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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Boogie man | 1:12 a.m. May 27, 2008

First !!! Now ya'll go to sleep

CougarKeith | 1:14 a.m. May 27, 2008

Sorry Utah State, we really are, but such are the breaks! I hope this will be a big benefit to BYU down the road!

Let's see... | 1:25 a.m. May 27, 2008

I wish Nelson success at BYU. There seem to be lots of assumptions on what went on in his 'recruitment'. I've never seen a more judgemental lot of people (aren't you BYU, Ute and USU fans all really mostly LDS?? What do they teach you in Sunday School in Utah these days?).

All Nelson has done so far is beat up on the best small schools in Utah and scored 13 points on Fresno State. How will he do vs. PAC 10 or other top caliber teams??

Comments continue below

From WA | 1:43 a.m. May 27, 2008

Even as a BYU fan, I don't really like it that you can transfer schools without sitting a year after the mission, the whole re-recruiting thing feels wrong to me. That said I wish him and all student athletes the best in all their endeavors.

3A?? | 4:51 a.m. May 27, 2008

Nothing against him personally but just how large is a 3A school? Who has he beaten besides Box Elder? Write a story when we land a top tier QB from California or Florida.

The real story should be why BYU has never been good enough to play in a top level bowl game or why we can't even win most bowl games in second tier bowls. Why is the program stuck in the mid-majors? Why is our recruiting class no better than it was in the early 1980's??

BlueCoug | 5:08 a.m. May 27, 2008

Welcome to Cougartown Riley!!!

Patata Brava | 5:29 a.m. May 27, 2008

There will be some people who will complain that this young man got some sort of "special privileges" not afforded to other missionaries by talking to BYU coaches. My grandfather died while I was in Argentina. I found out three weeks later. You know, I am ok with this. I don't mind.

My mom sent me newspaper clippings about my high school football team. There were some issues that we discussed as I had put my (academic) scholarship on hold, and housing needed to be worked out before I came home again.

If he feels that he can improve his life by going to another school, how is this different from any other person who wants to transfer schools while in the mission?

As for the Aggies whose feelings were hurt, the best revenge is winning.

Canada Cougar fan | 5:53 a.m. May 27, 2008

This is great for BYU. This kid is nothing but the best. I know this is not easy for all fans in Cache Valley so I will not rub it in. I respect all you great people and it is hard for us BYU fans when the shoe is on the other foot. BTW you really had a tremendous talent and a fine hoop star in J.C. Carroll. He made you all proud. Congrats!

Re: 3A | 6:57 a.m. May 27, 2008

Obviously a Ute troll scared that BYU has added another top notch quarterback.

He obviously thinks that the Utes should stop recruiting players from Utah since only kids from California and Florida have any real football talent.

Go Aggies | 7:04 a.m. May 27, 2008

Good job USU. Could you have made the decision any easier for him?

BYU: 300+lb lineman, plenty of weapons, 60000 fans. Long shot at making it to a respectful bowl game.

USU: The excitement of playing San Jose St. and the scotsman!!!

This kid isn't stupid. To 3A??, I watched Riley play at Logan High and he would have started and been the best player for any 4A or 5A team in the state. See the record books.

And the Winner Is???? | 7:09 a.m. May 27, 2008

It is always amazing that someone has to express some negativity about a player such as Nelson transferring to BYU. Either there is a question about when the transfer occurred or what is the big deal about his coming to BYU.

If the shoe were on the other foot, such as he decided to switch schools like when Olsen transferred to UCLA(they all laughed then)or the kid decided on USU or Utah over BYU then all the haters would be out kackling about the recruiting coup State or the 'U' just pulled off and, oh by the way, poor BYU(lol)lost a good to great quarterback who saw the light, finally, and came home to one of the truely great teams in the state, especially had it been the 'U'???

One has to believe that eventually the really good ones will gravitate back to BYU. This guy went to State becaause of the poor state of affairs of BYU football when he signed with USU. Obviously things have improved in Provo???

