Deseret News | BYU took more than just a QB

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BYU took more than just a QB

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USU JOKE! | 12:51 p.m. May 28, 2008

Look....Riley had a Great JV career at USU and is ready to step up....he is better than Max Hall and Bronco made a HUGE mistake not going after Riley in High School......he is the real deal and will star at BYU!

USU is a joke when it comes to Football....and is far from number 3 behind BYU and Utah.......

SNOW College could beat an all star team from USU, Weber and SUU.....fire Guy and get Snow's Coach!

RE:Haters | 12:53 p.m. May 28, 2008

So who do you think contacted Rileys parents?. Let me guess BYU.

Stealing Spirit | 12:54 p.m. May 28, 2008

How could BYU take something that's been missing from Aggie football for years?

Most Aggie fans don't even support their own team, which is not a real shocker, since only the die-hard fans are going to support a perpetual losing team.

When was the last time Utah State had a winning season?

Comments continue below

No big deal | 1:01 p.m. May 28, 2008

Schools are constantly picking up guys on the fringe. I seriously think BYU saw an opportunity to pick up an extra Qb as an insurance policy and Riley was interested. No different than picking up an extra lineman or two. I really don't think they plotted to get this kid in any way. He fits more in a Utah style offense than a BYU offense. If they are seriously looking at a return missionary 5'10 QB to lead them so be it.

Misplaced Priorities | 1:05 p.m. May 28, 2008

"Wow, what a big fiasco over someone who is suppossed to be focusing on a mission."

Get off your high horse and stop being so judgemental. I'm sure if you were to talk to Riley you would find that the short time he spent reading a few emails and pondering his decision had very little, if any, impact on his missionary service.

If you served a mission, can you honestly say that you never once thought about what you were going to do after you mission, while you were still a missionary? If you can, then you're a very rare exception.

SC fan | 1:08 p.m. May 28, 2008

Ya my problem is we win!

Athena_913 | 1:13 p.m. May 28, 2008

to start the color blue no matter what shade is not owned by anyone person. you can not put a copyright on college colors. besides if cant find anything better to do then pick fights about colors and sports may be you should get a life. we do live in a free country so if this young man wants to transfer to a different school so be it.

Re:First step to recovery | 1:14 p.m. May 28, 2008

I totally agree: Zoobies please read.

Ross | 1:19 p.m. May 28, 2008

BYU has stolen more than this from USU over the years, back in the old Skyline Conference (1938-1962) Utah and Utah State both won championships in football, but BYU never could. So when the WAC was started BYU would not vote to let USU in the WAC because they knew they could not beat them. There were not many good conference options and as a result USU football has been in the tank for over 40 years. Thank You BYU! The official reason for not wanting USU was that there would be too many teams from Utah in the same conference, LAME!!!! Do you think the ACC cares how many teams it has in the state of North Carolina? So why should the WAC care how many teams there were in Utah. Then BYU and Utah bolt to make the mountain west a conference no better than the WAC. Only then does USU gets its opportunity to join the WAC. USU is on the rebound, but it will take some time. We need to keep the record straight.

Re: I'm going on a mission | 1:20 p.m. May 28, 2008

I doubt it, but I'll humor you.

What you do on your mission is between you and the Lord. If you spend a little time planning for your future and can still devote your whole heart and soul to your missionary work, that's fine.

The two ARE NOT mutually exclusive.

As with everything, however, the Lord teaches moderation.

This is easy | 1:23 p.m. May 28, 2008

He wanted to leave Utah State and go to BYU. Let's be honest, BYU is a much more successful and, from a competive player's standpoint: enticing football program to be at. It's true. Utah State is a basketball school (sports-wise). BYU is a football school who has enjoyed some success at basketball on the way. The USU football program is a mess. If he wants to go to BYU, ok then. If you were a decent football player with the option and weren't wearing USU glasses when deciding, which would you choose? Be honest....
Why are Ute fans even responding? Their coaches have done this too. And the BYU coed jokes? Have the continual losses to BYU and other MWC opponents (UNLV!!??? ...Seriously!?...) reduced you to name calling? Your football team certainly can't do the speaking on the field, that's been certain.
This happens ALL....THE....TIME.
Go ahead and take the ice cream crown, USU. You can eat all you want while we play in another bowl game after beating the Utes....again....

