Deseret News | BYU football: USU QB Nelson transferring to BYU

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BYU football: USU QB Nelson transferring to BYU

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Watch out Cougars! | 6:18 p.m. May 27, 2008

Just so you guys remember....USU will beat BYU in Romney stadium 31-28 this year.

Anonymous | 6:36 p.m. May 27, 2008

I remeber the words of my younger brother when he arrived at the "05" Pine View vs. Logan High finals late into the first quarter he whispered to me so no other Pine View fans could hear, " Hey Pine View shouldn't feel to bad because no highschool team can matchup with the 49er's"

Good luck Riley, the sky is now truely the limit !!!!

Life progresses w/ a church view | 6:38 p.m. May 27, 2008

USU is a good school. It has some of the best programs in the state in certain fields. My cousin who was accepted to BYU, chose instead to go to USU for a scholarship in a field that happens to have more notoriety at that university.

But as a whole, BYU is the most sought out university in the state of Utah. BYU has the toughest admittance standard. And if we are talking football, BYU has the best program of late. (My cousin still cheers for BYU football first). For whatever it's worth, as a whole, this all backs the fact that BYU is the most noteworthy school in the state of Utah. So if you hate that BYU is a more elite college than USU, who cares. A fact's a fact.

I'm sad for those who don't understand how a mission fits in a person's life. Who says Riley isn't completely focused on missionary work? Does God still not answer his prayers regarding his continuing personal growth both during and after a mission? Are preparation days and missions in general not a good time to bless and prepare the individuals themselves? What of his progress? Bronco knows!

Comments continue below

All you BYU fans | 6:44 p.m. May 27, 2008

remember all this talk about how a person has a right to go where he wants when he wants when Fisher and the Lakers come to town. Remeber thiis when Ben Olsen and UCLA comes to town. Total hypocrites!.

I said great QB's | 6:50 p.m. May 27, 2008

Hall, Doman, Beck, do not equal: Young, McMahon,Bosco
Two super bowls and an NCAA Championship.
Where have you been, there has not been a GREAT return missionary QB period.

As far as academics BYU: the Oral Roberts of the West

To B WHY U | 7:08 p.m. May 27, 2008

Alright bro. I'm a Utah fan and I'm a LDS. That being said, Riley was the one who contacted the BYU coaches via his dad's Email. And he had to get permission from his mission pres. Although I think that the coaches should have just said, "You have more important things to do." The decision to transfer is an emotional soul searching step that should be made when you get home. But the coaches weren't the ones contacting him. He was contacting them. Still doesn't matter though. Because USU has no athletic program (no you don't have basketball- which star player just graduated again???) And as for BYU, good luck at RES baby! UR GONNA NEED A WHOLE LOT OF IT!!! No more "Magic Happens!" GO UTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cougtucky | 7:08 p.m. May 27, 2008

Re: Watch out Cougars!

It's remotely possible but highly improbable. I just hope that Utah State can do better in the WAC this year. I'd love to see some them become a power in the WAC. Unfortunately, the fans in Logan aren't backing up their team. Home attendance was less than 12,000 in 2006. How can a team improve with that kind of fair weather fan base? Here at Kentucky we had a few seasons in which there were only a few wins but attendance still average over 50,000. I don't think its a coincidence that the teams with a large fan base have regular periods of success. I think Nelson also understands this principle. Anyway, good luck Nelson - hope you excel as a BYU QB! Go Cougs, Cats!

Non-issue | 7:09 p.m. May 27, 2008

BYU did nothing to violate any NCAA rules and Riley followed the protocol set forth by his mission president. What exactly is the problem?

So you hate BYU... join the club. I'm sorry but no matter how much you want it to, this "event" just doesn't mean that BYU is evil or hypocritical. The kid made his own decision based on what was best for him. All of you would have done the same thing is his stuation, and if you disagree you're just lying to yourself.

