PROVO — Paul Walkenhorst's long battle to finish his senior year of football took a turn toward wearing a uniform and playing in 2005 on Thursday when the former Lone Peak star suited up and hit the practice field for the Cougars.
Walkenhorst has been weighing a decision to return and play or quit football, concentrate on school and get on with his life.
Earlier this week, Bronco Mendenhall said Walkenhorst had his support in whatever he decided. Suiting up and playing linebacker in BYU's defensive rotation pleased Mendenhall.
"He's been determining what he wanted to do with his life. He's married now, he's been in the BYU program for many years. About 10 days ago, I gave Paul basically a leave of absence. I gave him time to assess what he wanted to do. He came in my office Wednesday and said he felt positive he wanted to be part of the program," Mendenhall said.
Walkenhorst, who has suffered several injuries including a back injury a year ago and missed the 2004 season, was granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA. Mendenhall believes Walkenhorst's absence from most of 11 spring practice sessions will not set him back.
"He's been through all of our off-season conditioning. He'll be able to contribute at some point. He's got all spring and summer. I like who Paul is, and I'm glad he's part of the program."
Mendenhall will take the Cougars through a major scrimmage today. The plan is to have an 80-play affair that includes some special teams work. But the determining factor will be how the Cougar offensive line holds up. "We got Eddie Keele back earlier this week and today (Thursday) center Lance Reynolds returned. We'll be much better in depth at that position than we've been."
Mendenhall has invited former Cougar players to the closed scrimmage. The invitation includes attending position meetings in the new Student Athlete Center. More than 238 alumni (with wives) have responded to Mendenhall's invitation and will be included in a barbecue with team members after today's scrimmage.
Other walkups, who have not responded, are expected to show.
"I expect about 500 total. I'll be addressing former players after the scrimmage and share program direction and some things regarding our recruiting plan. The response has been great and I think it will be better. They're excited to have been asked and invited back, and that's been my intent."
There will be a press conference today at noon, presumably to announce the return of BYU's white helmet and circled Y symbol.
Mendenhall hopes today's drills will show some consistency on both sides of the line.
"It will be a great gauge of what progress we've made so far,' Mendenhall said.
COUGAR NOTES: The first line Cougar defense has been comprised of Vince Feula, Justin Carlson-Maddux and Michael Marquardt up front with Manaia Brown and Daniel Marquardt in the rotation. The linebackers are led by Cameron Jensen, Markell Staffieri and Aaron Wagoner. The corners are Nate Soleberg and Kayle Buchannon with Quinn Gooch and Spencer White as safeties.
On offense, BYU's front is manned by center Lance Reynolds with Brian Sanders, Travis Bright at guards with Eddie Keele and David Oswald at tackles with Ray Feinga in the rotation. In the backfield with either quarterback John Beck, Matt Berry or Jason Beck is Fahu Tahi or Curtis Brown with a myriad of receivers including combinations of tight ends Daniel Coats and Johnny Harline with receivers Joe Griffin, Michael Reed, Matt Allen, Matt Smth, Saia Hafoka and Riley Weber. In a short scrimmage in shoulder pads and helmets on Thursday, John Beck completed 11 of 13 passes, Jason Beck 8 of 10 and Matt Berry 1 of 4.
ALUMNI DAY: In connection with Friday's BYU Football Alumni Day, Mendenhall will hold a press conference, beginning at noon. Former coach LaVell Edwards and athletics director Tom Holmoe will attend as will several BYU football alumni, including Jason Buck, Marc Lyons, Robbie Bosco, Chad Lewis, Vai Sikahema, Jamal Willis, Jim Herrmann, Rob Morris, Justin Ena and Lee Johnson.
Later that day, the team will participate in a scrimmage at Edwards Stadium beginning at 3:45 p.m.
E-mail: dharmonx@desnews.com