From Ms. Potkey's blog :

Leaders Emerging In Football

The BYU football team has used the workouts leading up to spring practice to develop their speed, strength and leadership.

With the seniors having departed, other players are starting to fill the void - David Nixon, Jan Jorgensen, Matt Bauman, Travis Bright, Max Hall, Mitch Payne ...

Mitch Payne?

Yep, the kicker is booting away the stereotype of kickers being in their own little world separate from the team. Payne and Austin Collie have taken over as BYU's "Big Brother" program coordinators.

"Mitch Payne is doing a great job," BYU inside linebackers coach Paul Tidwell said. "He is a really good leader."

Payne endured some heat during the season for his wayward kicks and struggles from distance with field goals. But a nagging groin injury didn't help matters.

"He went through some injuries last year I don't think a lot of people understood or realized," Tidwell said. "He is still trying to get his injury healed, but he is a competitor."

That trait will get a test with much-hyped kicking recruit Justin Sorensen entering the mix next season.

Any word on how Bright's compound fracture is healing? Will he be ready for fall camp?

As good as he is, he sure got bit by the injury bug (I believe he blew out a knee right off his mission).

jhw5 wrote:

Any word on how Bright's compound fracture is healing? Will he be ready for fall camp?

As good as he is, he sure got bit by the injury bug (I believe he blew out a knee right off his mission).

He's walking without a cast or crutches now, but you can tell he has a ways to go before getting his strength back. Looks like his ankle is tight too. I don't think he'll be cleared to run for another couple of months. Whether or not he'll be back to full strength before the season starts is anyone's guess. From the way he's walking, I think he's dealing with some atrophy of the lower leg muscles, maybe in the thigh as well. Fortunately, the bone seems to be healing well and he's got all spring and summer to put some strength back on. In the meantime, look for Matt Reynolds, Jessie Taufi, and others to make a run for the spot.

Any word on Michael Reed as a leader? He is a senior this year, and probably our 2nd best receiver, behind Collie. He made key plays in a lot of games last year. Anyone know who the offensive and defensive captains will be? My guess is Nixon on defense, and Dallas Reynolds on offense. If they choose two from each side of the ball, probably Jan Jorgensen is the other one on defense and Fui Vakapuna on offense. Bronco seems to like having seniors as his captains. (I know jan is not a senior, but he plays like one!) Go Cougars!