Deseret News | Could top QB be headed to the Cougars?

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Dick Harmon: Could top QB be headed to the Cougars?

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Doug | 6:35 a.m. June 4, 2009

If BYU spent as much time recruiting Defensive positions as they do on offense, we might win a national championship again.

Also, BYU should recruit the best "athletes" they can find, and spend less recruiting for position. A #2 quarterback recruit, for example, may make a great Safety or even running back. Let's take care of using the talent, rather than pigeon holing them in a position at recruitment time. We might just get more great athletes that way.

Nice Choice | 7:13 a.m. June 4, 2009

Way to go BYU, way to stock pile QBs. Good Luck fighting for a roster spot. So who will be the odd man out??? Poor choice!

MidWestUte | 7:38 a.m. June 4, 2009

Kid is only 17? Still has senior year? He hired publicist for this? How will his ethics be compared to that Nielson kid who dumped USU? Couple years on mission--then get in shape?

Better check his suitcase and make sure he doesn't have airline tickets to other schools hidden away?

Comments continue below

Bob in line | 7:39 a.m. June 4, 2009

BYU has had some great teams as of late. Sadly, some feel that they are only great if they repeat 1984. Not so. Most colleges will never see their team win 10 or 11 games several years in a row.

SJ Bobkins | 7:49 a.m. June 4, 2009

The two sources unnamed I believe are his Sammamish high school coach and his dad. (speaking to Robert C. of the Seattle Times)
Please no more nasty phone messages that I am a total idiot for not even knowing which high school Jake is from. For the record, He plays at SKYLINE HS, which is in the town of SAMMAMISH. Therefore it is completely accurate to write, (as I did) "his Sammamish high school coach".
BTW-The announcement will be made at 1 p.m., in PROVO. Jake Heaps is already here. Last I heard they will be doing it from a restaurant close to the stadium. I think there is a good chance that means the Riverwood Shopping area to the North, maybe Macaroni Gill or the locally owned real nice place on the far west side of the development. I'd like to be there, unfortunately I'm in Tacoma, then onto Phoenix.

YtxPat | 7:59 a.m. June 4, 2009

Heaps or not, cougars will beat horned frogs and the sweet tutes this year.

Re: Oh Great | 8:06 a.m. June 4, 2009

Your sorry ute troll post barely merits a response. Nice attempt at throwing "we" into your post when you talk about BYU...that'll fool 'em! Every sporting news magazine in the country mentioned the outside chance of a NC for BYU last year (and ESPN has done so already this year) so don't kid yourself into thinking it was just BYU fan hype. The "quest" as you define it was lost to TCU not the U, but since you are clearly a Ute fan who doesn't watch BYU games I'm not sure why you are posting your stupidity for public display. As for your six game losing streak, do you really think Utah State is going to beat BYU in Provo? Really? That comment alone removes all credibility or semblence of BYU fanhood. Next time you go trolling try to put on a lighter shade of red goggles so as to not be so obvious...Wee. It's better to remain silent and thought a fool than to post in a public forum and remove all doubt.

Nice but.... | 8:09 a.m. June 4, 2009

This is a nice pickup for the Cougars. But isn't this like the Jazz getting another guy who can score? BYU always has good QB play. He may be slightly better than someone already on the roster who would have been the next starter, but this isn't the need for BYU.

WE NEED HELP ON THE DEFENSIVE SIDE OF THE BALL. TCU, Utah, Arizona, Washington, UNLV, CSU. Those teams made our defense look like a bunch of high school athletes.

Nice for Bronco to finally get a top LDS recruit, but if this had been Manti Teo from last year, a real defensive talent, I'd be more impressed.

re: Bob | 8:12 a.m. June 4, 2009

Correction. BYU has had some GOOD teams lately.

Great would be going to the BCS, twice. Being undefeated, twice. Winning a BCS game, twice.

Big difference between the two. One realizing potential, the other likes to talk then disappoint.

Westg323 | 8:14 a.m. June 4, 2009

Nothing but positive for BYU.He will attract other top recruits even if he doesn't pan out as another great QB. Chances are very high, with BYU's great system, that he'll be very good. His chances apparently are better than any other freshman qb in the country. He has all the tools.

Hey | 8:14 a.m. June 4, 2009

aren't we (LDS) supposed to be representatives of the church all over? Therefore, an outstanding LDS athlete will be better off not going to BYU.....LOL!!

