Christian Stewart's return highlights day 2 of BYU spring practices


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Spring practices roll on for BYU, and day two was highlighted by the return of former quarterback Christian Stewart. Stewart returned in place of McCoy Hill, who suffered an injury Monday. Stewart will participate in the 11 on 11 drills for the rest of the spring practices for the Cougars.

Stewart, who completed his senior season in 2014, starting in eight games and throwing for over 2600 yards and 25 touchdowns, was surprised that he was able to come back. Although he already finished his senior season, he is now in his last semester of eligibility, and that allowed him to return.

“I didn’t think it would be possible … it didn’t feel real. But today was fun to get out there with the guys,” Stewart said when he talked to the media. “It’s awesome. I just show up right before practice starts, warm up with Coach Beck, and go in on all the team periods, do all the fun stuff.”

Quarterbacks coach Jason Beck, who first contacted Stewart, was frustrated with McCoy Hill’s setback, but excited that Stewart was willing to come back and fill the position that was left vacant after the injury.

“We were looking forward to seeing everything McCoy could do this spring … it was frustrating, especially for him,” Beck said. “With Stew, he will help the other 10 guys on offense really improve, as well as the defense … we needed somebody to drive the offense and drive the defense in that absence.”

Head coach Bronco Mendenhall praised Stewart for his decision to come back and help out the team. Mendenhall talked about how his play will benefit them as they continue their spring practices.

“It’s amazing that a former player with no game eligibility would be willing, then wanted to come practice, and absolutely helped our team,” Mendenhall said. “Our defense is getting a really good look as to what an active, mobile quarterback that can throw the ball looks like, with experience.”

He added, “Talk about a loyal alumni; I think he was maybe more excited than I was, that he gets to play football again … they (the team) already loved him before, now he’s like idol status.”

Stewart is grateful for the opportunity to come back to the football program, and says his experiences at BYU have helped him to learn as he moves forward in his life.

“It has taught me to work hard and pursue my dreams … I know I can accomplish whatever I want,” Stewart said. “It just takes hard work and persistence, and not giving up. That’s really what I’ve learned from this experience, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it.”

Senior quarterback Taysom Hill continues to heal from his season-ending injury last October, and the coaches continue to be impressed with his recovery. Beck talked about the progression of the quarterback, who threw a near 60-yard touchdown pass to Mitch Matthews during Wednesday’s practice.

“He works so hard and has such a positive mindset. He’s gonna work his way back to being healthy, to being better than ever,” Beck said. “With what we’re asking him to do, with everything in the pocket, you’d have no idea anything was wrong. … It’s fun to have him out there practicing and getting back into it.”

The question was asked about what adjustments would be made next season with Hill, including whether or not he would continue to run the ball as much as he did last season. Anae addressed that with the media.

“His deal now is, if he doesn’t like it, he yanks it. I don’t think the answer is to be afraid to run the football,” Anae said. “The answer is we’re smart on the coaching end, and everyone else is smart on their end.”

He added, “To hesitate, to go soft, you’re not going to find that with Taysom Hill. Not at all.”

Mendenhall talked about Hill’s leadership as they prepare for this year, and what he has seen from his progression in the offseason.

“He looks really good — not only in leadership, but in poise, decision-making. I’m not just talking about leading the team, but leading a group of seniors,” Mendenhall said. “They’re very united, and pretty clear about what they’d like to accomplish … man I love where he is at.”

Mendenhall, who announced that he would be taking over the defense this upcoming season, was also asked about where senior Bronson Kaufusi would be playing, and what role spring ball plays in determining positioning for the defense.

“Bronson’s role is to be determined … spring is just a launch point. Right now I’m trying to determine who is trustworthy, who will try hard enough for me to even consider them,” Mendenhall said. “Basically … when I find 10 other players that try really hard and know what to do and what to play … that will determine what he plays.”

Junior DB Kai Nacua spoke to the media Wednesday and was asked about the fallout of the brawl that took place following the Miami Beach Bowl last December.

“We’re sorry for what happened; it happened and it was last year and now we’re moving onto the next year,” Nacua said. “I don’t have much to say about the brawl; everyone saw what happened.”

Nacua, who suffered a cut below the eye when he was punched early in the brawl, and later sucker-punched a UM player, said that he has not been contacted by anyone from the Memphis football program, and was asked about whether he has spoken to anyone himself.

“I’ve contacted coach (Memphis head coach Justin Fuente), apologized for him; we had a good talk,” Nacua said. “I apologized sincerely — it was good.”

Spring practices continue through April 3. There will be a scrimmage at LaVell Edwards Stadium on March 27 at 6 p.m. MST. Admission is free and open to the public.

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