The Brigham Young Cougars opened fall football camp
Thursday, August 2. Practices were held three straight days before taking a
break on Sunday. While it is just the beginning, the first three days have been
jammed packed.
The only gear BYU has worn in practice is helmets (NCAA
bylaws mandate helmets only the first two days). They are expected to wear
helmets and shoulder pads on Monday (NCAA bylaws mandate no more than this for
days three and four).
When camp opened some noticeable names were not strapping it
up. Defensive lineman Jordan Richardson’s career is done, due to back problems.
The senior wasn’t expected to have a major role this year, but he would have
made a contribution. This opens the door for another underclassman to get more
experience and address that dire need to develop replacement defensive linemen
for 2013.
O’Neill Chambers was not invited to attend camp. It is an
unfortunate end to his turbulent career. This was shocking news after he had
worked for over a year to return to the team.
Speaking of shocking news, wide receiver Cody Hoffman and
defensive back Joe Sampson did not participate with the team on Friday and
Saturday, and they are expected to miss Monday as well. Head coach Bronco
Mendenhall cited discipline for breaking a team rule as the reason for their
absence. On the surface, this didn’t seem concerning. It was originally announced as a one day absence, but the longer it plays
out the level of concern rises.
The timing is not good at all. As explained already, the
NCAA mandates players practice for four days before dressing in full gear. By
missing days 2-4, these players will still be going through the acclimation
period while the rest of the team is fully dressed. In effect, they will miss
more than three days, since Hoffman and Sampson won’t be able to practice in
contact drills for three additional days. The thought that one more slip up
during the season could result in a full week punishment (“progressive
discipline”) and a game is very concerning. Hopefully, four months from now, Hoffman
and Sampson’s absences are a distant memory that we give no thought to.
After asking the question, “Should Mike Hague move back to running back?” on the eve of camp, it is now clear that he is better off, and
needed more, at defensive back. With Chambers no longer being with the team,
and cornerback Robbie Buckner not expected to join the team until the season
starts, the defensive backfield is suddenly a lot thinner.
A few new players have already started to stand out. Whether
they can continue this trend and be significant contributors this season is yet
to be seen. True freshmen Dylan Collie (WR) and Jamaal Williams (RB) are the
two most notable from the 2012 signees. Redshirt freshman, return missionary
Remington Peck has gotten some quality reps with the second string defensive
line.
Tight end Devin Mahina continues to have bad luck with his
health. After missing all of last season with a neck injury, Mahina broke a
bone in his hand and will be out 3-5 weeks. That will put him further behind juniors
Marcus Mathews, Austin Holt, Richard Wilson, and Kaneakua Friel. Fortunately
for Mahina, after redshirting last year he is just a sophomore. If he can
figure out to stay healthy, he will have one season of eligibility left when
these others leave.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
So... Hutchinson had no interest in becoming a SA?
ReplyDeleteWho is Hutchinson?
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