good look at what an active, mobile quarterback that can throw the ball looks like with experience. Our offensive players are developing because, again, we can throw it and catch it, and we can run our run game at a much higher level. It allows Taysom to continue being groomed and grown at the level possible. I’m not sure I’ve heard of anything like it before.”

Mendenhall elaborated more on Taysom's development.

“[Taysom] looks really good. Not only in leadership, but poise and decision-making. And I’m not talking only leading the team, but leading a group of seniors … But then, how he’s playing on the field: we’re really tailoring practice to get enough live work 11-11, but then tailor enough that we can throw and catch with him; continuing his development … Man, I love where he is. He looks really good.”

Spring ball is also a time for players to earn larger roles, especially on the defensive side. The Cougar defense lost five of its starters from the bowl game, creating opportunities for others. Coach Mendenhall explained his perspective on the defense.

“Bronson’s (Kaufusi) role is to be determined. His role will be basically based on what and when I find 10 other players that will try really hard, know what to do and can make a play. Then that will determine where he plays.”

The team took part in more position-specific drills today as well as some 11-on-11 scrimmage work. Some of the plays highlighting today's practice were Taysom's two long touchdown passes to Mitch Mathews. DJ Doman also had a 25-yard catch from Taysom that set up another receiving score to Mathews. Other highlights on the day include Algernon Brown's long catch-and-run TD and Nick Kurtz's reception across the middle. On defense Phillip Amone picked off a pass, and Chris Badger registered a pass breakup.

BYU will practice next on Friday. 

QUOTES

Offensive Coordinator Robert Anae

On Taysom Hill:

"It's good to have Taysom back out there running around, His reads are surprisingly sharp. He looked really good in the breakdown drills. I'm really pleased with how quick he's making reads and snapping the ball out of there.

"He's way ahead, I was way surprised."

"He's doing most things, but he's not doing 11-on-11 work, so about half and half."

On McCoy Hill's injury:

"McCoy Hill hasn't been able to do anything, I'm hopeful he can come back and get better."

On Stewart:

"What a story. I hope that goes down as one of the all-time great BYU stories. That we had a guy willing to advance the team, so everyone can get better while we wait for the younger QBs to get in and get involved. It's quite a story in today's football.

"It's refreshing because we just could not advance the program without being decent at that position."

DB Kai Nacua

On being one of the more experienced:

"It's actually really fun. I'm still learning. I'm learning a lot. I'm trying to get a feel for everybody on the defense, just know where they should be so I can help with everyone, even linebackers, lineman and I'm also trying to help some of the new guys."

On the offseason:

"Winter workouts went really good. Everyone was super excited for coach Wintrich. We just love everything he brought to BYU."

On coach Howell:

"He wants the secondary to be one of the best. He wants us to know exactly what we're doing, why we're doing it and fly around to the ball. Coach Howell is a great coach and I love the way he's coaching us right now. It's really fun."