BYU camp notes

Jensen returns

BYU linebacker and team captain Cameron Jensen returned to action Thursday after missing Wednesday's scrimmage due to illness.

Jensen reportedly suffered from strep throat and did not participate in the scrimmage. He showed up for the Cougars' afternoon practice, but he was not allowed to participate in that, either.

"We had to force him to go home," said coach Bronco Mendenhall." The concern wasn't just for him but the rest of the team. I don't know enough regarding the contagious nature of what it was, if it truly was strep, but the trainer said it was okay for him to come back today."

Long-range kicking

BYU spent some time during Thursday's session working on the field goal unit. Senior placekicker Jared McLaughlin was solid, drilling several field goals, including one of at least 50 yards.

"For the first time with some volume of work, I thought Jared looked right on," Mendenhall said. "I was pleased with our snapper and the operation time. The protection scheme was sound, even though we weren't putting him under full pressure today Jared is completely invested in this program and his own performance. With his first opportunity, he gained my confidence, and the team's."

Last year, McLaughlin hit 14 of 19 field goal attempts, including a season-long 47-yarder against TCU. He was 9-for-9 on field goals from 30-39 yards out and connected on 46 of 48 extra points.

Offense strikes back?

BYU's defense was in control for most of Wednesday's scrimmage, but the offense will get another opportunity when the Cougars scrimmage again Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Unlike the previous scrimmage, this one will not be open to the public.

After watching film of the scrimmage, Mendenhall said his defensive charges had more intensity than the offensive players.

"I thought the defensive side played with a more competitive spirit than the offense did," he said. "The offense wasn't able {Wednesday} to maintain the consistency that they've demonstrated throughout camp. I would expect them to return Saturday and work to make a return to the standards that they hold themselves too."