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the Cougars get an earlier start today...
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Day Three of camp presents a change in the BYU timetable, with the first 10:00am session on tap. BYU will go every day hereafter at 10:00, with 5:00pm sessions scheduled on days of two-a-days.
BYU players will wear helmets and shoulder pads ("shells") for the first time today. The NCAA 5-day acclimatization rules state players may only wear helmets for the first two days of camp, helmets and shoulder pads for the following two days, then full pads on the fifth day. Every player who joins camp after day one has to go through the same process, which is why Austin Collie and Matt Bauman have been on the field in helmets the last two days, participating in limited fashion. They will be in shoulder pads today and tomorrow, too, so that when they are healthy enough for a "full go," they can step right into full pads, instead of going through the 4-day "waiting period." When DL Bernard Afutiti reports, he will be subject to the acclimatization rules, and will be limited to reduced contact his first four days, while he participates with players in full pads.
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What I'll be watching for today...
: any movement whatsoever in the depth chart. With the exception of the offensive line shuffle yesterday, the 3-deep has been essentially consistent since the opening practice on Saturday. Bronco mentioned yesterday he expects most of the camp movement to be established after this week, with only a handful of position battles to settle in the two weeks to follow.
: Fui Vakapuna's activity level. He's a senior who has yet to play a full season in his previous 3 years at BYU, and his last camp if off to an ominous start. His coach is questioning his diligence, and his game conditioning is bound to be an issue if he can't get back on the field and see some contact soon.
: PK Justin Sorensen's "bounce-backability." He had a rough day yesterday, as he started hooking knuckleballs in warmups and never recovered.
: the offensive line; in particular, will projected starting center Tom Sorenson be back after taking a "personal day" yesterday?
: at what point does the safety battle really heat up? Seniors Fowler and Tafuna are holding off underclassmen Thomas, Pendleton, Rich and Te'o, but will 3s become 2s and vice versa, or can 2s become 1s?
: a little cloud cover. Please.
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