PROVO — While it was BYU's offense that grabbed most of the headlines following the team's scrimmage Saturday, the Cougar defense didn't disappoint according to coach Bronco Mendenhall.
“Quite a bit of consistency,” Mendenhall said in describing what he saw from his defense during the scrimmage. “(It) still looked like it was tough to score on them. So the defense, I thought, was fairly consistent throughout the day.”
Mendenhall didn't highlight any specific defensive standouts but stated that the team's first depth chart, which will be released Monday, will indicate which defensive players have stood out.
One of the players who has stood out frequently for the defense is inside linebacker Harvey Langi, who was generally pleased with the effort by both sides on Saturday.
"I was very impressed with our defense," Langi said. "I was impressed with how (the defense) was flying around and how we've come together since last week's scrimmage."
Several players were held out of the scrimmage, but highlight plays were made by defensive lineman Bronson Kaufusi and Langi in rushing the quarterback and by linebacker Sione Takitaki, who had an interception of a Tanner Mangum pass.
Kicking game looks sharp: Cougar kicker Trevor Samson received praise from Mendenhall following a productive day which saw the senior kicker nail field-goal tries from 50 and 48 yards.
“I liked our field goal kicking a lot,” Mendenhall said. “Our kickers looked good. Trevor Samson especially was putting the ball between the uprights, which is scoring potential, which is good. So I liked what I saw from that standpoint.”
Adding to Samson's performance was he making kicks in a live situation.
"It was the first time (this fall) that I've really practiced field goals under pressure with guys on the other side trying to block it," Samson said. "So getting that rhythm flowing in that type of situation felt really good."
Samson believes his range extends to 55 yards currently and feels great heading into the season.
"I have great confidence in our snapper, holder, everything," Samson said. "Everything is working smooth right now, so we're hoping to make a lot of kicks this year and really helping out the offense and the team."
Email: bgurney@desnews.com
Twitter: @BrandonCGurney