Aggie Fan | 1:24 p.m. May 28, 2008

Why are the Cougar fans always seem to be like they have to defend themselves by making themselves look better than everyone else? Even when you guys stunk with Gary Crowton after his first year?....WOW...you guys got some issues down there!!

me | 1:23 p.m. May 28, 2008

If Riley could get USU a couple of 6 win seasons he'd be a hero forever up in Cache Valley. At BYU he might not ever start, and hated if he wins less than 8 games a season. Unless he takes BYU to a BCS bowl he'll just be one more good quarterback in a long line of good quarterbacks from BYU.

missionary mom | 1:25 p.m. May 28, 2008

I can't tell you how many missionaries I have fed in my home who after being out on a mission for awhile just want to go to BYU because of the standards. They love their missions and want to maintain that same feeling. Plus so many of their comps. who they have become close friends are going to BYU. Just talked to a returned Missionary that served in our area that is headed to BYU in the fall because of these very reasons ( even though he had fullride tuition etc. in his home state.) Somethings take on more meaning in life when you are serving the Lord

Hey SC | 1:26 p.m. May 28, 2008

Why don't you find a nice UCLA blog to troll?

You can discuss Reggie's running (from the NCAA rules) with the Bruins.

Nobody here really cares about you or your football team.

Could Care Less | 1:44 p.m. May 28, 2008

As a Ute, I could care less about this. It doesn't matter what color the uniforms, what they say on them, or who is in them, If they're on the other side of the line of scrimmage from the Utes, I hope they lose.

I know, this story was not about the Utes, but I am!

Disappointed Cougar | 1:46 p.m. May 28, 2008

I am a true blue Cougar fan and I think that Bronco's recruiting of Nelson is dispicable! I can understand why USU fans are upset. The BYU coaching staff should take a long look in the mirror to hopefully see how repugnant their actions have been. It's time BYU athletics reflect our Mormon values!

Henry Drummond | 1:47 p.m. May 28, 2008

This is way more fun that watching an actual football game. Nice article Brad. Let's throw a little more raw meat out there. Next article should be on how BYU coaches teaching their players how to get away with holding on every play. :)

aggieman | 1:51 p.m. May 28, 2008

For those of you who have any interest, here is what actually happened. When Riley was in high school, as fantastic of a player that he was, no D1 school really gave him a look, other than Utah State, I am sure Rod T. had a little something to do with that. Utah gave him a look and said that he could walk on but wouldn't guarantee him anything. BYU wouldn't even talk to him. From the beginning, Keith Nelson wanted Riley to go somewhere other than USU, that is no secret. He can see where the program is right now. It is going to take years for USu to gain any respectability in football. Favaro has always been aware of the Nelsons wanting Riley to play for a bigger school. When Favaro bumped into Higgins, he asked him if BYU had any interest, and when they said they did, he contacted Keith Nelson, who in turn contacted Riley, and Riley e-mailed the BYU coaching staff. At that point, BYU could pursue Riley, and eventually they offered him upon his return. It really wasn't all that sinister. Only time will tell if he made a good choice.

Silly puddy shaun | 1:58 p.m. May 28, 2008

Oh my gosh,it's off with his head.Eventhough the greatest player ever decides to leave USU:--when Guy's team wins 7 this year all of the cry babies can get dry diapers.

Aggie Fan | 2:07 p.m. May 28, 2008

To missionary mom....that sounds like a valid reason to go to BYU...you can't beat that...that definitely should be a reason why one attends BYU or any other school for that matter...forget all the other stuff. To those others...quit making excuses! Heck, Riley wasn't the only one we lost...we also lost a Poppinga to them too.

