Youth takes over BYU's camp

It was a fitting picture, sophomore Eathyn Manumaleuna, sitting on a bench, catching his wind after Saturday’s initial BYU football practice of the fall.

Manumalenuna, you may remember, started at noseguard as a freshman two years ago and blocked a UCLA field goal that would have won the Las Vegas Bowl.

Now, he has returned from an LDS mission and is part of the new-look BYU team. He looks around and more than two-thirds of the team as he knew it is gone. He knows some, has become acquainted with others, but by and large the roster is full of strangers. Most of them freshmen or sophomores and a few, like him, who have been gone for two full seasons.

Jeff Call will have a story on Manamaleuna for Monday but I did visit with him after Saturday’s practice for a few minutes to get his take on the team.

Manamaleuna has been switched from noseguard to defensive end in BYU’s 3-4 front. He will play a role similar to Jan Jorgensen, although he is first to admit he doesn’t have the speed to play the regular DE position. In BYU’s scheme, the outside linebackers become more of the pass-rush DE types and this team will be led by Jordan Pendleton, Kyle Van Noy and Austen Jorgensen to name a few.

It will be an interesting transition to see Manumaleuna, who was a very good noseguard, switch to this role on the team as a former starter on the line.

His story and presence also underscores what Bronco Mendenhall has been telling the media locally and nationally this spring and summer, that because of departing seniors and LDS missionaries, his roster turns over about 40 percent every year. That in its self is a big challenge for the coaching staff.

Monday’s practice is scheduled for the afternoon with a newcomer session before the veterans take to the field.