BYU camp notes

Another fab freshman?

Former Timpview High receiver Luke Ashworth has drawn comparisons to Austin Collie, who was the Mountain West Conference's freshman of the year last season and is currently serving a mission.

Ashworth said he is honored to be compared to Collie, but he's not putting that kind of pressure on himself.

"My expectations are to contribute as much as I can to help the team win," said Ashworth, who is the only receiver BYU signed in February. "I'm learning as I'm going."

"He's doing well," said receivers coach Patrick Higgins. "He works hard and he has a lot of ability. He's the type of kid we're looking for here because he wants to learn and he's going to give you effort. He's a disciplined individual. He's the type of individual that, down the road, is going to help us win football games."

Will that be as early as this season?

"When we're all practicing together, we'll have a much better idea of what his contributions may be," Higgins said.

The return of Dye

Former BYU punt return specialist James Dye, who was a member of the 1996 team that posted a 14-1 record and won the Cotton Bowl, is joining KSL 1160's team as a sideline analyst this season.

Dye holds school records for best punt return average for a game and a career as well as the school record for most touchdowns scored on punt returns (four) in a career.

Meanwhile, another member of that 1996 squad, tight end Chad Lewis, will join color man Marc Lyons for KSL's pregame shows.

Notes

Freshman tight end Vic So'oto shined during BYU's morning workout with fellow newcomers, making several impressive catches . . . The newcomers join the veterans for today's practice for the first time . . . The Cougars closed out veterans' practice on Wednesday with 11-on-11 drills. Highlights included a 20-yard touchdown pass from John Beck to Matt Allen; a 20-yard TD pass from Matt Berry to Jonny Harline; and, on the final play of practice, Berry connected with Joe Griffin on a 30-yard touchdown strike . . . Tight end Daniel Coats, who has been prone to dropping passes the last couple of years, has looked solid through the first day of practice, catching almost everything thrown his way . . . Defensive back Aaron Singh is being held out of practice after suffering a PCL tear in his knee. Bryce Mahuika (shoulder) is being held out of contact drills.