In a move that could be construed as a surprise—if you’ve had your head in the sand for the past three weeks—BYU’s Jake Heaps has decided to leave Provo and take his seemingly-overrated-coach-derailed show on to greener pastures.
In an official statement released by the school on Monday morning, head coach Bronco Mendenhall said:
“Jake has decided to leave the program in pursuit of a fresh start for he and his young family. Jake is a great young man with tremendous potential and someone I deeply care about. I am sorry to see him leave this wonderful institution, yet anxious to follow his future development and success.”
And so, without further ado, the Heaps Era has come to an unceremonious end. Do not practice. Do not play in the Armed Forces Bowl. Do not pass “Go” and, above all, turn in your gear before you leave.
What seemed to seal Heaps’ fate was a statement by Mendenhall on Nov. 14 in which the coach stated that no matter how well Heaps played in the then-injured Riley Nelson’s absence, Nelson would be the starter upon his return.
Not exactly a vote of confidence in Heaps and, in hindsight, the move that may have pushed the young man out.
Heaps’ decision should come as little surprise, especially in light of his benching after his performance against New Mexico State and Nelson’s play against Hawaii last Saturday.
Heaps’ departure leaves the Cougars’ quarterback condition in worst condition than when he arrived on campus in 2010. If Nelson goes down with an injury again, who will the team turn to?
Mendenhall’s actions seem like those of someone who is on his way out. Rumors have swirled that this may be his final season in Provo.
Nothing official was mentioned about where Heaps will call signals next season, but would anybody be surprised if he joins forces with another former-BYU quarterback who is at the helm of the University of Washington’s football team?
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