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BYU opened up the spring football practice on Monday.
Cougars come in with an established starting quarterback this year in sophomore Jake Heaps and a new offensive coordinator in Brandon Doman.
Just like last year, Jake Heaps and Riley Nelson were on the field competing, but unlike last March, the quarterback position is not wide open.
Head coach Bronco Mendenhall said, "Jake is the starter going into the spring. Riley (Nelson) or others will have to take the job from him."
Heaps feels much different coming into this season as opposed to last. "It's a big difference. Stepping in and being in a competition and going in and knowing you're the guy and at the head of the reins. It's a big deal and it's a huge confidence booster. It just gives me opportunities to lead the team and go out there and be the person that I want to be and have my team respond to me."
Heaps new offensive coordinator is Brandon Doman, last year's quarterback coach.
"Very confident," said Doman, describing Heaps demeanor, "He's a talented quarterback who has a bright future and we're fortunate to have him."
Heaps likes Doman as the primary signal caller. "It's a blast having him call the plays. To have that relationship, between offensive play-caller and quarterback is huge. It will just lead to more success on the field."
E-mail: kaiken@ksl.com
