Provo • More music is being played at BYU football preseason practices this year —- Saturday's selections were straight out of the early 1980s — but overall things are a bit quieter at the outdoor practice field behind the student athlete building.
Noticeably absent in 2012: whistles.
Through three days, coaches haven't been blowing whistles to stop plays during 11-on-11 scrimmages, or to move players from one practice station to the next.
"Just another focus on cleaner play, [and to get] more guys involved in each play," coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "And, I have really liked what I have seen for three days. So, yeah, even though that doesn't seem like a significant thing, it shows up on film in a lot of different ways that we think are positive."
Offensive coordinator Brandon Doman said it is an idea borrowed from several NFL teams.
"We got rid of the whistle," he acknowledged. "It allows for a cleaner practice. It allows less collisions. All those things have been byproducts of having no whistle out here, but I would say better finish is the No. 1 [positive aspect]."
Another noticeable change is what happens after practice. Instead of heading straight to the showers, players soak in six large, green ice pools. The length of the stay in the pools depends on the player, his position and other factors.
"If you went into the training room, you would see something similar to [players in ice tubs]," Mendenhall said. "We are just making it more widespread."
With temperatures in Provo in the mid-90s, the ice pools have been a welcome relief, said tight end Austin Holt. Mendenhall even jokingly suggested that reporters would enjoy the experience.
"Yeah. Join it. Join them," he teased on Friday. "I am sure they will make room for you in there. Then you can give us kind of the bloggers' view of it."
Having had Sunday off, the Cougars resume camp Monday at 10:20 a.m.; double days start Wednesday with practices at 10:20 a.m. and 5 p.m., and the first scrimmage of preseason camp is Thursday at 10:20 a.m. at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