I site two 11-2 seasons, two bowl victories and 2 consecutive undefeated MWC seasons.

Bronco preaches quiet, intelligent consistency.

I'm not surprised at all.

Notice Utah wasn't even mentioned???????

TP | 7:31 a.m. May 27, 2008

Wow!!! This a huge blow to the Aggies. Riley Nelson was the future of the program. To those of you who question his skills, wake up. This kid is the real deal and will have no problem working his way into the BYU starting position. Had USU been able to provide any kind of blocking for him as a freshman he would have helped them win even more games. Their is a reason BYU went after him. He is probably the most talented QB in the west. As an Aggie fan it is painful to see this happen but winning will cure alot of pain and winning in Logan just got much more difficult.

re:3a | 7:41 a.m. May 27, 2008

Stop talking like your a Y fan. You're red all over! Weak arguments, this kid is a national talent QB and everyone knows it!

Funny how U fan rubbed in Olsen bailing on the Cougs (and still do) during his mission, but now suddenly when this happens to the cougs they're screaming "Foul"! C'mon have some backbone.

ain't nuthin | 7:45 a.m. May 27, 2008

Man, I watched the kid in high school and the few games he played in college. All I gotta say is good luck byu. This kid was a great high school player, but he wasn't anything special in college. Maybe he'll get better, but who knows.

Ross | 7:48 a.m. May 27, 2008

It looks like Utah State is again in a position to prop up the BYU football program in the future with Riley. Readers may not remember that Lavell Edwards played at USU and knew enough about football to lift BYU up from an also ran in the WAC to a national contender. But USU is getting stronger and better each year, it takes time to overcome being asleep in offbrand football for 40 years.The Aggies will be back.

RR | 7:59 a.m. May 27, 2008

As one who follows all 3 big universities in football, but mainly BYU football, I honestly felt a little bad for USU. They are a program close to going down a division, and then this happens. This year they have a tough road schedule, and not so easy home schedule.

I always hope teams like Duke, Florida International, and SDSU can get out of their slumps, but it looks like USU is destined to stay in theirs. I feel for ya Ags.

Correction | 8:00 a.m. May 27, 2008

Riley is not 6'1" more like 5'11" also he was not a parade all american as a QB. He was an all american all purpose player!!! because he comes from a small school and played several positions. Let's make sure the facts are correct. He will make a great QB he will be a starter I have watched him several times and he can make it happen. I watched the game when Logan beat Skyline it was great. They did beat up on some 5a teams. Good luck

tstu | 8:05 a.m. May 27, 2008

If he wanted to go to BYU, why didn't he just go in the first place? And how is he supposed to concentrate on his mission when he's got recruiters emailing him nonstop? This just isn't right.

Aggies | 8:06 a.m. May 27, 2008

Thanks to all the Cougar Fans for not being boastful. As an Aggie Faithful this hurts but one player does not make a team. He's got tons of talent and will probably do well if he is surrounded by the right players. Good luck to him.
As for my Aggies, they need to show that the program has been improving. They were in a bunch of games last year but couldnt pull it off. This year, they need to win those games and if they dont, Coach Guy wont have to be upset about Riley leaving, cuz he wont be here anymore.
That being said, I hope we can pull off an upset in October to show that USU is really not that bad of a place to go play football. And if we have another bad season? There will always be basketball and with Plaisted gone, the Aggies will rule ESA. :) Good luck to both schools, just not to BYU when they play the Aggies. :)

To 3A?? | 8:08 a.m. May 27, 2008

Corrections, we are have won the last 2 lower level bowl games

Two years of recruiting | 8:13 a.m. May 27, 2008

It is nice to see that BYU uses the 2 years of missionary service to recruit. I can understand other schools, but BYU should understand the priorities. How can you blame the "church school" when he has the mission president's permission. I wonder if cougar nation will soon be able to find out the latest status of all their prep missionary recruits in a special section of rivals.com. Fortunately now I know what Bronco means when he mentions integrity and abiding by church standards.