Who cares? | 2:17 p.m. May 28, 2008

I'm a USU fan and student, but I also grew up a BYU fan and still support them in football. But lets be honest, Riley isn't going to be that great. He was good here because the best we had before was Leon Jackson III. I could go out there and play better than that, and I've never played football in my life. Riley will be decent, but BYU doesn't need any more QB's. They are pretty set there for the future. And secondly, nobody up here cares about football. We go into the season expecting to win 1 game, and if we win more then the season is a success. We count down the days until basketball season starts because we are a winning program in basketball. We are equals with, if not better than any program in the state of Utah in basketball, but are far behind in football.

The Aggies will rise up! | 2:24 p.m. May 28, 2008

Soon you will Aggie football rise to power in the much more exciting and athletic Western Athletic Conference, to be admired by millions on ESPN, while BYU and the Utes continue to wallow in mediocrity in the MWC, nowhere to be seen on TV and no big time bowl opponent except number 6 in the PAC 10.

There is no room to grow at BYU or Utah, no hope and no challenges, but everything is possible for USU. Riley blew his chance to shine and to stand for something!

JRizzy | 2:30 p.m. May 28, 2008

I lived in Logan for 6 months and attented USU. It was the worst 6 months of my life. Iy is a great school, but the people in Logan are the most arrogant snobs that I have ever met. If your great grandpa did not help settle the area, they don't want you to be there. I left after one semester and headed for the University of Utah. I would run from Cache Valley too if I were Riley. Great move kid!!!!!

OCTOBER 3 = UFC | 2:38 p.m. May 28, 2008

For fans who don't like brawls, please avoid Romney stadium on Friday, October 3rd. I will predict it will get ugly and additional USU security should be on hand. It will be reminicent of BYU entering Laramie to play the Cowboys on a cold November day. Romney Stadium on Oct 3rd will make Rice Eccles look like disneyland!

much to do about nothing... | 2:44 p.m. May 28, 2008

Nelson is only 6'1" and was not recruited by BYU, Utah or others. How good is he really? The only USU transfer that ever amounted to anything was James Dye back in 1996. I suspect he will be even less valuable as a QB after his mission (it took John Beck 3 years to get his arm back after his mission). If Nelson was 6'4" and had a rocket arm then this might be an issue but I doubt the kid will ever play for BYU - other than a spring scrimmage or two.

Re: JRizzy | 3:01 p.m. May 28, 2008

I am sorry that you had such a bad experience in Logan. My experience there was just the opposite. But while we are on the subject. I have honestly never met a normal person who loves Provo. I know a lot of people who love BYU and swear that it is the greatest school in history. But those same people admit that Provo is a little backwards and weird. I am totally serious too. How many of you BYU fans actually want to live in Provo?

hey tstu | 3:04 p.m. May 28, 2008

the name Max Hall comes to mind as a transfer QB who played at his new school...

but I am sure he is the only one. ;-)

Aggie Football | 3:15 p.m. May 28, 2008

As a graduate of Utah State I hope the whole football team transfers. What a waste of money that could be spent on education. Turn the football stadium into an aquarium- you'd get more people there.

Check the Facts | 3:30 p.m. May 28, 2008

RE: Ross

It wasn't BYU and Utah that didn't want USU in the old WAC. Why would they object? Don't blame BYU for this. It was the other schools of the old WAC that didn't want 3 schools from Utah. If you're looking for someone to vent your hatred on try ASU or Arizona. This wasn't BYU or Utah's fault.

sc | 3:39 p.m. May 28, 2008

Another in a long line of Rock written anti-BYU articles. He just can't help it.

Alex Trebek | 3:39 p.m. May 28, 2008

Ross:

Really reaching far into the Way-Back-Machine there, aren't we? I don't care who you cheer for, you can't blame 40 years of ineptitude in football on BYU. I'd say that 40 years is long enough to find a decent coach and get things turned around.

Could Care Less:

Really? I think you really do care, just like all the other yewt fans who are closet Coug fans. Otherwise, why even post that you "don't care?"

Much to do about nothing:

Beck always had the arm--even immediately after the mission. His maturity is what caught up to his talent and he became one amazing player. Plus, let's not try to minimize the hurt caused by Nelson's departure by saying that he won't be that good. If he were coming back to Aggieland you would greet him as the savior of the program.

