Practice Report: Afutiti in camp

(Updated)

The long awaited appearance of JC defensive end Bernard Afutiti took place Friday morning as the All-American finished his paper work for admittance to BYU and could be in camp.

Afutiti must go through the NCAA acclaimation period of five days until he can wear pads. But there are five days and then there are five days, according to Bronco Mendenhall.

“Our defense is already in. He’s missed a lot. It will be hard for him to carve out time right now. He needs to get in and work hard,” said Mendenhall.

Recruiting coordinator Paul Tidwell said it can be a challenge to get JC players their AA degrees, especially when junior colleges have staff members that go on vacations.

Afutiti is 6-0 and goes about 260. He is a speed guy who will be utilized on the end as a pass rusher. Physically, he has small ankles, usually a sign of a very quick athlete. “It’ll be nice to have him on the end, we need him,” said offensive coordinator Robert Anae.

Matt Putman, a 6-6 linebacker, has been moved to defensive end. “Right now, he may be our best pass rusher next to Jan Jorgensen,” said Mendenhall.

Friday’s workout involved a lot of play-action, run blocking drills and a 11-on-11 segment in which the offense made more progress moving the ball.

Because of a quad pull to receiver Bryce Mahuika (and Austin Collie still out), a lot of younger receivers got reps, including freshman O’Neil Chambers, who made a spectacular catch on a long throw from Max Hall. Chambers was going up against second and third string defenders, although Ian Dulan and some other first string linemen were on the field.

J.J. DiLuigi scored on a nice run around the left end from 10 yards out.

Hall was 12 of 14 for 123 yards and Andrew George had three catches for 35 yards. Chamber’s catch went for 35 and it was not an easy reception to handle.

Mendenhall said today’s practice featured a lot of work for 3s and 4s while this afternoons session would be more 1s and 2s. Saturday’s scrimmage will center on work for the 3s and 4s.

“We want to give our younger players a chance to show what they can do,” said Mendenhall.

Look for Jeff Call’s blog today with additional information from this morning’s drills.