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PROVO -- Position groups have been highlighted throughout the whole season, and we've seen a lot of great dynamics within each group. But no group has experienced the rollercoaster that the quarterbacks have gone through.
Since the beginning of spring ball, it was reported that sophomore quarterback Jake Heaps would be the starter for the season. Heaps took the majority of the snaps in practice throughout fall camp, and started the first five games of the season.
And then almost out of nowhere junior quarterback Riley Nelson emerged as not only a playmaker, but an inspirer to his teammates as well.
Nelson entered the Utah State game with the Cougars trailing in the third quarter and rallied his team to victory. Since then Nelson has remained the starter and has increased the Cougars' offensive output each week (27 points against Utah State, 29 points against San Jose State and 38 points against Pac-12 foe Oregon State).
While Nelson has a stranglehold on the position for now, Heaps is still viewed as the quarterback with the greatest potential and is ready to step in if Nelson begins to struggle. But Heaps and Nelson aren't the only signal-callers for BYU. Junior James Lark and sophomore quarterback Jason Munns are capable quarterbacks.
Riley Nelson- Nelson is not only undefeated as a starter this season with a come from behind victory over Utah State after replacing Heaps mid-third quarter, but as mentioned earlier, is also very instrumental in inspiring his teammates.
Nelson brings a new style to the team with his faster paced play, and ability to escape the pocket and break off a 10-to-15-yard run on any given play. Since replacing Heaps in the third quarter of the Utah State game, Nelson has thrown for 618 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions and run for another 222 yards on 37 carries.
"Riley (Nelson) gives us a unique element because he can scramble for yards, even if the play isn't designed for him," said head coach Bronco Mendenhall. "From a defensive perspective that can be difficult to defend."
Jake Heaps- Coming into spring and fall camp as the clear starter, and since then losing his job, Heaps has some work to do. Through the first five games, Heaps had thrown for 962 yards completing 100/185 passes for three touchdowns and five interceptions. A battle is still intact between Heaps and Nelson, but it is now Nelson's to lose, and Heaps' number one priority is to keep working hard and be devoted to the team.
"You just take it one day at a time and just take it in stride there's really nothing you can do other than just working hard," said Heaps. "It's not going to do me much good to sit here to complain and whine about it. It is what it is."
James Lark-The junior Lark first showed up on BYU campus as a redshirt in 2006. Since then he has returned from a two-year mission, and in the middle of quarterback battle that has kept him on his feet. Lark has shown a lot of promise as a gifted passer, and calm style of play in the pocket. In spring and fall camp Lark did a great job getting the ball to where it needed to be. He has given offensive coordinator Brandon Doman plenty of reason to be comfortable if he ever needed to come into a game situation.
"I would guess that someday he's going to play. Things seem to work out for guys that continue like that. Fighting," said Doman. "To James' credit he continues to prepare, and he's ready to play. He knows that. He's an athletic thrower. A big physical drop back passer."
Jason Munns- A somewhat physical anomaly as a quarterback. At 6 feet 5 inches, 254 pounds, Munns has the body of Ben Roethlisberger, but lacks the time in practice that it takes to really hone the skills necessary to be a potent pocket passer. As a sophomore it's still possible for Munns to learn the system better and be like no other quarterback that has stepped foot on BYU's campus.
"He has never complained. He's fought and wanted a chance. He's positive and supportive," said Doman of Munns. "It's pretty humbling that these guys have stuck around and been loyal to the program, and loyal to me as a coach. I just appreciate them."
Freshman Alex Kuresa was a big recruit out of Mountain Crest high school from Midvale, Utah. Kuresa broke all sorts of records at his high school and really emulates the same style of play as Nelson.
Kuresa will serve a two-year mission after his freshman season at BYU.
There are plenty of great options for quarterback, and although there has been an emotional rollercoaster for the fans as well, there is plenty of reason for fans to be assured that the quarterback position has reassuring depth.
All these quarterbacks combined are restoring the glory of BYU of old that has been known nationally before as "Quarterback U."
Email: onlinesports@ksl.com