Aww football! | 7:41 p.m. May 27, 2008

I have learned by experience that football is the greatest game in the world! Why? Because of all sports, football most emulates real life. To be good at the game, one must play it with their heart. Football doesn't build character, it reveals it. One must persevere over pain, fatigue and bad breaks, more so than in basketball or baseball. Basketball is too much controlled by referee's "judgement" calls and baseball is really only a pitchers game. Football is a pure game with but one judgement call;pass interferance. Football is a man's game. Only really men need apply! Maybe that is why BYU is usually very good at football; lots of real men on campus! Also, the co-eds are prettier and are real women! They make wonderful wives and mothers! I know this from experience too! Elder Nelson will fit in very well at BYU.

B-real | 7:52 p.m. May 27, 2008

The Utah State Aggies and the Utah Utes are completely living in there owen vacum of reality. Only in the "Aggie" & " Ute" world is there a rivalry with BYU. The majority of "Y" students are not from Utah let alone Salt Lake City and Logan. The BYU student learns about the other schools when they arrive in Provo. Wow, Provo, Sal Lake City and Logan Utah its all small town USA!!!! But I love it GO COUGS..

Back off | 8:31 p.m. May 27, 2008

Regarding Ben Olson - Any fan of any school would be upset if the #1 rated quarteback transfered to another school. To call BYU hypocritcal because they were upset when Olsen transfered is, well, hypocritical.

The "holier than thou" element out there who claim there is not a place in missionary life to plan for one's future simply has no idea what it is like to be a missionary. ALL MISSIONARIES take time to prepare for their future while on their mission. NO MISSIONARY spends 24 / 7 focusing solely on missionary work. That is why a missionary is given a p-day, to do things other than missionary work.

It sounds to me like Elder Nelson considered his options, made a decision and is now ready to move on with the rest of his mission. The whole process might have taken, well, ONE p-day. Sounds pretty efficient to me.

All of you preaching about the hypocrisy of BYU, Coach Mendenhall, or Elder Riley need to back off because YOU DO NOT KNOW THE FACTS.

This is just another opportunity to show your hatred of BYU. Well, talk is cheap. You hate BYU that much? Then beat us ON THE FIELD.

" Mormon" Utah Fan | 8:42 p.m. May 27, 2008

I always find it interesting that Bronco (or Biff as our family refers to him) has the authority to contact a missionary in the field. Yes, I know other people can justify it all they want, but as a missionary they agree to put all that aside and concentrate on their mission. Biff and Elder Nelson were both wrong in doing this. Too bad the mission president saw it differently. Other families don't get these same privliges. Isn't it funny how Biff brags up all his returned missionaries one day and the next he's out recruiting them? Whay to set a great example BIFF.

John | 8:53 p.m. May 27, 2008

I'm a BYU fan and have even had season tickets in the past, but this just seems wrong on BYU's part. There are a lot of people on here trying to explain that what BYU did isn't wrong. If something isn't wrong, it doesn't need an explanation. If someone has to try to convince you that a certain action isn't wrong, then it's wrong. Correct actions need no explanations.

Anonymous | 9:38 p.m. May 27, 2008

Anyone know the phone number to James Lark's mission president? Apparently it's allright to recruit proselyting missionaries. Lark might be interested in hearing how Mendenhall's commitment to "not recruit another quarterback from the same graduating class" has been honored. BYU stop pretending you are any different than any other institution. Hypocites!

re to "b real" | 10:04 p.m. May 27, 2008

How is it that "The Utah State Aggies and the Utah Utes are completely living in there owen vacum of reality"? (Nice spelling by the way genius)

Obviously USU's program stinks. There are a handful of Aggies that make a little noise, you see a little of it on this thread - but it's mostly sour grapes. Most of us know the program is terrible.

Just try to be a good sport about it. Comments I've seen on this web site the last couple of days like "go pitch some hay", or "go grow some corn", or "USU is the new Ricks - a farm team for BYU" are not necessary. Those types of comments fuel the perception with a lot of fans from a lot of schools that BYU players, students, and fans are arrogant jerks.