News? | 8:26 a.m. June 4, 2009

This is nice for the Cougs, but should this really be breaking news?

A white LDS kid from Washington who plays QB could pick BYU? Shouldn't this be the norm? BYU has a great QB tradition, and the kid is LDS. This isn't Manti Teo from last year.

It's also not surprising since it is being reported that Washington is going to get a pledge from Joe Montana's son to play QB for them. I think that opened the door for this kid to head to Provo.

its really funny... | 8:47 a.m. June 4, 2009

...how the ute fans get on here and start talking about the other #1 recruit (Ben Olson). They are honestly just upset that they will never have a chance of getting a #1 recruit. B/C BYU is a sponsored by the church and can draw the attention of the LDS athletes, BYU will always be one step ahead of utah when it comes to recruiting. I'm not saying that BYU is better, I'm just saying that they have an upper hand. If you disagree you need a reality check

More About Religion | 8:51 a.m. June 4, 2009

This kids choice (in my opinion) is more about religion than it is about football programs. If this kid were non-LDS, would he even be sniffing BYU with offers from 26 schools...probably not. If he really is as good as his hype is, he should choose Washington or a team that runs a more "pro-set" type offense, since he probably has sights set on the NFL. BYU's offense is gimicky (Utah's is too) and is good to win in college but not so much in the NFL. Look at the top QB's in this year's draft...Stafford (pro-set offense in college) and Sanchez (pro-set offense).

This kid is choosing programs based on religion rather than whats good for his long-term football development.

Respect him | 8:52 a.m. June 4, 2009

I think you have to respect him for his decision. I think BYU has a great campus atmosphere. This decision was probably more about a life choice than a football choice. Why would the #1 QB in the country want to throw it to a bunch of 4.8 receivers?

Seriously | 8:58 a.m. June 4, 2009

If he truly was the top QB in the country why in the heck would he even waste his time going to BYU? There would be so many other schools who can get the pieces around him to make him a better player and a bunch of white guys won't do it. It would make all the sense in the world for him to go to Florida since this is tebows last year. I can understand why he wouldn't want to play for the trainwreck known as Washington, the school BYU only beat by 1 point and went winless last year. I think the media is lying about him being the top HS QB.

Enough Already | 8:59 a.m. June 4, 2009

This kid is the #1 prospect on Scout.com. Not just the #1 quarterback, but the #1 prospect for all positions. How is this anything but a positive for the Y? Sure, every recruit is a gamble with health, transfers, grades, etc., but even so, how is this anything but position for BYU athletics and the Mtn West? Who cares about Ben Olsen...because of that, we aren't supposed to be amped about a #1 recruit? Give me a break. How many glass half empty posts are there going to be today?

Top that recruit | 9:02 a.m. June 4, 2009

If the top QB prospect comes to BYU, then BYU just outrecruited everyone in the nation. QB is the most important position. BYU has been one of the best programs for many years specifically because it is one of the best QB schools (if not the best). Grabbing the best QB takes nothing away from getting many other great recruits as well. This is beautiful!

Any of you who act like Jake Heaps commiting to BYU is no big thing are either jealous or only kidding yourselves. This will be a bad day for you and the rest of the nation. But a great day for the program that knows how to "keep it rolling" every year.

Go Cougars!

andrewute1 | 9:16 a.m. June 4, 2009

How are you supposed to read into this when he wont even be playing for byu for 3 years!!

Top that recruit? | 9:21 a.m. June 4, 2009

In response to Top that recruit. Heaps is a great grab, but if you know anything about football a Quarterback needs a great offensive line, running back, and receivers. Real college football schools (like the SEC, Big 12...etc) get top recruits all the time. Check out any recruiting internet database. So I don't think that it will necessarily be 'a bad day' for them. Just wait and see once you meet Oklahoma! You will get blasted just like TCU got blasted by them last year! Get over not being a 'big boy' in college football

Some Guarantees | 9:41 a.m. June 4, 2009

1. Heaps will enroll early at BYU in January 2010.

2. He is not going on a mission.

3. Lark will transfer before he even returns home leaving Heaps and Nelson to battle it out Spring 2010 and Munns to be in the mix later that summer.

