BYU football: Y. focused on improving in spring

PROVO — As BYU opens spring football drills today, coach Bronco Mendenhall says his team has enjoyed its best off-season since he took over the helm of the program more than four years ago.

Since finishing the 2008 campaign with disappointing, back-to-back losses to Utah and Arizona, the Cougars, who posted a 10-3 record, have been motivated and focused on improving.

"There are a lot of programs that would be comfortable after 10 wins. Certainly that's not the feeling around our program. We know we can be better," Mendenhall said. "This has been the team's best off-season since I've been the coach. I'm very encouraged. I think (the players) are eager, I think they're hungry and I think they're humble. They're receptive and anxious to continue to get better."

While much was made of BYU's theme a year ago, "Quest for Perfection," there are no bold slogans this spring. There's a different feeling around the program, according to quarterback Max Hall.

"We're more motivated. We have a different mentality right now," he said. "We're working hard and we want to get better. The work ethic is completely different than last year. It's not that we didn't work hard last year, it's just different. It just feels different in the weight room and when we're competing in the running. There's a sense of urgency and a sense of wanting to get better. We had a similar record in '08 that we had in '07. We just didn't accomplish all the goals we wanted to, so we're setting out to accomplish those goals this year. It starts right now."

One obvious difference in the program is the departure of Austin Collie, who became the all-time leading receiver in school history last season. Collie opted to forgo his senior season in favor of the NFL draft.

The Cougars will also have to replace four starters on the offensive line and linebacker David Nixon.

Taking over Nixon's spot could be Jordan Pendleton, who has played safety the past two seasons. "We're going to take a look at that spot for him," Mendenhall said.

Also, Stephen Covey will be switched from quarterback to wide receiver.

Meanwhile, fullback Manase Tonga, who was ruled academically ineligible and did not play in 2008, is expected to be re-enroll at BYU in the spring. However, he won't be in school in time to participate in spring drills.

Several other players won't participate in spring drills:

Defensive lineman Bernard Afutiti will be held out so he can focus on academics.