I know it's hard but just try to have some class, ok?

To Back Off | 10:08 p.m. May 27, 2008

Why do you think other fans have a problem with BYU sometimes?

Guys like you give Y fans a bad name pal.

the next steve young? | 10:24 p.m. May 27, 2008

I've seen this kid play football many times...I honestly see a mix of steve young and Brandon Doman in him. Hes got toughness and the ability to get the job done and will use his feet when needed. And I saw somewhere that someone said Riley has no arm...Thats a lie for one, and another thing. Max Hall's arm strength is about the same as Rileys and look at the success he had. I see Riley Redshirting for Max's senior year and stepping into QB U! Generation Next of BYU Greatness is only beginning...We are still filtering out a few more of Crowtons recruits, once we have pure Mendenhall recruits then expect greatness...

May I have the last word? | 10:28 p.m. May 27, 2008

Those of you who think you know everything are starting to really irritate those of us who do!

Bruin fan in Logan | 11:09 p.m. May 27, 2008

I wonder why Riley did not wait until after October 3rd to stab the Aggies in the back by signing with the evil empire. You would think the kittens would want to get out of Romney Stadium with a win. Way to throw fuel on the fire Bronco and Riley!!!!

oj | 11:17 p.m. May 27, 2008

fact
1/ not illegal, no ncaa sanctions
2/ BYUdoes need a qb in 2010>
3/ why should nelson play where he might get two or three wins per season
4/ BYU did nothing wrong no law against it
5/ NCAA will never change the grey shirt rule, does not effect that many student/athlete
so what's the big deal, I dont see the the NCAA getting involved. So quit yer bellyaching let the kid play where he he wants, nobody broke any rules.....

re: last word | 11:21 p.m. May 27, 2008

NO! I realize Utah State hasn't been that great lately, but does anyone know why Elder Nelson didn't go to the Y in the first place? Was he offered a scholarship and turned it down, or is the Y just all of a sudden interested in him?
Just as a side note: I always told my missionaries to obey the rules at all times and good things will happen. I guess it remains to be seen what will happen with Elder Nelson. Good Luck Elder!

Ben Olson haters... | 11:34 p.m. May 27, 2008

...are now Riley Nelson lovers??

I'm a BYU fan, but I just don't understand why the same folks who were so passionate about hating Ben Olson for transferring from BYU during his mission are now so excited about another QB transferring to BYU during his mission.

But unfortunately that is the sad state of most BYU fans... hypocrites!

GO Cougs | 11:45 p.m. May 27, 2008

I cannot belive you utah fans think BYU did something wrong. You are just mad he did not go to Utah, so quit balling and realize BYU is the best school in the state and bronco is the best coach the state of utah has ever seen, with the exception of the great Lavell Edwards. Bronco has so much class and is a tremendous person, how could anybody not like him. oh ya Utah fans because they hate the fact that somebody can be such a great person and a great coach. Unlike that loser at Flordia.

Re:Back Off | 12:07 a.m. May 28, 2008

Let me guess none of us know the facts but you do!.
typical!.

BYU | 12:15 a.m. May 28, 2008

keep recruiting 5'9 QB's, the more the better.

RE:AW football | 12:22 a.m. May 28, 2008

Cheezzy!

RE: to B REAL reply | 1:15 a.m. May 28, 2008

Selfabsorbed in your little Utah red rivalary with people who attend school in Provo. Face it how can you care outside of SLC about the utes!! Nobody can hear your mickey mouse club tune fight song "THE UTAH MAN" You proved the point of a one way who cares rivalary.

Strictly Fact | 1:25 a.m. May 28, 2008

The most reprehensible thing here is the scramble for the moral high ground. People have made assertions ranging from Nelson is not a good missionary to BYU proceeded illegally/unethically, without so much as a shred of evidence. No more moral posturing, you don't know the situation, let the kid go where he feels it is best to go.

