BYU football notebook: Riley Nelson and Jake Heaps have edge on James Lark at QB

PROVO — In the battle to become BYU's next starting quarterback, junior Riley Nelson and true freshman Jake Heaps are "slightly" ahead of sophomore James Lark after two weeks of drills, coach Bronco Mendenhall said after Tuesday's practice.

Nelson and Heaps have been getting about the same amount of reps this week, while Lark has received fewer than Nelson and Heaps.

"It will probably continue that way through this week, then we'll re-evaluate," Mendenhall said. "We're watching every one of these situations closely ..."

On Tuesday, Heaps completed 3-of-9 passes for 47 yards and led the offense on a touchdown drive. Nelson was 1-of-1 for two yards and Lark was 3-of-5 for 46 yards.

"Ultimately, leading the team into the end zone has to be acknowledged," Mendenhall said. "I think Jake did a nice job of that today. I also think, though, that the grit and determination and leadership that Riley is playing with is a strong force as well. Too early to call a leader at this point."

Mendenhall reiterated, as he has since spring practice began, that this QB battle is expected to continue through fall camp in August.

COACH, PLAYER INVOLVED IN HEATED EXCHANGE: Following a one-yard touchdown run by Harvey Unga during an 11-on-11 situation, several players on both sides of the ball started shoving and pushing around the goal line, which is typical during contact drills.

Somehow a defensive coach got mixed up in the melee and had to be restrained from going after an offensive lineman, who also had to be restrained from going after the coach.

After practice, when asked about it, Mendenhall downplayed the incident.

"They've already apologized and moved on. Any time a coach is involved, there could be pluses or minuses. The pluses are, the coaches are very competitive and they're trying to stand up for a player that they think was mishandled and were trying to stick up for them. With the great programs, there's some energy, and usually some yelling or pushing, then you go about your work. That's kind of what happened. So I think we handled it well and I believe it's already over, from our perspective."

YOUNG AND RESTLESS: Having lost many of his team's senior leaders from a year ago, Mendenhall said the Cougars' performance so far is "reflective of a young team halfway though spring."

Added the coach: "(There are) bright spots on both sides here and there and kind of chaotic and emotional and little bit loose at times. But I like the way they play. I like the way they compete. Poise and maturity and just execution over time, and volume of plays and time spent is going to be what will help us through it."

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