"It was nice growing up in a football home," Kellen said. "As far back as I could remember we were talking about how to dissect a cover-two defense over Sunday dinner. My family is definitely a football-crazed family. That breeds a deep love for the game. Some players may view fall camp as a torture you have to get through. I really love it. I don't think you can beat being out here in Provo, with the beautiful mountains around, and having the opportunity to play a game I just love. It's been a great thing to be trained to play this game and to have the opportunity to do it at BYU. I'm very fortunate and very grateful."

While Blaine Fowler never started at BYU, he was involved in one of the biggest games in school history. During the Holiday Bowl in 1984, when the Cougars were vying for a national championship, Fowler played well in relief of an injured Robbie Bosco. Bosco returned and helped lead BYU to a win over Michigan.

Blaine Fowler was Bosco's backup for two years and Kellen has learned valuable lessons from his dad's career.

"To this day he and Robbie are great friends. Growing up, I called him 'Uncle Robbie,'" Kellen said. "It teaches you that there's more to football and team than just needing to be the starter, needing to be the All-Star. There are greater things in life than football success. Granted, I love the opportunity I have to play and I'm excited to be a starter this year and make an impact on the team. But if something were to happen and things were to change, I need to be able to support the team in whatever capacity I can. Seeing him do that has been a great example to me."

THUMBS-UP FROM BRONCO: Mendenhall said Tuesday's practice "was the sharpest of camp to this point. I think it was the most physical, the most competitive, and execution on both sides was the highest. I feel very good about today's practice. It was the best so far of this camp."

What did his players do that made it such a positive session?

"The urgency of knowing their assignments have to be sound, their technique has to be sound and time is running out," Mendenhall said.

"So rather than seeing the end in sight as relief, I think it's just the opposite. There's more of an urgency ... Every play seems to matter."

DENNEY MOVING UP: Mendenhall said defensive lineman Brett Denney has all but wrapped up the starting job over Ian Dulan, who continues to miss practice due to a shoulder injury. Mendenhall has not been pleased with the way Dulan has been working in rehab.

"There's very little difference between he and Brett," Mendenhall said. "Brett doesn't miss a day and handles all of his obligations responsibly. I would say it's more than probable (that Denney will start)."