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Provo • Bronco Mendenhall joked Wednesday that he wanted to get a rock band to perform at BYU's "Friday Night Lights" event at LaVell Edwards Stadium, but couldn't schedule one in time.
That seems fitting, because a lot of the players who will suit up for the Cougars in the fall won't be available, either.
For instance, the quarterbacks will be Christian Stewart, who has exhausted his eligibility, and walk-on Hunter Moore, who will be fourth on the depth chart, at best. Projected starter Taysom Hill has done a lot in spring practices, but hasn't been cleared for contact; backup McCoy Hill is still recovering from a leg injury suffered the first day of spring camp, and likely second-stringer Tanner Mangum is still knocking on doors in Chile.
"Not a typical spring game," Mendenhall acknowledged. "Part football, part fan-fest, part fan appreciation."
But the show will go on, even though the Cougars still have another week of practices left. They hold the spring scrimmage a week earlier than usual so it doesn't conflict with the LDS Church's General Conference the first weekend of April.
Mendenhall said the "main attempt" of the night will be to "connect with the fans," which is why a kids clinic and autograph-signing session is set for 4:30 p.m. and a series of contests for fans will be held at 5:30 p.m. when the players go into the locker room to dress for the scrimmage, which will start shortly after 6 p.m.
Most programs hold their spring games on Saturday afternoons, but as Mendenhall has shown often over his 11-year tenure, his program isn't like many others.
He said the event is being held on a Friday night for the sake of change, "and just to make it unique and different."
The live scrimmage will feature only 30 plays or so, with Stewart quarterbacking the first-string offense against the first-string defense and Moore quarterbacking the twos against the twos.
Regardless, senior receiver Terenn Houk said the players are "pumped and excited" for the event.
"Hopefully it is more of a scrimmage, and not like practice," Houk said. "But that is up to the coaches. I am really excited to go out there and just fly around and make plays."
Pro Day also Friday
Before next year's Cougars do their thing, last year's seniors will get a chance to impress pro scouts on Friday morning. BYU's annual Pro Day begins at 9:30 a.m. in the weight room and at the Indoor Practice Facility. The workouts are closed to the public.
It will be an opportunity for players such as defensive back Craig Bills, receiver Jordan Leslie, tight end Devin Mahina, linebacker Alani Fua, running back Paul Lasike and offensive lineman De'Ondre Wesley to get on the radar of NFL teams.
Offensive line coach Garett Tujague said Wesley is already getting some attention.
"From the teams that I've talked to, he will definitely get an opportunity to show what he can do," Tujague said. "As far as getting drafted, that will be a draft day decision. They like him. They like his ability. They like his length. So those are things you really can't coach. He will get invited to a camp is my gut feeling right now. I am excited for him."
Twitter: @drewjay —
BYU's "Friday Night Lights" spring football scrimmage
Where • LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo
When • Friday, 6 p.m.
Admission • Free, gates open at 4 p.m.
Also • Kids clinic and autograph signing session at 4:30 p.m., fan contests for prizes at 5:30 p.m.