Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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BYU players report for preseason camp one week from today, with the first practice set for the afternoon of Saturday, August 7th (a traditional "run to the 'Y'" is annually scheduled as an early-morning Day One conditioning test).
The 105-man camp roster is all but complete, with only a couple of walk-on spots to fill. Having addressed the camp absences of players like Lee Aguirre and Masi Tuitama, Bronco Mendenhall hopes not be dealing with any unexpected no-shows; currently, he's only waiting on clearance for a player or two at most.
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A high number of players from the most recent recruiting class will be in camp next weekend. Of the 27 scholarship players in the Class of 2010 (including late addition DeQuan Everett), 20 will be part of the 105-man roster.
Here's the rundown on the seven recently-signed players not in camp:
DL Jordan Afo (plans to attends Snow College before BYU)
DB Jacob Hannemann (currently serving an LDS mission--Arkansas Litte Rock)
LB Toloa'i Ho-Ching (will serve a mission in January)
OL Tuni Kanuch (will serve a mission this fall)
DL Bronson Kaufusi (currently serving a mission--New Zealand Auckland)
LB Teu Kautai (currently serving a mission--California San Jose)
LB Joey Owens (will serve a mission in January)
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LB Tyler Beck (played in 2007) tore his ACL shortly after returning from his mission in February. Initially expected to work on a return for the 2011 season, Beck has seen his recovery progress ahead of schedule, and word is he may be able to participate with the Cougars in 2010. His presence would be unlikely during camp; more likely that he starts practicing after school starts.
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Ten random things I am interested to see in camp (besides the QB battle):
1) who emerges as the top tight end
2) how the safety situation plays out
3) how speedster Drew Phillips will be used
4) the return of the slot receiver position
5) how quickly the first-string front seven comes together
6) whether WR Ross Apo can live up to the hype
7) the position battle at center between Terence Brown and Houston Reynolds
8) which true freshman will make the greatest immediate impact
9) whether PK Mitch Payne can take a step forward as a senior (71% career fg; weird--he has hit 10/14 fg in each of his three previous seasons; no fgm of 50 yds+)
10) how badly the injury bug bites (an annual concern)
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Cougar Tracks will continue to offer daily and comprehensive camp updates and interviews; keep it here for "Camp Cougar" coverage starting next Saturday.
Also, get camp updates on Twitter; follow me at twitter.com/gregwrubell.
BYU policy states that instantaneous reporting of practice itself (via blogs, Twitter, etc.) is not permitted.
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