BYU football: Jake Heaps and Riley Nelson making decision tough on coaches

PROVO — BYU quarterbacks Riley Nelson and Jake Heaps are making what was already a tough decision for Cougar coaches even tougher.

Nelson and Heaps combined to lead the offense to five touchdown drives during Tuesday's practice.

"They were great today," said quarterbacks coach Brandon Doman. "I couldn't be more pleased with where they are."

Nelson completed 4-of-6 passes for 63 yards and three touchdowns and rushed six times for 48 yards. Heaps was 10-of-11 for 86 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception.

"We could have had one more touchdown, but Jake had a mishap in the 'blue' zone and threw an interception (to cornerback Brian Logan)," Doman said. "But, gosh, it was a heck of a drive."

The coaching staff is carefully evaluating both quarterbacks, to see if one emerges as a clear-cut starter. Doman said there's no real separation between Nelson, who's a junior, and Heaps, who's a true freshman.

"They're both playing so darn good. They're both so different and they have such unique talents. They're so different, and yet they're exposing their strengths and really doing a good job of what they do well. And they're moving the team," Doman said.

"We're trying to make a decision based off of who's going to drive the team, who's going to convert first downs and who's going to score touchdowns. And these two guys are doing a great job. It will be interesting to see how it shakes out."

This scenario is a new one for Doman. Since he became BYU's quarterbacks coach in 2005, he has entered each season with an undisputed starter — first John Beck (2005-06), then Max Hall (2007-09). Beck started every game but one in those two years (due to an injury), while Hall started every game the past three seasons.

Is Doman hoping that one of his quarterbacks outperforms the other between now and the end of fall camp?

"I don't know we care that one's better than the other. It would be great to have two that are dominant players and two that we could win a championship with," he said. "I think both of these guys are high caliber, as good as anybody in our league."

Coach Bronco Mendenhall has said the Cougars may utilize a two-quarterback system this season and play both Nelson and Heaps.