It came down to months of speculation before BYU finally named its starter for the season opener versus Washington on Sept. 4. And that starter is...Riley Nelson.
After much ado about something--namely a quarterback battle between Nelson, a Utah State transfer and Max Hall's backup last season and freshman phenom Jake Heaps--the Cougars selected Nelson today.
But wait, there’s more.
As was the case with the University of Utah’s football program last year, however, the two signal callers will essentially “platoon,” with Nelson getting the start and Heaps seeing action as the Cougar coaching staff see fit.
“I know this will give us an opportunity to have a highly successful season,” Nelson said. “Jake and I both have the ability to lead our team and offer unique skills that will help us be successful as an offensive unit. I am excited about this opportunity and fully expect that we will carry on the great tradition and legacy of the quarterback position here at BYU.”
It worked for the Utes last season, as JUCO transfer Terrance Cain started the season opener, and after a few fumbles and interceptions gave way to freshman Jordan Wynn.
If things work out similarly for the Cougars, then Heaps will be the starter by game No. 4. If not, then at least BYU will use a two-quarterback system to its advantage. Either way, Heaps says he’s happy with the coaches’ game plan.
“I am 100 percent behind this decision,” Heaps said. “I feel the coaches have made the right decision for both Riley and I and this football team. Riley is a great player and I’m excited to have the opportunity to contribute. This isn’t about me or him; it’s about us—it’s about doing what we can to help our team.”
Nelson, of course, is the much-ballyhooed player who actually started for Utah State as a freshman, and did well, thanks, throwing for 925 yards and running for another 290 before leaving for his LDS mission. (Nelson then stirred up some controversy with his decision to leave Logan for BYU during his mission.)
Heaps led his Sammamish, Wash. (Skyline HS) team to three state championships throwing for almost 10,000 yards in his four-year interscholastic career.
He then entered BYU during spring ball to get a jump on things--a la Wynn at Utah--and now waits his turn, as a true freshman, to be named the starter.
If circumstances unfold as quickly as they did at Utah, Heaps may not wait long.
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