4. We are probably looking at our first true freshman starter.

5. His skills are a GREAT fit for BYU's offense.

6. Apo will also sign with BYU (currently signed with Texas) and will see playing time as a true freshman.

Roster not a problem | 9:49 a.m. June 4, 2009

I keep hearing the complaint that BYU is stacked at QB. First off, that's a great problem to have, but, second, it's not as big a problem as many are saying.

Heaps isn't joining BYU until 2010 and he may redshirt and/or serve a mission so a logjam will probably work itself out.

2009 - Nelson will be a sophomore this year backing up Hall.

2010 - open competition between Nelson, Heaps, Munns and Lark for the starting position. Why is that a problem? If Heaps doesn't land a spot at #1 or #2 then he'll probably redshirt. If Heaps is good enough to take the spot from Lark, Munns and Nelson then he'll start for four years and the third/fourth stringers may leave the program or change positions.

2011 - If Nelson gets the spot in 2010 then Heaps backs him up in 2011 for one season and takes over for three years. If Lark/Munns get the spot then Heaps probably goes on a mission or plays backup for two years and takes over as a Jr. in 2013. Heaps will have multiple opportunities to compete for the starting position regardless. Love it!

re: its really funny | 9:49 a.m. June 4, 2009

As a Utah fan, I agree with you completely. BYU has a built in advantage with any kid who is LDS. As the religion expands and grows, it can only help open doors for the Cougars. They may not get everyone, but they will get the opportunity to recruit guys just for the religious factor.

Having said that, this get is nice, but shouldn't be unexpected with BYU. He is a white LDS kid from Washington who plays QB. He should be considering BYU, otherwise there is something wrong.

The bigger get would have been Teo a few months ago. Addressing the defense with the best LDS athlete in the country would have been huge for BYU. The QB position is always going to be good at the Y. This might make the offense a little better, but the defense is still slow and unathletic.

The Utes have nothing to be jealous about. They have a good group of QB's around for years with Wynn and Robles. They are also cashing in on the Sugar Bowl with more kids from Texas. Athletes who help you compete with the BCS leagues.

Good for BYU to keep this kid.

lamers | 10:00 a.m. June 4, 2009

OK what you all are forgetting is that Heaps wont start for at least two years. 1 more year of HS and then he most liekely will redshirt one year or play backup while he learns the system. So quit thinking that all of a sudden BYU is going to make a huge leap forward. Lots of other pieces still ahve to come togetehr to make a team. Let it play out and we will all see.

Wake up | 10:01 a.m. June 4, 2009

True Blue, how will he have a year to learn under Max Hall? He is still in high school. As for those who think other good QBs won't consider BYU, you don't know much about football. Some of the greatest have been backups, who were ready when that unlucky hit came. Others were like Steve Young, believing he could unseat anyone and Brandon Doman, who was patient and confident he could do the job. With missions and injuries you don't know who will emerge as the guy from year to year. You guys whine when we get the guy and whine when we don't. What is it you want? Besides high school and D-1 football are miles apart.

jpboston | 10:08 a.m. June 4, 2009

Look at the recruit list on rival or scout...no CB or S. Scary thoughts. Recruiting is hit or miss. Heaps is #1 at all positions by Scout and #9 just in QB's and not in the top 100. My concern isn't at QB, but where is the speed in our defensive backs and NO RECRUITS?

loyal reader | 10:18 a.m. June 4, 2009

My son, an eighth-grader, has announced he will attend UCLA on a full-ride scholarship where he plans on playing quarterback after he finishes high school where he will doubtless be named "Mr. Football" as well as all-time All-State. We're very excited for him. (Two years off for the obligatory mission...)

More Guarantees | 10:20 a.m. June 4, 2009

If he's any good he will declare for the NFL draft and not stay at BYU for all 4 seasons

Realism | 10:39 a.m. June 4, 2009

The real recruiting story at BYU is that you will never get who you really needdue to that honor code so mired in Law of Moses tradition. Grow up and try a little free agency down there.

And while you're at it--how about implementing some contact in your practices as oppose to nancing around in your "shells," and put an end to all this #5 on the priority list talk.

In the interest of the MWC, it's time you put a decent product on the field again, because it's been a long time that has occurred.

