BYU football: Cougars optimistic about QBs

PROVO — Ask BYU quarterbacks coach Brandon Doman about the stable of young QBs in the program, and he responds immediately with a broad smile.

"I think we have a very exciting future for us at the quarterback position," Doman said.

The Cougars, of course, will open the upcoming season with a senior starter, Max Hall. During spring drills, BYU has only two other quarterbacks on the roster, senior Brenden Gaskins and junior Parker Mangum. Stephen Covey, who was the scout team quarterback last season, has been switched to wide receiver.

Doman is optimistic about the QBs who will join BYU in the near future.

First, there's Utah State transfer Riley Nelson, who returned from a mission to Spain just days before spring drills began. While he is not participating in spring practice, he'll join the team soon.

"Riley, alone, coming home off his mission and being a part of our program now adds some depth into this season but also bridges a gap between 2009 and 2010, which we originally did not have," Doman said. "And the idea that he has played a year of college and has started football games and is a returned missionary, there will be some maturity there that we wouldn't have had otherwise. That maturity will be very helpful for us."

Nelson started the final eight games as a true freshman for the Aggies in 2006, completing 55 percent of his passes for 925 yards and six touchdowns. He also rushed for 290 yards.

As a senior at Logan High School, Nelson passed for more than 4,000 yards and accounted for 84 touchdowns en route to earning Parade All-America and Deseret News Mr. Football honors. He set nine state passing records. For now, Doman is looking for Nelson to contribute next season.

"He started games and I think he's hungry. I don't see a need to sit him out or redshirt him, unless he's just not ready physically or mentally," Doman explained. "If he's physically prepared and ready, I don't see why not get him going and intermixed in everything we're doing, even participating in games. But only time will tell. It will be up to Riley, on how well he comes in and competes against Brenden and his state of readiness. At that point, we'll evaluate and make a decision. If I were Riley, and I'm happy to be his coach, my advice would be to get ready to go."