This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
You were probably expecting my next post to be about today's news conference and all the goings-on there, the new deal with ESPN, the new deal with Notre Dame, the scheduling agreement with the WAC, etc. That's coming. First, though, here's a practice report from Wednesday's workout. It represented the last chance for the media to talk to coaches or players, as everyone becomes off-limits to reporters on Thursdays and Fridays of game week.Coach Bronco Mendenhall said he hasn't had a healthier team heading into an opener in his tenure. "I looked at our injuries after camp from the past five years, and this ties the healthiest we have been. Ties a low for the number of significant, or major injuries," he said. "I am learning a lot about managing camp. Hopefully, we have gotten enough work in to where we are ready to play." Trainer Kevin Morris said that tight end Devin Mahina is the only player on the two-deep chart who is questionable. Mahina "ran a few routes" on a sprained ankle and will be a game-time decision, Morris said. Defensive back Robbie Buckner has a broken hand in a soft cast, but has been cleared to play. Offensive lineman Ryan Freeman has recovered from a strained knee suffered in the last scrimmage and has been cleared to play as well. Receiver Cody Hoffman, who missed the last week of camp with a tweaked hamstring, has been going full-go in practice this week and will also be available to play, Morris said. "I wish I had some wood to knock on right now. It's been a great camp" due to the relatively low number of injuries, he said. - While most of Cougar Nation was tuned in to the noon news conference announcing BYU's football independence (and other things) on Wednesday, Mendenhall said he was getting in some exercise by riding his bicycle and missed the proceedings. "I think it is a fantastic opportunity for our program," he said. "It was just that the timing is difficult, because I am working to get our team ready for the University of Washington. I am probably more focused that way, than on the announcement." As for the news that BYU has agreed to a six-game series with Notre Dame, Mendenhall said he is thrilled about that. "I'm very excited about it," he said. "That's just one of many series that is going to be exciting and beneficial to our program. It's a good start, that it has happened that quickly." Mendenhall said he was kept abreast of the negotiations with ESPN, but didn't hear that deal was finalized until Wednesday morning. "I was hopeful. I knew it was probable, but I couldn't say anything until I knew it was done. I'm excited about it, and the exposure it will bring to our program," he said. - Mendenhall said coaches still aren't ready to name a starting tight end for the Washington game."There really isn't any movement yet," he said. "The roles are becoming more defined. But you could see up to four tight ends play, based on a given play or personnel group, etc. So we are starting to learn their strengths more, but right now there isn't a player that is versatile enough to do it all, so you will probably see each one in a different role."