SJ Bobkins | 10:40 a.m. June 4, 2009

To Clarify: Nick Montana was the 2nd choice for Washington. Their number #1 recruit overall was Jake Heaps. Nick and a Sroggins kid out of SoCal were the back-ups in case Sark lost Jake. Our friends dumping on BYU as a program missed the rather glowing article by the folks at SCOUT on QB Univ.
BYU hasn't been recruiting QB's, the last two years waiting for Jake. Riley was a surprise. They know what their needs are, why so many of you assume that if they don't have a dozen 4.3 Wideouts and 4.4, 6'4" corners that the defensive coaches are out to lunch?
There aren't a lot of 4.3 WR's and there aren't very many tall corners with great speed. Keep a watch on some top 10 linebackers who are visiting this week, led by 3-stars Ching UT Bensen AZ, Fua CA, Anderson NV, and 4-star Zac Stout CA, Valnuku CA. I think this class can be a top 20 if they get the majority of the linebackers, a top 15 with Apo, a top 30 if they miss.

I love it.... | 10:40 a.m. June 4, 2009

I love it..."this kid has great character" - I think I've heard this before... until the kid decides to go somewhere else... then we all hear how questionable his values are or that his character isn't up to byu standards.

Whether this kid goes to byu or not doesn't matter to me, I just wish some of you people would look at yourselves and realize this high school kid playing a sport and stop being so judgemental.

Experts or Amateurs? | 10:41 a.m. June 4, 2009

Thanks 9:21 am,

Thanks for pointing out the obvious. Now that you have educated us about what else is needed on a good football team. Let's see if Oklahoma wants to play BYU without fielding anyone in the QB position. Silly!

We all know that this is only one recruit who only fills one position, but it is still the top pick. No team in the nation will get a better pick today than BYU will. So people who know football should not devalue that. Now if BYU turns out like the 49ers and Alex Smith, I guess it will be all for naught, but right now we have to base what Heaps can do off of expert projections, not off of fans like you who just proclaim to know football.

andrewute1 | 10:52 a.m. June 4, 2009

jpboston-

That is byu's philosophy, outscore its opponents. All offense, and no defense that has been the way byu has worked for years. It worked in the past, but defense wins championships period! If byu were to get a defense they could be scary. Utah and tcu is building their defenses for the future, while byu is building for offense. It will be very interesting to see what plays out in the next 5 years with this. Congrats byu on the good recruit, but "remember its hard to throw a pass lying on your back" from the Utah defense:)

hmm... | 10:56 a.m. June 4, 2009

"if you know anything about football a Quarterback needs a great offensive line, running back, and receivers."

You just described BYU the last few years, what they will be this year, and for years to come.

just announced | 11:18 a.m. June 4, 2009

OK so Heaps just said it will be BYU. He also announced that he WILL go on a mission. So lets see, 1 yr of HS, rd shrt Freshman, 2yrs mission, so 4 years from now he will be the starting QB. Hmmm glad so many people can predict what a QB will do in 4 years from now after the later 2yrs of not playing competitive ball. Hope it works out for the best but it will be most likely 4 to 5 years before you get to see this kid on the playing field.

Spring 2010 | 11:22 a.m. June 4, 2009

Remember that Heaps will NOT go on a mission and WILL likely enroll early in Spring 2010. This kid wants to be the starter as a true freshman. And as the number one QB recruit in the country who is going to tell him to sit down and wait until he is a junior? I'm sure he has at least been told he will have an equal shot with Nelson and everyone else to start in 2010. Nelson will be great competition (as will Lark and Munns if they don't transfer) but he will probably end up backing up Heaps for his career or eventually moving to safety or receiver.

SILLY UTES... | 11:46 a.m. June 4, 2009

They are clear obsessed with BYU, possible closet BYU fans deep down...Why you ask...hmmm, Just look at the number of postings (86 and counting) on this article vs the number of postings for the "Utes land three Texas recruits article" (10). These articles were posted 4 minutes apart.

Obsessed is the best way to describe the silly utes who always post on a BYU articles, past and present.

Fairly Certain | 12:07 p.m. June 4, 2009

It's fairly certain Heaps is going to BYU. He's making his announcement in Salt Lake city. ESPN is reporting that he's headed to BYU.

Darin F | 12:11 p.m. June 4, 2009

Having an additional top QB recruit is always going to be a good thing. That is the advantage that the BCS teams have over the non-BCS. They have multiple players that can fill in at any time. Getting mutiple top recruits gives BYU and the MWC more credence.

