BYU football: James Lark remains reflective regarding his collegiate career

"James has been really competing and competing well from the very beginning," he said. "He had a great fall camp, to the point where we thought that he would have a great chance at possibly being the backup, the way he was competing. So I think this has been a breath of fresh air for him, just to be considered more in the mix now, to get more practice reps."

Lark's experience at BYU "hasn't been easy," Mendenhall added. "He's been in my office a number of times trying to find his place and acknowledge what his path might be and what opportunities he'll get. He's our backup quarterback and he's very good. It's hard to predict how it will play out.

"In this particular case, there are a lot of lessons for young kids out there that it doesn't always go perfectly but if you persevere until the end, sometimes things work in your favor. He's one play away from being our starting quarterback."

Asked if there are plans for Lark to play against Tulsa, Mendenhall said the coaching staff "won't make a special effort to put him in just because."

But, the coach added, "I'm comfortable with James, even though he hasn't played. He actually runs well, too. It would be fun to see him get an opportunity, if and when that happens, possibly in the bowl game. We'll have to see."

Armed Forces Bowl

Tulsa (8-4) vs. BYU (9-3)

Dec. 30, 10 a.m. MT

Ford Stadium, Dallas

TV: ESPN

Radio: 1160 AM, 102.7 FM

email: jeffc@desnews.com