Scrimmage Focuses on Running Backs

PROVO -- The BYU backfield was the focus during a team scrimmage on Wednesday.

J.J. Di Luigi led all runners with 43 yards on the ground, highlighted by the long play of the day. After running into a pile going to his right, Di Luigi switched left, breaking out to the left sideline for a 41-yard gain down to the 20-yard line.

Two plays later, freshman quarterback Jake Heaps threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to freshman tight end Richard Wilson for the only touchdown of the scrimmage.

Junior Mike Hague and sophomore Ryan Folsom took turns taking carries during the second half of the scrimmage. Folsom collected 37 yards on nine rushes and nine yards on two catches while Hague went for 23 yards on eight carries.

"Today we really got a chance to see the younger guys," said BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall. "It was a chance to keep evaluating players, and we'll see if anyone emerged."

In the air game, junior quarterback Riley Nelson completed 10-of-14 passes for 90 yards including back-to-back 14-yard throws to junior receiver Matt Marshall and freshman tight end Austin Holt.

Wilson led all receivers on the day with two catches for 34 yards while Marshall had 22 yards on two catches.

Heaps threw for 45 yards on 6-of-10 passing including the touchdown. He also ran for 20 yards on two carries.

The practice session on Thursday, Aug. 19, will be open to the public. It starts at 10:15 a.m. and provides fans attending Education Week with an opportunity to see the team.

The practice will be held on the team practice field located just north of the Student Athlete Building. Fans are reminded that the use of video or camera equipment, including cell phone cameras, is not permitted during practice sessions.