"There's a difference between being a role player and being a backup and receiving a limited role as opposed to receiving the majority of reps, possibly being viewed as a starter, and behaving as such with consistency and handling the volume in practice," Mendenhall explained.

"Most of the new players who are competing for a No. 1 or No. 2 spot are surprised right now by what it's really like to practice with that amount of volume. Mike is experiencing that as well. It's a great opportunity, but the challenge is sustaining that concentration and execution for an extended period of time. It's meeting the demand on a longer basis than what they had as a role player."

Reed and Jacobson are surrounded by several veteran wideouts, including Nate Meikle (36 catches, 292 yards in 2005), Matt Allen (21 for 272 yards) and Zac Collie (11 for 158 yards). Also in the mix are Brett Cooper, Saia Hafoka, Bryce Mahuika, Matt Smith, Travis Henderson, Sean Mosman, Ryan Neeley and Troy Sheide.

BYU NOTES: Mendenhall announced Thursday the indefinite suspension of defensive lineman Russell Tialavea for violation of team rules. Tialavea (6-3, 300) is a redshirt freshman from Oceanside, Calif. Mendenhall said he is still learning more the case and plans on establishing "criteria" for Tialavea to meet to return to the team. "I do want Russell back, he belongs in the program." Asked if fall practice is a reasonable target for Tialavea to be reinstated, Mendenhall said "absolutely." The coach said he feels strongly about rules in the program. "They are for the betterment of young men and they are expected to abide in them." . . . Walkon DT Dan Alletto, a freshman from Colorado, replaced Tialavea in the depth chart . . . Senior OL Jake Kuresa rolled his ankle Thursday during scrimmage and was helped off the field. Kuresa is uncertain when he will return to practice "I should be OK, it isn't that bad," Kuresa said. . . . John Beck hooked up with Zack Collie for a 50-yard touchdown to highlight a short scrimmage Thursday. Collie dropped a 12-yard TD pass earlier in the scrimmage . . . RB Fui Vakapuna did not see action during scrimmage but could return today. A longer scrimmage planned with alumni day. A year ago approximately 500 former players and their families attended alumni day, watched practice and had a barbecue. Mendenhall expects twice that many this year. . . . Present at Thursday practice was Pittsburgh Steeler tackle Chris Hoke, who said the gathering of former players has become a highlight for those who'd invested time. Said Mendenhall, "It's a chance for former players to hear directly from me about this program and not get information second hand. They also have an opportunity to ask me questions or say things to me face-to-face, and I think they appreciate it, and it has proved valuable for me and for them."

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E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com