Martin | 8:13 a.m. May 27, 2008

At least he won't have to change his colors, just logos.

Re: 3A | 8:15 a.m. May 27, 2008

Riley did play the best in the state. His senior year Logan played Skyline at Skyline and won by about 20 points. That same year Logan won the 3A and Sklyline won the 5A state championships.

Boise Coug | 8:15 a.m. May 27, 2008

Welcome to the Y, son.

True Believer | 8:16 a.m. May 27, 2008

I watched Riley Nelson play football, and he is definitely one of the best football players to come out of the state of Utah over the last 5 years. He along with Alta's Jordan Anderson are two of the best players I have seen. It is not just enough to have talent and speed, as Riley has both, but the kid is just a flat out winner....Watch for some announcements coming from USU where QB's are leaving BYU to go to USU! Because Riley is a better QB than Max Hall is right now!

Critic Sour Grapes | 8:23 a.m. May 27, 2008

When Ben Olsen decided to transfer from BYU to UCLA, I fully supported his decision.

Just as I fully support Riley Nelson's decision to transfer from Utah St. to BYU.

What business is it of anybody else's to question where Riley decides to go to school.

Those who want to make weak arguments that it was wrong for Riley to be thinking about such things while he was on his mission are suffering from a case of sour grapes.

Contrary to someone people's biased remarks, EVERY missionary, no matter how dedicated, thinks about what they're going to do following their mission.

Those who think that BYU was bombarding Riley with constant emails are wrong.

Missionaries rarily have an opportunity to check email more than once a week, during their preparation day.

I'm certain that Bronco is well aware of this and did his upmost to respect Riley's commitment to his missionary service. A weekly email from BYU to Riley, with the mission president's permission, would not have been anymore disruptive than an email from his family.

Riley, afterall, is a normal, intelligent young man who is fully capable of ignoring any emails that he isn't interested in reading.

Zoobie 55 | 8:25 a.m. May 27, 2008

I was surprised how well Nelson played as a freshman for Utah State. I was also surprised with his ability and leadership skills. This is a very tough loss for Utah State. This shouldn't be looked at as a pie in the face to the Aggies. The fact is the Cougar football success under Mendenhall is getting noticed and many young football athletes want to be a part of it. Success like this has worked the same way for Stu Morrill and Aggie basketball.

McKay | 8:25 a.m. May 27, 2008

As a Y fan, I'm happy to have Riley join the team, I watched him play a few times in HS and the kid is the real deal. If he was a couple inches taller he probably would have been somewhere around the top 5 most recruited players in the country his senior year. As for the Aggies; I feel bad for them, I wish they could somehow turn that program back around. Obviously this doesn't help.

Logan soft? | 8:27 a.m. May 27, 2008

One bad season and he bolts? They don't make northern Utah farm boys like they used to. At least the Aggies can console themselves knowing that only selfish players quit on their teams. Let him go compete with the other quitter, Max Hall, for a spot, and go find someone with backbone.

I would like to see recruiting come to an end in college football. No coach has anyone's interest but his own in mind. Now we're even recruiting kids on missions? This is crazy.

Basketkase | 8:33 a.m. May 27, 2008

To those who doubt the 3-A ranks, consider this: When Logan won the state title in 2005, they beat eventual 5-A champion Skyline the week before the playoffs started. And they beat them good. When a 3-A school dominates the future 5-A champ, there has to be a good reason, and it's almost all Nelson in this case. I worked as a sports correspondent for a Utah newspaper that season and still believe that Nelson is the most dominant athlete I've ever seen (at the level at which he competed). For example, Michael Jordan never dominated the NBA like Nelson dominated Utah high school football. The kid was absolutely unstoppable. Even in Logan's only loss that season (to Alta, one of the largest schools in the state), it took terrible play by Logan's receivers and defense to give the Hawks a narrow victory. Believe the hype. Nelson is a winner. Go back to the Fresno State game and watch. He was 18, playing his first real college game, and the Aggies got a rare win. I almost pity the Y's opponents.

