BYU football: Injury list continues to grow this spring

Provo • As the injury count continues during BYU's spring football practice, coach Bronco Mendenhall has been able to find some positives.

On Tuesday alone three vital contributors, linebacker Brandon Ogletree, receiver Ross Apo and offensive lineman Brock Stringham joined the injured on the sidelines reduced to working on the mental side of their games.

Linebacker Kyle Van Noy had shoulder surgery to repair a labrum prior to spring ball, while Stringham fractured his fibula and will need eight to 12 weeks.

"It gives us chance to train depth," said Mendenhall after Friday's practice of the injuries to Ogletree and Van Noy.

Mendenhall singled out Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah, who will see time at outside linebacker and defensive line, as well as Kevan Bills, Alani Fua and Lene Lesatele.

"Spencer Hadley is getting a ton of work, so when Kyle comes back, we'll have more depth instantly," Mendenhall said.

Apo had a shoulder pop out of place during a tangle in the end zone. By Monday, the Cougars will know whether surgery is warranted. If so, Apo should be ready for fall camp.

Ogletree fractured his foot during a pass rush drill and actually participated in another play before realizing that something was wrong.

"I hate not being able to practice with my teammates," said Ogletree, wearing a boot cast with crutches. "I'll do what I can to stay in shape. It's an uphill battle, but I'm used to it."

The number of players with dings and serious hurts has turned the scheduled Blue/White game that ends spring practice into a scrimmage. The Cougars won't have enough depth.

When asked if anyone was hurt Friday, head trainer Kevin Morris was able to address the question with a bit of gallows humor.

"No, thank heaven," he said. "Hopefully, we're through that part of it. We'll be suiting up trainers."

Mendenhall understands injuries are part of spring football, but even he has been a bit taken aback by it all.

"We're being as smart as we can be with our players at this point," he said. "It seems to be the nature of the beast."

martyr@sltrib.com