BYU Plans to Utilize Two QBs in 2010

PROVO -- BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall announced Friday that the Cougars plan to utilize a two-quarterback system in 2010 featuring junior Riley Nelson and freshman Jake Heaps.

“We plan on playing both Riley and Jake at quarterback and feel both will be effective leading our team,” Mendenhall said. “Each is a talented player with a different style, which will pose some difficulties for opposing defenses. Both players are committed to this decision and excited to lead our team.”

Nelson appeared in seven games last year as the backup to Max Hall, completing 7-of-10 passes and one touchdown with a strong 186.16 efficiency rating while running for 122 yards (5.8 ypc) and three touchdowns. A transfer who started eight games as a freshman at Utah State in 2006 prior to an LDS Church mission, Nelson completing 55 percent of his passes for 925 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 290 yards with the Aggies. He was a Parade All-American and Deseret News Mr. Football for Utah coming out of high school in 2005.

Heaps, a true freshman out of Skyline High School in Sammamish, Wash., was ranked the No. 1 high school quarterback in the nation by Scout.com and the top pro-style signal caller by Rivals.com. He led Skyline to three state championships while posting a 40-2 record as a three-year starter. In doing so, he amassed 9,994 yards and completed 63 percent of his passes while connecting on 114 touchdowns with only 18 interceptions. Including 30 rushing touchdowns, he totaled 144 scores overall during his three-year career.

“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.”

“I am 100 percent behind this decision,” Heaps said. “I feel the coaches have made the right decision for both Riley and me 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.”

It is anticipated that Nelson will take the opening snap against Washington but both quarterbacks will play.