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Provo • While serving an LDS Church mission for the past two years in Louisville, Ky., BYU receiver Brett Thompson frequently passed the famed Churchill Downs racetrack, especially because one of his primary areas included the University of Louisville campus, just a few blocks from the site of the annual Kentucky Derby.
So the sophomore, who returned last December, has seen a few thoroughbreds recently, and knows a little bit about speed. And he knows he has about five more months to recapture some of the speed he possessed, before all that time away from football sapped a lot of the power, and speed, from his legs.
"I would say mentally I am ready to play," said Thompson, who caught six passes for 95 yards as a freshman in 2009, prior to his mission. "I am excited to be back. I would say physically there are still some things I need to work on in the offseason. I need to get my legs back, get my speed back, and then I can contribute, I believe."
The Cougars weren't especially deep at receiver when Thompson saw action in 12 games in 2009, but they are loaded with thoroughbreds now, including junior Cody Hoffman, sophomore Ross Apo and slot receiver JD Falslev.
Coach Bronco Mendenhall said Thompson will be in the mix to crack the receivers rotation this fall, along with three walk-ons — Dallin Cutler, Cody Raymond and Mike Edmunds — who have shined at spring camp. Cutler had a great catch at practice on Monday, beating new cornerback O'Neill Chambers for a ball during a 7-on-7 drill. Skyler Ridley, Kurt Henderson, Terenn Houk and Mitch Mathews are also in the receiving corps, along with Jordan Smith, who is missing camp due to an injury.
"Brett Thompson is still returning to pre-mission form, as would be expected, and there are good players that are in that group as well," said Mendenhall. "He's coming along nicely. It takes time."
Thompson, from the same high school in El Dorado Hills, Calif., that produced Austin Collie (Oak Ridge H.S.), said the next four months will be critical to regaining his 2009 form.
"From what I have heard, the legs come back last," he said. "And from what I have felt, that seems to be right on."
Spring support
BYU officials estimated that about 7,500 fans watched the scrimmage at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, despite the fact that it wasn't a game and the actual 11-on-11 work lasted only about 35 plays.
"Nothing with our fans in terms of support surprises me," Mendenhall said. "They just love BYU football. I am very appreciative of the support like that. They take it seriously. A lot of families [were in attendance], a different population maybe than at a lot of programs."
Briefly
Running back Adam Hine suffered a bell-ringer, not a concussion, at Saturday's scrimmage and was back with the team on Monday, though not practicing. ... Mendenhall said after watching film of the scrimmage that offensive lineman Michael Yeck and defensive back Chase Pendley "helped themselves" with their play on Saturday.
BYU's spring practice schedule
Wednesday • 4-6 p.m.
Thursday • Pro Day, time TBA
Friday • 4-6 p.m. (Alumni Day)