BYU football notebook: Reed quickly recovering from injury

PROVO — While BYU was whipping up on Wyoming a couple of weeks ago, Cougar wide receiver Michael Reed was at home, a short distance from LaVell Edwards Stadium, watching the game on television with some friends.

Days earlier, Reed underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to repair a meniscus tear and doctors advised him to stay off his feet and watch the game from the comfort of his living room.

"It was very strange to watch the game on TV. It hit me at kickoff when my mom and everybody called me, supporting me," said the senior from Baytown, Texas. "It definitely felt weird. I was into the game. There were certain plays where I'd call the play out before it happened. I was pretty much right the whole game."

As far as his recovery goes, Reed is ahead of schedule — he started running full speed during Tuesday's practice. Reed will be held out Friday against Utah State and is expected to return to action when the Cougars host New Mexico on Oct. 11.

"The knee feels good. But I don't think it would be in my best interest to play this week," Reed said.

Reed will be on the sidelines in street clothes Friday in Logan, helping the coaches with the less-experienced receivers. Since he's been out, he has been imparting wisdom to the younger players.

With this being his final season in a Cougar uniform, though, it's difficult for Reed not being able to play.

"It's real hard. But I'd rather miss these two games than miss the season," he said. "It's important to me to be out there with my teammates. I just want to be out there because when the ball's in the air, I know that can be me making the play. Everything happens for a reason. I'm glad it happened now rather than later."

Wide receiver Austin Collie said Reed's absence is noticed. "It definitely puts a different twist on our offense. He's such a big playmaker and a big part of our team. Now we have to do different things as far as the receiver rotation. It's something you don't like to do, especially when you've got a guy like Mike. We're counting the days until he comes back. We can't wait."

Quarterback Max Hall is also eager for Reed's return to the lineup. "Mike was definitely a big threat and a guy we found in single coverage a lot because they were focusing on those other guys (Collie, tight end Dennis Pitta and running back Harvey Unga). He had proven so far this year to step up and make big plays, especially on third downs. We realize we need Michael Reed to make our offense complete."

Reed, who has caught 16 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns, appreciates the fact his teammates recognize his contributions.