Justin Sorensen says with ease, especially at this stage in his college career, 90 percent of kicking is mental.

Fair enough. And perhaps it better be more, considering the junior BYU field-goal guy has attempted less than 10 percent of actual kicks than he usually would during his offseason workload.

What started two Aprils ago became increasingly aggravated back pain toward the midway point of last season. Since having back surgery shortly after the 2011 campaign, Sorensen still has been quite limited.

He estimates he would normally kick about 5,000 balls through the uprights in an eight-month span.

This offseason? “I’ve kicked 200,” he says.

That includes his first four of fall preparation on Tuesday and 10 on Wednesday. (BYU was not available to the media on Thursday for an update).

Sorensen reported feeling good Wednesday, his leg sore but not his back.

“I need to get those reps in, and see how it goes,” Sorensen said Wednesday.

He insists range “isn’t really the toughest thing.” (Reporters cannot observe practice, therefore must rely on players and coaches for the scoop.)

A nerve was damaged in his back, and can flare up at unpredictable times. Simply tying his shoes, and bending at an awkward angle, can still cause future discomfort.

How about next Thursday, for the season opener against Washington State?

Last year the strong-legged Sorensen produced 17 touchbacks on kickoffs. However, he made just 15-of-25 field goals, including 8-of-12 from the 30-39 yard range and 5-of-8 from 40 and beyond. Considered a game-changing prospect from long distances, he missed all three attempts beyond 50 yards.

The back hurt him to varying degrees.

Sorensen says his 10-attempt Wednesday produced several blasts that would have been good from 50 yards. But a lot of his attempts right now are drifting to the left.

“My body naturally shifts a little to avoid having to put any extra twist or strain in my back,” he said. “I guess it’s just a little scared that something is going to happen.”

BYU, for good reason, is fairly mum about the situation.

It’s clear that punter Riley Stephenson and third-string quarterback, freshman Taysom Hill, are getting reps. Who’s getting more, and making the better impression, depends upon perspective. 

Stephenson kicked frequently in high school. Sorensen said it’s been fun to be a little bit of a coach, and credits his teammates for working hard in the offseason to be prepared.

“The more kickers you have on the team, the better,” Sorensen said with a smile.

He quickly added that “I plan on being ready.”

BYU has spent considerable time talking about options, with and without Sorensen.

“We’ve given it a lot of thought,” offensive coordinator Brandon Doman said. “I think we’ve got a good plan in place.”

It remains to be seen if Sorensen can be available, and at what distances the coaches trust him. Same goes for staff feelings toward his backup plans.

There’s some probability that BYU will find itself going for it on certain fourth downs in a range of field positions, something that was plausible anyway, considering the comfort the Cougar coaches appear to feel about Nelson getting a yard or three. Situation, or need for a “spark” could alter the plan as well, Doman hinted.

Senior quarterback Riley Nelson expressed support for Sorensen’s future, but said: “We want to score touchdowns. As long as we can get a PAT (point after touchdown) through the uprights, we feel OK. We’re not playing for field goals.”

A fine thought, but there is some concern that a few games could come down to three points here or there.

Bronco Mendenhall has not put a deadline on when he would stop considering Sorensen.

“Obviously, the sooner the better,” the eighth-year coach said.

 ?Cool story: Doman was asked Wednesday what it’s like to be a quarterback at heavy-pressure BYU. He spoke of the heritage and how close history can be in terms of support.

Doman famoulsy rallied the Cougars against Utah in 2000. Afterward, Doman recalled being on the field amid the celebration, when his brother handed him a phone.

It was Steve Young, the Cougar great.

“He told me to look around the stadium, enjoy it, because it doesn’t get any better than this,” Doman said. “It was pretty cool of him to take the time.”

 ?Quote of the year?: Doman’s description of Nelson, who gained unanimous selection as an the offense’s representative for captain: “Riley will take food right out of the garbage can and eat it…he just is full of grit.”

Doman, smiling when he made the comment, noted that Nelson is quite the disciplined calorie counter, in reality.