BYU football notebook: Riley Nelson anxious for big start

PROVO — With just six days remaining until BYU kicks off the 2010 season at home against Washington, junior quarterback Riley Nelson is trying hard not to think about it.

That's because when Nelson conjures up thoughts of game day, he can't relax.

"My heart gets pounding and the adrenaline gets going and I can't sleep at night out of sheer excitement," said Nelson, who will make his first start for the Cougars on Saturday. "There are really no feelings of nervousness or anxiety. It's just an excitement. It's like, 'Fall's here, it's football season. Let's go play.' Those thoughts creep into my mind but I'm telling you, I break out in sweats. It's getting close and it's going to be real fun."

Nelson will share snaps with freshman Jake Heaps as part of BYU's two-quarterback attack.

Last spring, Nelson, a Utah State transfer, told reporters that being the starting QB at BYU "is definitely my goal ... that I've had since I was a little kid."

Last Friday morning, Nelson learned about receiving the starting nod. His reaction to the good news was tempered by the realization that there's still plenty of work that needs to be done before the Huskies roll into town.

"There was no big epiphany. It was, 'Let's win some ball games,' " Nelson said. "Jake and I are still sharing reps in practice. We're both preparing, we're both going to contribute to the team. It's about helping the team win. It doesn't matter who starts, not just at quarterback — at any position. The prevailing attitude of the team is a denial of self and a willingness to help the team."

As it turns out, Nelson's debut as BYU's starting QB will be in front of eight former Cougar All-American quarterbacks — including Steve Young, Jim McMahon, Ty Detmer and Steve Sarkisian (who is Washington's coach) — as part of the school's "Y. Quarterback Weekend."

"That's going to be a real special opportunity. We're definitely cognizant that they'll be here," Nelson said. "Any opportunity we get to rub elbows with them or hear some counsel or advice, I'm definitely going to have a pen and pad handy, because that's a lot of football greatness there."

Any extra pressure knowing these eminent BYU QBs will be in attendance at LaVell Edwards Stadium?