RE: JRizzy:

I live in Provo and I love it here. Great town. There are losers in every town if you want to look for them. People being a little backwards and weird is not mutually exclusive to Provo. I've traveled many places (over fifteen countries) and could say that of every town I've been to.

"Fearful" | 3:43 p.m. May 28, 2008

RE: Oct. 3rd

Don't worry. Most BYU fans are already aware of USU's policy of selling more tickets than they have seats for during BYU games. Most will be watching on t.v. Hopefully nothing foolish will happen among fans. The rivalry doesn't need idiocy. If this is a threat on your part it doesn't speak well of you or Aggie football. Remember this whole thing was Nelson's decision. It wasn't the BYU fans. We don't blame you for not being happy with his decision. Something tells me the BYU football team will still show up in Logan.

Re:Aggieman | 3:43 p.m. May 28, 2008

And I suppose Jupiter was alligned with mars, and aquarious was in the fifth house of Saturn. And while Rileys high school coach, bumped into Rileys Bishop and Rileys dad bumped into LaVell Edwards while talking to Dallen Oaks and Bronco's wife just happenbed to shopping and bumped into Rileys mom, it all got back to Rileys misson preisdent and while Riley was going door to door it just so happened he ran into Bryce Doman's cousin and they got talking and everyone connected and that's how Riley got the message BYU wanted him. Amazing!

Logan | 3:47 p.m. May 28, 2008

After Ryley committed playing for USU, His father Keith whom had a contract with USU as a Orthopedic Dr. lost his contract with USU. As soon as that happened I felt that Ryley and his family had one less reason to stay faithful to USU. This is my guess as to the true underlying reason behind the transfer?

Gretzky | 3:47 p.m. May 28, 2008

Outstanding comments, one and all. Brad Rock is loving it!! BYU has always been stacking the deck with QB's. what's interesting is that Elder Riley Nelson would want to come to BYU and HAVE to compete for the starting job against other true HS all american QB's at BYU. At USU he's guaranteed the starting job. Similar issues happened for BYU's current backup Gaskins who was set to start for the Nevada Wolfpack after his mission but he too opted for BYU on his misssion but had to go to a JC b/c Nevada would not release him from his scholarship. So, time will tell. Don't rule out Steve Covey the 3rd as a future BYU starter as well. It's too bad that JV teams are no longer allowed to develop these players. It would be great to see these young RM QB's all succeed and get the opportunity to really see what they can do on the game day field.

Off Season | 3:48 p.m. May 28, 2008

I love it, can you all tell this is the off season nothing better to talk about, but it's all good. Football fans this time of year are all temporarilly insane. Can't wait for the season to start and we can be totally insane.

Kansas Coug | 3:50 p.m. May 28, 2008

When I heard that David Locke was coming back to the SL market, I cringed. He was always the biggest BYU-hater I could remember. So when I heard he was coming back, I could already hear the anti-cougar sentiment being conjured up.
So, take whatever the man says on his radio program with a grain of salt. He has a built-in hate, and really a nasty hate at that, for anything BYU. He must have been tortured as a child by being forced fed BYU Creamery items.
I could care less about either program's football teams, being a Kansas alumni (and still basking in a national championship). But if there were a rules violation, it must and will be fully investigated. I'm not a betting man, but my money says Bronco isn't stupid enough to risk his job and the program's reputation on an above average QB with potential, especially when they already have other QB's with equal potential. Just doesn't add up.
I don't hate BYU, but I'm not a cougar homer either. But this David Locke character has some serious resentment issues against that team down south he needs to work on.

bball | 3:50 p.m. May 28, 2008

USU is getting what they deserve. Back when the Y went 1 and 25 in bball the only win was against the Aggies. If it hadn't been for that one game the Y would have gone winless. As always GO UTES.

If you build they will come | 3:51 p.m. May 28, 2008

I feel extremely sorry for USU. I empathise with them. It wasn't long ago that BYU looked to be on the skids and to add insult to injury losing a 5 star quarterback in Ben Olsen. I hope that they can get their program back to prominance. Bronco has built the BYU program back up and recruits are chosing to walk on to BYU rather than getting a scholarship at Stanford. That is a testament that the program is on the right track. I have been to USU and love the atmosphere and it is a wonderful campus. The spirit I felt was akin to BYU. I hope that the programs will get turned around so that recruits will not only choose to stay but that they will be able to steal a few recruits from BYU.