There is a lot of hostility towards Nelson and comments that he is/was nothing special. Regardless of what your opinion may be, he set national records. He literally replaced Tim Tebow's responsible for touchdown record. That is something that not all quarterbacks have a claim to.

I love how people want to cite the undergraduate rankings from the USNews as their closing statement in any academic argument for comparisions between institutions. BYU is a great academic institutiion, but Utah State awards more advanced degrees and is engaged in more research. The U, considering both criteria, is perhaps the most impressive institution in the lot.

In summation: don't be judgmental, don't hate, and go to the U

B-real to Mr. Reply | 1:28 a.m. May 28, 2008

You need to watch your little loving phrases like "stinkys" "terrible" or "sour grapes" you wouldnt want people thinking your an "arrogant jerk" and a "poor sport" now would ya!!!!!

marty | 4:09 a.m. May 28, 2008

Maybe some Aggie fan could enlighten me. I'm from Pocatello, ID. A few years back, a kid from my ward signed with USU. He was the Idaho 5A player of the year, and won a couple of state champs. His name is Cole Nielsen. I think he redshirted his freshman year then went on a mission. I moved from Pocatello in the meantime, so I wondered what ever happened to him as I have not seen his name mentioned anywhere. Can anyone out there enlighten me?

He's an undergraduate | 8:37 a.m. May 28, 2008

BYU has never been set out to be the best graduate school in the state. They are primarily an undergraduate school, and at that they are the best in the state. And I do believe Nelson is an undergraduate.

steven | 9:59 a.m. May 28, 2008

whats byu gonna do with james lark?

USU was the only QB promise | 12:03 p.m. May 28, 2008

When Riley had all of his offers, there was only one school that promised to give him a scholly so he could play football, BYU offered him a walk on spot, UofU wanted to make him a safety. The only school to recruit him soley as a QB was USU, BYU had no interest and no scholarship for him. Now that he got a year under his belt at QB and has been on a mission, all of a sudden BYU offers a scholarship. Sorry USU, I guess you should have never played him as a QB that year, kept his redshirt and then he would have come back to USU, and not be going to BYU. That is the sad part of it all, USU gave him his chance at QB when no one else would, and this is how it turns out in the end. BYU did not want Riley, but USU did, wow how things change. Yea, how happy is James Lark now, I bet he has a lot of love for BYU.

Utah | 4:05 p.m. May 28, 2008

This is just another excuse for classless utah fans to trash BYU. As a USU alumni who could blame Nelson, I was surprised he chose USU to begin with. The Aggies have a great basketball tradition but their football program is dead and has been for several years. Notice how Utah was never a consideration for Nelson!

rtn w/honor | 1:43 p.m. May 29, 2008

Can't keep his word on a four year commitment. Young ladies, he might not be able to keep other
long term commitments.

Why not recruit before or after? | 1:06 a.m. June 2, 2008

If BYU is so interested in this kid, why didn't they offer him a scholarship before his mission? Why not wait until he's home? I guess BYU doesn't have a problem breaking the rules laid out in the missionary handbook, "You will be an official representative of the church. You will be expected to devote all your time and attention to serving the lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs." *Unless Bronco decides this is the time to contact you to play for BYU.

Strictly Fact | 11:13 a.m. June 2, 2008

An academic institution's reputation for excellence is an outgrowth of all of its programs and the success it breeds at all levels. If the Y's claim to fame is being the 79th best undergraduate institution, you are welcome to that legacy. My point was that any ranking taking into consideration the entire picture (THES-QS World University Ranking, Academic Ranking of the World's Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong U., Webometrics Rankings, Wuhan U.) ranks the U higher where the Y is lower/absent. If Elder Nelson is interested in the school with the best academic reputation (period, no proviso's like best undergraduate or best for redheads) then he should go to the U---Go Utes!!!

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