Re: ain't nuthin | 8:35 a.m. May 27, 2008

How do you know what kind of college player he will be? He was a freshman quarterback playing at USU with no line, no backs, and no receivers. You don't know if he will be special until he gets experience and plays with some talent. Very few quarterbacks ever look special as a freshman. Thanks for your input though Vince Lombardi.

RG | 8:36 a.m. May 27, 2008

The truth is, Riley wanted to sign with BYU when he came out of Logan High but the Cougs were loaded at the QB position at the time and Riley felt like he had the chance to start by signing with USU. Another big reason he signed with USU was he could play in front of his home town and his family could come to his games. Even though he was a Parade Al American, he didn't have a lot of D1 schools knocking at his door because of his size. Logan did play some of the 5A and 4A powers his senior year and Logan beat most, if not all of them. Someone else out there might be able to clarify this point. Riley is a winner and can beat you with the pass and with his running abilities. Needless to say Riley will be fun to watch no matter who he plays for.

Riley Skywalker | 8:45 a.m. May 27, 2008

Riley... why???... you were the chosen one... you were supposed to bring balance to the force... not leave it in such a mess... so long dear brother...

Dutchman | 8:50 a.m. May 27, 2008

Everytime Bronco puts on one of his "firesides" he preaches integrity and sportmanship. He doesn't seem to practice what he preaches or demand it from his recruits.

Commitment | 8:50 a.m. May 27, 2008

I love how Bronco only expects players to honor their commitments to BYU.

USU Fan | 8:50 a.m. May 27, 2008

This all seems a little fishy to me. i mean sure it happens (ben olsen). but the strange thing is it's BYU. this school should be promoting missionaries to stay focused on there mission. he still won't be home for about ten months. usually when you get your scholarships in order or you start worrying about housing is towards the end of your mission this kid is just past his one year mark. i sat in front of Riley's Grandma and grandpa at almost every home game last year. it just seems sad his grandma will have to go clear down to provo to watch his games.
oh well best of luck to you Riley. loved the win against Fresno.

Ben Olsen/Fisher | 8:52 a.m. May 27, 2008

All you BYU fans called Ben Olsen a traitor a liar and a coward for transferring to UCLA. Even when the coach that recruited him from BYU was fired while he was on his misson. Now your all ok about Riley transfering to BYU, what hypocrites. You Jazz fans called Fisher a traitor for going back to the Lakers. You guys are so phoney, if it benefits you it's all ok, anyone else are traitors.

Re:McKay | 9:00 a.m. May 27, 2008

3A football players in the state of Utah will never be in the top 5 recruits in the country. Competition is too weak, the state is too small. Try California with 30 million people and one state champ not 5 state championships divided among the state.

Re: Basketkase | 9:05 a.m. May 27, 2008

Comparing Nelson to Jordan? Wow, in what world are you living? Nelson is a great competitor and comes from a winning high school program. But even the almighty Nelson only won one game at USU. It takes a team effort to make a winning team. Thats why I think one single player is not going to make a difference. I pity the Y for thinking that.

Paul Carter | 9:07 a.m. May 27, 2008

SWEET!!!!!!

Re: Basketkase | 9:09 a.m. May 27, 2008

Let me get this striaght you are comparing Riley Nelson to Michael Jordan. Your comparing Utah 3A football to the NBA. I don't care if you do use the excuse "At the level at which he competed". I can name you athletes all over the state of Utah that have dominated their sport far more than Riley Nelosn. so he won one game in college as a freshman. Utah has had freshman that have won the NCAA. If your going to compare other sports like basketball and football, Try Cael Sanderson from Wasatch. There are many more.I take it you were not a sports correspondant for long.

strange | 9:08 a.m. May 27, 2008

Shouldn't he have been focusing on his missionary work? Shouldn't BYU have let him focus on his work? It is strange to me that BYU would distract him from his work by recruiting him.

