BYU football notes: Freshman with strong leg impresses BYU coaches

PROVO — Freshman Riley Stephenson is expected to be BYU's punter this fall.

What's more, he may be gaining ground on incumbent Mitch Payne for placekicking duties.

Stephenson, who recently returned home from an LDS mission, was ranked as the No. 2 punter and the No. 9 placekicker in the nation coming out of Pine View High in St. George.

He holds the state record for most PATs (138), is second in state history for PATs (75) and is tied for second with most career field goals (19).

Coach Bronco Mendenhall likes what he sees from Stephenson, who is replacing the graduated C.J. Santiago at punter.

"I'm encouraged," Mendenhall said. "He has a strong leg and is very consistent. He's ahead of schedule is how I'd put it."

While Payne, a junior, has been in the program for a couple of years, Mendenhall acknowledged that he has some competition for the placekicking job.

"Riley holds most of the records in the state for accuracy, not distance," Mendenhall said. "We all perform better with competition. Mitch has it now, but that doesn't mean it's his."

INJURY UPDATE: Linebacker Terrance Hooks, who suffered a hamstring injury Monday, underwent an MRI. The results weren't known as of Tuesday.

Cornerback Brandon Bradley, who is a projected starter, saw limited action due to knee pain. Mendenhall said it could be tendinitis.

Freshman offensive lineman Houston Reynolds sat out due to a quad strain.

ON CHAMBERS: Mendenhall said sophomore receiver O'Neill Chambers has grown up since last year.

"He's just more mature. He certainly knows a lot more know about what to do. Consistency will be an issue day-to-day and play-to-play, but he has the potential to (make big plays) at any given time," the Cougars' coach said. "That's really what we like about him."

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