Practice Day 1

The first day of practice is a tough one to read because the players have had a full day of twists, turns and an early morning conditioning run up to the Y on the mountain.

Defensively, players run the pursuit drill for a few days to weed out the unprepared and expose those who had a light summer. It’s a send a message day. So, when the team gets to the 11 on 11 segment, I’ve always thought the defenders were the most hammered (legs, wind, etc).

But a couple of things stood out. I’ve spent many years observing BYU football and talking to members of the staff. Over these years, many have been skeptic of how players who just served missions can contribute. They are either physically unprepared, soft or not mentally with it. I’ve bought into that for years and it’s generally proved to be true. Bronco Mendenhall has even fashioned conditioning drills in the off-season to meet the needs of guys fresh off missions so they avoid injuries.

What I saw today goes against the rule of thumb with BYU football. Two guys who were on missions this time last year clearly excelled.

WR McKay Jacobson took the grueling run of the mountain in stride and whether it be his mental toughness or physical agility and leg strength, I don’t know, but he scooted up there first and that is impressive. He is listed at 5-11 on the roster. He can easily dunk a basketball. He’s got explosive speed and is a deep threat. He was impressive in running his routes.

I was suprised and a little stunned that CB Robbie Buckner, a returned missionary, outclassed the rest of the corners at the field corner spot. He was crisp, quick, closed on the ball. He is taller than the three JC guys and looks far more confident. Some of this may be his experience with the system. Some of it may be his natural talent. But after one day, he looked all the part of a starter to replace Brandon Howard at that spot.

The other thing that stood out was WR freshman Cody Hoffman, a 2009 signee that came on board late. I had no idea he was this good an athlete. I don’t know how fast he is, but he looked very solid, great hands, big size at 6-foot-4 and simply caught your attention running routes. If he plays as good as he meets the eye test, Patrick Higgins may be on to something on the depth chart which lists a bevy of very tall targets for Max Hall.

Finally, I’ll be the first to admit, Jacobson and Buckner just cracked the RM stereotype I’ve been led to believe was almost an iron rule of thumb by current and past coaching staffs.