According to Favero | 3:51 p.m. May 28, 2008

BYU coaches did initiate the contact with him and he talked to Riley's Dad, who has also confirmed this. If BYU coaches had not talked to Favero, this would not have happened. Cause and effect Maybe you glorified high schoolers attending BYU could figure it out but then again, maybe not.

Re: Missionary Mom | 3:53 p.m. May 28, 2008

Lady, I served a mission and loved it. But I did not want to go to BYU after visiting the campus and talking to people there. Guess what, I went to Logan and loved it, still live here and love raising my family here. Maybe its not a matter where you live that makes you feel good but how you live. And you can live righteously anywhere you live ... yep even in Cache Valley.

Riley did right | 3:59 p.m. May 28, 2008

The whole argument here lies with the fact that USU fans are mad he left, UU fans are bitter he didn't pick them. I remember the night he chose where he was going and there were 2 hats on the table USU and a red hat (U of U). That may be the reason there is so much bitterness. BYU isn't all they want to be but that program will help him as a person.

STOP ALL THE WHINING, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

my prediction | 4:10 p.m. May 28, 2008

he'll get hurt and beat out!

Re: Alex Trebek | 4:19 p.m. May 28, 2008

Point well taken. We still have to see though how Riley will turn out in Provo since I think winning the starting job there will be a lot more difficult than here in Logan. I do think he'll do well because he seems like a kid that plays with heart and you gotta love that. Thats why it hurts to see him leave. Having said that, he is an adult and can make his own decisions. Noone really knows how it happened so we cant even judge, who contacted whom first. Time for BYU to be excited to get a competitive kid and time for all Aggies here in Logan to get past it. I am sure there will be a player in basketball we will take from under the Y's nose. I guess Tai Wesley is a good example who I believe will be better than his brother by the time he is a senior.
It happens all the time so time to move on and time to stop the whining (both sides, cougar fans and aggie fans).

Cougar Alum | 4:33 p.m. May 28, 2008

Aggie Fans are not the only one miffed about the colors. I'm still scratching my head why BYU changed their colors? Having graduated under the original cougar blue...I have to say I'm a bit miffed. I wish they would change back. At least they brought back a similar logo.

Aggies are going through a heck of a time with their football program. Personally, I hope they can bring it back to a higher level. It would make the football season much more enjoyable having some more competition around.

Rise and Shout!

Ute hater | 4:36 p.m. May 28, 2008

BYU didn't take anything. Riley initiated the contact and it is his decision. Yewt fans are just bitter because who wants to transfer there?

Pocatello Coog | 4:55 p.m. May 28, 2008

I have no problem with BYU offering scholarships to kids on missions as long as the student initiated the contact and that BYU didn't actively recruit the player.

There are very few quarterbacks that transferred schools and made a difference for their new team. Steve Clements came from Texas to BYU and was supposed to lead the Cougars to the promised land. He had a very generic career, mostly as a backup.

Ben Olsen is another quarterback who's choice to transfer (from BYU to UCLA) seems to have been a bad choice. He would have replaced Beck and likely done as well - perhaps better - than Hall did in 2008. Now, he's the UCLA backup.

Transferring quarterbacks just never seem to do well, for whatever reason.

Joe Schmoe | 5:01 p.m. May 28, 2008

Riley's dad, Keith, will NEVER admit it but HE initiated contact. Keith Nelson is a doctor, he's not the official team ortho but he is a doc that has provided medical services to many of the players and been allowed to be on the sidelines for years. That is until Riley came to Aggieville! When Keith Nelson's son Riley signed his letter of intent, he was no longer allowed on the sidelines!

Thats right Cache Valley. BYU did not steal your prize, Your esteemed head coach chased he and his father off campus. Mis-treat the dad and the son will follow the dad off campus!

End of discussion!

Aggman 08 | 5:22 p.m. May 28, 2008

If BYU is so good at Basketball why won't they ever come to the spectrum to play

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