Spring ball in Provo

The weather was a cool 66 degrees. The grass was green and smelled freshly cut. I was in Provo on the hollowed grounds of LaVell Edwards Stadium. Welcome to the spring game; The piece of football given to college football junkies 3 months prior to anything fall football related!

I was there and was able to get some great shots. Holding a camera with a big lens and a big side bag allows you to get on the field during the game for some reason?!?

I wont go into too much detail as far as position rankings or potential playing time after only seeing one practice, but I will say this;

1- The QB race is legit! Heaps (#9) and Nelson (#13) are BOTH for real! Heaps being the all world recruited true freshman and Riley Nelson the back-up from last year that has some serious wheels.

-If I was to count the reps they got with the 1's and 2's it would literally be 50/50.

-Nelson broke a couple QB keepers for 10 plus yards, both went 4 and out at least once, Heaps was "sacked"(whistled down because they cant hit the QB's) once

-They are competing. Make no mistake about it, they are not "BUDS" on the field. I think I saw them speak to each other maybe once.

2- Biggest Stand Out: Kyle Van Noy (#3) (the LB that has been in a little off field trouble) is a physical specimen! If he can move laterally as well as he did today he will be all over the place.

3- Quezada (RB#36) the true Frosh got time with the 1's. He is shifty and will compete for playing time behind Unga.

4- Dalin Tollestrup (DB#27) "The Canadian" is 6-1, 180lbs(if he's lucky) can cover! He is a deceptively good cover. He played almost on the line most of his snaps and had one big pass break up and tight coverage the remainder of the day. He could be something.

Now here are some things to look at!

Jake Heaps(9) and Riley Nelson(13). One of the few times they actually spoke to each other!

After scoring an impressive drive. 2 QB keepers and a few nice throws! I Dig the cut too!

Just put em' on your back Harvey. Just put em' on your back.

Riley on the run! His "take off" speed is great. He goes from standing to a full sprint lightening quick!

Here they are. One of these guys will lead the Cougars at QB.
This is after sprinting the field goal line and back with push-ups and sit ups in between. Riley KILLED(by 30 yards) everyone... and everyone was trying... including Coach Doman.

(Bronco)Start the game.

"Heaps(9) finds Apo(11) deep for six!" You might just hear that a few times in the years to come.