Won't play | 9:10 a.m. May 27, 2008

At BYU, will forever be a back up!

USU Alum | 9:12 a.m. May 27, 2008

If BYU was emailing Riley on a regular basis, what was the USU coaching staff doing? Faith without works is dead.

WA Cougar | 9:15 a.m. May 27, 2008

I have strong connections to the Logan Hight football program and if Riley Nelson is 6'1, then I am 7'6. He is 5'9 at best and can barely through the ball
30 yards. He is a great athlete, but not an elite quarterback. He simply does not have the size or the strength to be successful at the college level.

B WHY U | 9:18 a.m. May 27, 2008

Are there no ethics in Provo? The recent recruiting (stealing) of Riley Nelson from USU while serving a mission makes one wonder. I donï¿½t totally blame Riley for being interested in going to another school, but from all accounts he didnï¿½t initiate this contact. Only one year into his mission, shouldnï¿½t Elder Riley be concentrating on something other that playing sports at BYU. This is definitely a dichotomy of action on BYUï¿½S part. Is this common practice by the school that holds itself so high above the rest? I can see this happening at other major ï¿½big schoolsï¿½, but at the Y? All I can say is donï¿½t fly the righteous flag too high if you are going to resort to these kind of tactics that put you in the same league with other universities when it comes to ethics related to the sports programs

dingo | 9:20 a.m. May 27, 2008

my only concern is his size (barely 6'1" and 200 pounds soaking wet) at this level. there is a major difference between the WAC and the PAC 10 or the other BCS conferences. yeah i know give respect, it dont matter, ty detmer was small, etc etc etc... the fact still remains this kid is small.

is he a competitor? sure he is but lets be honest high school doesnt amount for squat after you have played in college. it doesnt matter who he beat or didnt beat at logan high.

as for preferential treatment in the mission field that is up to the mission president not the missionary. if there is an issue the church leadership will handle it.

BYU has a long history of bringing in a host of qb's and using em and losing em as does every other major university in the country so nothing new there.

i wish him luck and hopes that he will make a good accounting of himself.

Thomas | 9:23 a.m. May 27, 2008

I am very desappointed. As a life ling Aggie fan I am dissappointed that Riley made this decision but I just don't know who I am dissapointed with. Am I disappointed with BYU, Missionaries, Mission Presidents, the Aggies, his parents, etc. Are the Aggies that bad? NO! Are the Cougars that good? NO! Is there a problem between Coach Guy and the Nelson's? I will will root for Riley to do well but I will NEVER root for BYU to do well. RILEY, this is just a verbal. YOU CAN STILL COME BACK TO THE TRUE BLUE AGGIES!!!

Re: Let's See | 9:24 a.m. May 27, 2008

In your comment, "How will he do vs. PAC 10 or other top caliber teams?" You are suggesting that BYU has top caliber teams that they play against. I don't know that Northern Iowa and Washington would be considered "top caliber".

It's sad that USU couldn't keep him there in Cache Valley. How do you lose out on Rod Tueller's grandson? The kid has USU connections and they let him slip away. That is unacceptable! USU needs to take a hard look at itself.

He was the only bright spot for Aggie football.

He would have a better chance to turn pro staying in Logan (see 2008 NFL draft).

Also, it is BYU's own Dick Harmon who said that he was a Parade All-American QB. He is trying to make it sound better, we at USU know better.

Brian | 9:34 a.m. May 27, 2008

Aggie fans need to be realistic. Brent Guy has shown zero progress in the three years he has been in Logan. Why would Nelson want to return to a program that just had their head coach fired (which will happen at the end of this season). I hate seeing our good players leave, especially to BYU. That being said, can you blame him?!
In my mind this is not Nelson being a traitor, it's a case of USU ineptitude in advancing their football program. You can only blame your bad fortune on being an independent for so long! You're in a decent conference now so play like you belong. Disgruntled Aggie Fan

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