"That's one of the great things about BYU. I can't believe how many guys came back," Beck said. "It's amazing that coach (Mendenhall) can send out a letter and see how many guys come in from all over the place. It's great support. That's what tradition is all about. If you have a team with great tradition, that's how it's supposed to be."

Mendenhall was encouraged the play of his defense Friday. Linebacker Chris Bolden and noseguard Hala Paongo were each credited with a sack. Defensive lineman Kyle Luekenga recorded a tackle-for-loss.

"I like the intensity and I thought they played more physical and they executed the defense at a higher level than what they had before," Mendenhall said. "They're coming step by step. There's still a lot of work to do. Today was a step forward for the defensive players. Yesterday, it was a better offensive performance. It swings back and forth, as most spring practices do. I'd be concerned if one side claimed the day, then the next day and the next day. Right now, it's swinging back and forth."

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