'Uncle Tanner' always dreamed of being BYU's quarterback


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PROVO — Whatever Parker Mangum did growing up, Tanner Mangum wanted to do the same. As a kid, throwing the football around in the backyard with his older brother Parker is where Tanner developed his strong, accurate and in many ways miraculous throwing ability. That development took place because he tried to throw the football exactly as fast and accurate as his older brother Parker did.

Parker became Tanner's hero, mentor, and hardest critic.

"He has been my role model since I was a kid," said Mangum, the guest on this week's radio broadcast of 'BYU Football with Bronco Mendenhall.'"

"(Parker) is the reason I am a quarterback, because he was the star quarterback in high school and I wanted to be just like him. I always looked up to him and wanted to be just like him," Mangum said. "He always helped me; playing catch in the backyard and giving me tips since day one. He is always texting me and helping me out. He is a great supporter and my sounding board. He is my biggest help."

Parker, a former BYU football player and recent father with the birth of his son Oliver last Friday, left BYU remembered as one of the most genuine guys to pass through the program.

"He is one of our favorites," said radio host Greg Wrubell. "He is not somebody you would know very well for what he did on the field, but for everything he did away from the spotlight, on scout teams, in practice and interactions with those around him, he left an impression. A really good impression."

With the newborn baby in the Mangum family, coach Bronco Mendenhall has promoted Tanner Mangum from "Miracle Mangum" to "Uncle Tanner." He says this is a good fit not only because of the newborn but because Tanner is a mature 22-year-old freshman playing quarterback for BYU.

Whatever his nickname ends up being after his career is over, the reality of his dreams being fulfilled mean a lot to Tanner.

"In elementary school at recess as a kid I would go outside and pretend I was the quarterback at BYU. I played and dreamed that this would come true." Mangum said, "I keep that love and enjoyment of the game. I come back every day now and sit in the locker room and think about how special it is to be playing for BYU and I just enjoy it and have fun. I try and take advantage of the moment and make the best of it."

What did he think about the first time suiting up and running through the BYU tunnel with his teammates against Boise State?

"It was fun to be able to put on that uniform and be out there with the team," Mangum said. "It was a dream come true. I have been watching BYU since I was a kid and could not be more excited."

Mangum didn't imagine that this dream would become reality so early on in his football career; yet he was prepared all along. When asked about what he thought his freshman year would be like, Mangum sounded like he knew he was going to be the starter all along.

"I planned to comeback in June and fight for the backup position and learn the offense, get into playing shape and learn everything I could from Taysom," Mangum said. "I was preparing the whole summer like I was going to be the starter. Mentally going through everything I was preparing as if I was going to be playing; not sitting on the bench as a backup the whole time. I didn't think it would come during the second quarter at Nebraska but when coach (Robert) Anae said it was time to play, I said 'Hey, let's do it.'"

Tanner Mangum starts an interview with radio host Greg Wrubell with an incomplete pass during the "BYU Football with Bronco Mendenhall" coach's show Tuesday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium. (Photo: Elora Grant, IMG)
Tanner Mangum starts an interview with radio host Greg Wrubell with an incomplete pass during the "BYU Football with Bronco Mendenhall" coach's show Tuesday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium. (Photo: Elora Grant, IMG)

With a laid back yet competitive nature, Mangum has blossomed into a reliable quarterback, impressive role model for the BYU community, and most importantly a team leader others can depend on.

With so much pressure and responsibility riding on Uncle Tanner, how does he get his teammates and everybody else to support him?

"Love and a smile. When you know someone loves you then you want to play hard for them. I think that is something special about our team, we get along and we have each other's back," Mangum said. "When I look around at the guys and we can smile at each other they know that they have your back and you have theirs."

Mangum says that the key motivation for his team is their preparation before every game, and he is confident that is a big reason they have had much success this year, despite all the difficulties.

"If you have prepared then your not going to fear, and you will perform your best."

It may be cliche and simple, but its Mangum's perspective and attitude toward life and toward football that is most impressive. What is the secret?

"Keep smiling, have fun and never give up."

This week's Firehouse Subs "Fire Starter" was wide receiver Mitch Mathews. He made an acrobatic, reach from behind touchdown grab from Mangum. It was Mathews' his ninth touchdown reception of the season.


Tanner is a student at Brigham Young University studying Business Management. He is from the great northwest of Portland, Oregon. He hopes to find a profession that combines his passion of sports broadcasting and marketing. Follow him on Twitter: @tapeland.

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