As for all of you BYU and Utah haters. Enough already. BYU needs a strong Utah & TCU and Utah needs a strong BYU & TCU. This is why BYU was ranked so well despite its losses. I give cuddos to Utah for taking care of business last year and as much as I want BYU to destroy Utah every time we play I become a Utah and TCU fan when they play out of conference (obviously for selfish reasons.)

Heaps may be great | 12:30 p.m. June 4, 2009

but if your O line cant protect it really doesn't matter. Every year on BYU pregame programs I hear about how much the Y's line outweighs the opponents line. That only means they are fat and slow. Ask Alabama how important size is. Remember the Sugar Bowl?

SJ Bobkins | 12:31 p.m. June 4, 2009

APO IS IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Texas Recruiting Guide put out by Max Emfinger just announced that Ross Apo has changed his mind. Texas is out BYU is in.
..........................

Wide receiver Ross Apo has decommitted from Texas in favor of Brigham Young, ESPN affiliate Web site InsideTexas.com reports.

Other programs such as Nebraska, Missouri and Tulsa have also offered the 6-foot-3, 192-pound prospect.

Last fall, he caught 37 passes for 764 yards (20.6 average) and 11 touchdowns. As a sophomore, he posted 27 receptions for 331 yards and one score.

Mike W | 12:35 p.m. June 4, 2009

I love the BYU fans who are claiming "Utah is obsessed with BYU"... yeah, we'd trade that Sugar Bowl and unbeaten season for 10-3 and the epic flop of the "quest for perfection".

WOW | 12:36 p.m. June 4, 2009

This is how pathetic BYU football has become, where you guys hold your breath to get an LDS QB from the West Coast. YOu guys really think that Heaps will lead you to the promise land? Pleaaaaseeee! Wake up he still has slow white receivers to throw to. One guy doesn't make a recruting class. IT's really sad when the better prospects in BYU's backyard go elsewhere.

BlueBoy | 12:41 p.m. June 4, 2009

When it comes to recruiting, Bronco did himself a disservice by letting on that he doesn't plan to be around "forever" like Edwards did. By the time Heaps gets back from his mission, who knows what tenuous circumstance he'll find in the BYU coaching staff?

Longevity creates consistency which creates wins. BYU needs Bronco to commit his heart to the long haul if recruiting is to ever be like we BYU fans want it.

What other fantastic recruits | 12:45 p.m. June 4, 2009

want to follow Heaps to BYU? WHO? Nephi johnson of Payson Utah, who broke the local high school receiving record. Get real BYU fans! No top recruits are going to BYU! Youc an say COOL! "If we land Heaps, I'm packing my bags to a BCS bowl". How many times have you heard that? YOu guys have it down to an art form.Those high school player rankings are a joke anyways. You could fill the top 100 players with kids from Texas, California, Florida.

Anonymous | 12:48 p.m. June 4, 2009

This will only feed the old preseason hype. I don't fear Byu's ability to land a good QB if he was really that good he would be at USC. Until they learn to play defense nothing will happen. What good is a top QB prospect if he's sacked 7 times per game?

Anonymous | 12:51 p.m. June 4, 2009

Has anybody told him he won't get any national exposure at BYU? All of the MWC's games are on the MTN. And they don't even have any ESPN on campus anymore.

interesting | 12:55 p.m. June 4, 2009

Good for BYU..interesting that the Utah team played Jake's team down at the elite 7 on 7 earlier this spring in Las Vegas, Our Utah team placed 2nd - 1 catch away from 1st place...Mr Heap's team was out in the first round...Utah QB's were every bit as good, if not better. BYU acts so silly about recruiting local talent...

coogies | 1:34 p.m. June 4, 2009

You all have such an inferiority complex. This dude isn't going to the campus where there is no fun allowed.

Re: interesting | 1:34 p.m. June 4, 2009

Really? They act silly about local talent? Have a look at the BYU recruiting list and tell me how many Utah HS players are listed. They even offered a scholarship to QB Dallas Lloyd from Pleasant Grove who was the QB of the Utah team in Vegas(He committed to Stanford). Also, If I'm not mistaken, Lark and Nelson are from Utah. You're right they are silly.

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