Progress Continues on Day 10

Click to watch the video.

PROVO -- Two-a-days continued on Wednesday as BYU held its morning practice outside in relatively cool temperatures on day 10 of fall camp.

The team worked on third-down conversions during the first team session. The first-team offense converted on four-of-six attempts, consisting of third-and-two, third-and-five and third-and-eight situations. Sophomore running back JJ Di Luigi ran for a four-yard gain on the first play, while quarterback Max Hall completed passes to McKay Jacobson, Dennis Pitta and Di Luigi on the other three makes.

Redshirt freshman Tucker Lamb’s four-yard run on third-and-two marked the only conversion for the second-team offense. The third-team offense had one as well, a four-yard run by freshman David Foote. Defensive back Steven Thomas picked off a pass from Riley Nelson after intended receiver, Parker Mangum, tipped it up.

The second session of team drills started with a 40-yard pass from Hall to Di Luigi. Back-to-back sacks by the defense forced a third-and-26. Despite a 14-yarder to Pitta, kicker Mitch Payne came in to attempt a 49-yard field goal, which fell to the right of the posts.

Hall rebounded on his second drive, completing a perfect 6-of-6 passes to four receivers. The set opened with a nine-yard pass to Pitta, followed by a four-yarder to sophomore O'Neill Chambers for the first-down.

Sophomore Matt Marshall was Hall’s next target, catching a nine-yard pass, running to about midfield. Back-to-back hits to tight end Andrew George combined for 23 yards. A six-yard run from Di Luigi set up the final play of the drive, an 18-yard touchdown pass to Pitta. The catch was reminiscent of one during the 2008 Colorado State game, with Pitta making a leaping grab between multiple defenders, all while being hit.

“That was a great drive, probably the most impressive of camp so far” said BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall. “It was too much contact for the tempo of the drill, but when he catches it and isn’t hurt, it’s a good lesson.”

Quarterback Riley Nelson led the next drive, handing off to freshman Peni Maka'afi on the first two plays for a seven-yard gain. Nelson then connected with Brett Thompson and Braden Brown for eight and five yards, respectively. The offense fell short of the first-down, however, bringing newcomer Riley Stephenson in to punt it away.

Hall retook the field for the final set of the morning, throwing an incomplete pass to Marshall before connecting with Jacobson for five yards. Corby Eason recorded a key pass breakup on third-down to end the drive, reaching in on an attempt to Chambers.

Pitta led all receivers with four catches for 56 yards and a touchdown, while Hall finished 12-for-15 for 156 yards and one touchdown.

The team resumes practice Wednesday evening.