From Deseret News archives:
BYU receives pledge from All-American QB
Riley Nelson, a Parade All-America QB from Logan, who attended Utah State as a freshman before going on an LDS mission, will play at BYU upon his return from Barcelona, Spain in March 2009, according to his father, Keith Nelson.
With permission from his mission president, Nelson and BYU coaches have communicated through e-mail and came to an understanding about Nelson transferring to BYU. Nelson informed his parents of the decision on Monday morning, a national holiday.
"He looked at this from an emotional, academic and athletic perspective and decided this was the best thing for him to do," said Keith Nelson.
At 6 foot-1, Nelson was one of the bright spots for the Aggies when he took over QB duties during a dismal season two years ago.
Nelson he sat behind Leon Jackson III for the first five games and watched Jackson implode, and finally in Game 6 Nelson made his first start and led the Aggies to the 13-12 victory over Fresno State for their only win of the 2006 season.
For the year, he threw for 874 yards and six touchdowns, while throwing six interceptions. He also rushed for 277 yards, second-best on the team.
While at Utah State, Nelson set the USU record for percent completions for a game by completing 21 of 24 passes (84 percent) against San Jose State. He was voted a 2006 year team captain (one of three) by teammates.
Nelson's football resume is as good as they come regardless of competition.
"Riley believes he has a lot to learn from BYU quarterback coach Brandon Doman. He respects him and is looking forward to working with him. Riley wanted to get this decision out of the way so he could focus on the most important thing in his life right now, his mission work, which he loves," said Keith.
Nelson's addition to BYU's quarterback corps will impact competition by Jason Munns and James Lark. Munns, a freshman, participated in spring practice and was rumored to be headed for the mission field before fall practice, while Lark left for missionary service after the 2007 season. They are expected to return for the 2011 season. Nelson could be the stop-gap after Hall's departure, expected after the 2009 season. Nelson has a redshirt year available.
Here is a breakout of his profile on Utah State's website:
He was named a Parade All-American... Named Mr. Football in the state of Utah by the Deseret Morning News... Was the Gatorade Utah Football Player of the Year as well... Was an all-state selection and the class 3A MVP... Set a national record accounting for 84 touchdowns (53 passing and 31 rushing) as a senior... Also set national record for six touchdowns per game... Finished his high school career with nine Utah state records, including career total touchdowns (130), career passing touchdowns (79), season completions (277), season passing yards (4,041), season passing touchdowns (53), season total touchdowns (84), season total yards (5,815), single-game completions (38) and single-game touchdown passes (seven)... Led Logan to the 3A state championship as a senior... Also played baseball for three years and was a two-time all-region selection... Played basketball one season... Born June 2, 1988 in Salt Lake City, Utah... Son of Keith and Joni Nelson... Father played football at USU, while his grandfather Rod Tueller was an Aggie basketball coach and athletics director.
Recent comments
The NCAA should have some sort of commitment rule, where if you...
John | May 29, 2008 at 1:55 p.m.
Re: Anonymous "Isn't this the same Mendenhall who spent all day on...
Mendenhall | May 28, 2008 at 2:55 p.m.
National Championship? Who are you people?
Re: Face It | May 28, 2008 at 11:41 a.m.
- Sloan may toy with starting lineup 10:02 a.m.
- Iran began nuke plant 7 years ago 9:32 a.m.
- Downpours swamp Mid-Atlantic 9:31 a.m.
- John King replacing Dobbs show 9:30 a.m.
- Obama announces jobs forum 9:29 a.m.
- Oil falls below $79 7:53 a.m.
- Stocks open lower 7:53 a.m.
- Iranian Consulate fatally shot 7:49 a.m.
- AP poll: Family dinner survives 7:47 a.m.
- Palestinian election may be called off 7:45 a.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- Crash kills Utah County man
- Will state consider gay rights law?
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- Tavernari has matured
- Cougars practice with urgency
- Celtics crush Jazz
- House passes health care bill
289 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
254 - TCU showdown has big implications
195 - Senators want food tax restored
157 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
109 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
104 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
101
The popular world message is "God helps those who help themselves" very...
Makes me want to throw up. This is out of some sick horror novel or movie. ...
TCU dominates everyone? Kind of like they dominated Air Force and Clemson?
I think our midfield is playing well enough to keep him contained. Hopefully...
to: Re:Close Minded. I got my definition from the same place as you...
Well said, this letter. One can wave the flag of the Constitution, but it...
Yeah, cause I am sure you are doing way more with your life than he is.
Haters, say what you want. I love soccer. My brother and sisters love...
Kyle's hubris in startingg a freshman QB with almost no game experience...
At least we have the BCS bowl to talk about as a possibilitey and a not so...
