Tonga Returns, Nelson Moves to Backup Quarterback

PROVO -- There were several personnel updates and changes on Friday as the Cougars held a lighter morning practice, the first of two for the day.

Senior running back Manase Tonga returned to the team after sitting out last year due to academic reasons, running out to practice for the first time since the end of the 2007 season. During team work he stepped right back in, running with the first-team offense.

“It feels good to be back and I feel like I’m coming home,” said Tonga. “It was just a great feeling to see all the guys supporting me. I’m excited for tomorrow and the next day.”

There was also movement among the green jerseys as transfer Riley Nelson took over the back-up quarterback position, which was previously held by senior Brenden Gaskins.

“As of today Riley will be listed as the backup,” said BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall. “Brenden Gaskins came to me yesterday and thought it was best for our program. Knowing there would come a time when that movement had to be made, he basically volunteered, ‘Why would we wait?’ I’ve never experienced a conversation like that with a young man ever in my life and it was one of the most humbling and gratifying things that has happened since I’ve coached here.”

The first team session consisted of two-minutes drills, with linebacker Jordan Pendleton sparking the defense with an interception on the first play. He picked off a pass from quarterback Max Hall meant for tight end Dennis Pitta.

Hall led the following drive, this time finding Pitta for 24 yards to start. Next, Tonga caught his first pass, scampering to the eight-yard line for a gain of 25 yards. Sophomore Spencer Hafoka was Hall’s next target, catching an eight-yarder. It was then followed by a one-yard touchdown pass to Braden Brown. Kicker Mitch Payne converted the PAT.

Nelson stepped into his new role on the following series, completing long passes to Stephen Covey and Tucker Lamb before a sack by Vic So'oto and incompletion forced the offense to punt it away.

Newcomer Riley Stephenson attempted his second field goal of fall camp, after recording a 33-yard make on Thursday. He was successful again on Friday morning, making a 25-yard field goal.

During the second session of team work, the offense steadily marched down the field with Hall connecting with McKay Jacobson, JJ Di Luigi, Luke Ashworth and Andrew George, reaching the defense’s own 21-yard line. Junior college transfer Lee Aguirre made a nice play to intercept Hall in the endzone, abruptly ending the drive.

On the next series Nelson threw an early six-yard pass to BJ Peterson and ran for a 10-yard gain. The defense held up on the other end, however, as freshman defensive back Jray Galea'i recorded his first sack of camp and linebacker Shane Hunter tackled Malosi Te'o, bringing Stephenson back in to punt.

Aguirre batted down a pass intended for George on the first play of the next drive. On third-and-10 Hall connected with Pitta for 16 yards. He followed that by throwing four complete passes, one each to O'Neill Chambers and Tonga and two to George. Freshman Peni Maka'afi ran for three yards before Hall and Chambers teamed up for a 15-yard touchdown grab. Payne’s PAT was good.

The day ended with a three-and-out for the second-team offense, ending with a sack by linebacker Masi Tuitama.

Hall finished the morning throwing 16-for-23 for 223 yards, two touchdown and two interceptions. Nelson was 8-for-11 for 67 yards.

The team will hold another practice Friday evening at 5 p.m. and its second scrimmage of camp on Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Both are closed to the public.