Enthusiasm Highlights Second Day of Spring Football

PROVO, Utah -- High levels of enthusiasm from the BYU football team were present on the second day of spring football.

“Today we had a little bit cleaner play and a lot of enthusiasm and excitement,” head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. “There is still a lot of corrections to make but it has been a good start over two days.”

Several players were able to make strides on day two and continue to work towards solidifying depth and execution. Tempo changes and a variety of play calling helped keep both the offense and defense fresh and in check during the practice session.

“I’ve seen good tempo, enthusiasm and confidence,” Mendenhall said. “I know they are trying hard and the plays and execution will catch up to the enthusiasm.”

During 11-on-11 team drills it was the running game that was able to get the offense going. Back-to-back runs by senior JJ Di Luigi and sophomore Joshua Quezada set up a 13-yard completion from sophomore Jake Heaps to sophomore Austin Holt to highlight some of the early drives.

Heaps finished practice completing 6-of-8 passes for 52 yards and one touchdown. The touchdown came on an 18-yard pass to sophomore Devin Mahina. Mahina finished with two catches for 29 yards and one touchdown.

Di Luigi had several carries during the first round of team drills, picking up a long run of 25 yards to help him finish the day with seven carries for 35 yards. Freshman Drew Phillips also added three rushes for six yards and one catch of five yards.

The longest play of the day came on a 50-yard pass from junior quarterback James Lark on a strike downfield to sophomore JD Falslev. Lark finished the day 2-of-5 for 51 yards.

Senior Jameson Frazier and junior Connell Hess each had a sack during team drills.