Deseret News | BYU took more than just a QB

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BYU took more than just a QB

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Tim Frost | 12:30 a.m. May 28, 2008

"Nelson and his representatives initiated the contact." Did they? Or did BYU contacts Nelson's coach first?

Dana Bright | 5:09 a.m. May 28, 2008

Don't forget we stole Lavell from USU too. He was a USU grad. We already have ice cream better than Aggie Ice Cream: Ever heard of the BYU Creamery? Best ice cream anywhere, period. Most of us BYU purists have been lobbying to give the darker blue color back to the Aggies, not out of altruistic sympathies, but because we are traditionalists. BYU was, and should always be royal blue. Bringing back the old logo was right, but it still seems a compromise without bringing back the royal blue too. Stealing is really not the right word though. Nelson did contact byu first, via mail from his mission, so when a young man chooses to change schools because one is the media darling potential BCS buster and one is, well, USU, is that stealing? The boy has common sense. He could be a big fish in a small pond or compete to be the big Kahuna riding the BCS wave. I'm sure it wasn't that hard a choice, even with his USU family pedigree.

Uh-oh! | 5:37 a.m. May 28, 2008

I smell a conspiracy!

Come on yewt-fans, this is your chance to to join the Ags in accusing BYU of impropriety with loads of innuendo, but not a single fact on your side.

Let the fun and frivolity begin!

By the way, Rock, this was a stupid article.

Comments continue below

Get Over It! | 6:19 a.m. May 28, 2008

This happens all the time. It goes against you and for you. This one gets attention just like Ben Olsen did. Look how well he did after he left for the TV coverage of the Pac 10. Not. Chances are, Nelson will flop and this will all be for naught.

Give the kid a break. It's a free world out there and he has decided. When you compare programs, it's a no brainer.

Mark | 6:23 a.m. May 28, 2008

Tim: Good question. David Locke on radio yesterday was convinced BYU initiated the contact, and couldn't call them 'dirty' and 'filthy' enough for their despicable contact. His rant seemed over the top to me, perhaps for-ratings manufactured, since I can't see that any rules were broken in this incident. But maybe I just don't understand the ramifications.

Cougar Pride | 6:25 a.m. May 28, 2008

I love listening to USU wine about BYU. The cold hard fact is they are so bad that no Cougar fan worries or cares what they think. Their biggest cry is wait till we play you in basketball in Logan. Dude if you are any good you are supposed to win at home. Take a look at BYU and their home record. Everybody wants to compare their self with the best. Problem is USU does not even come close.

Jerry | 6:25 a.m. May 28, 2008

It's blatantly against NCAA rules for a school to contact a player about making a transfer while he's serving his mission, UNLESS the player makes the first contact. Do you REALLY think BYU would risk potential penalties by violating that rule? Do you REALLY think they need to do that to get a good QB? I think not...

Patent it | 6:38 a.m. May 28, 2008

I guess we might as well patent mathematical equations, biological processes, and the laws of physics - because USU doesn't want its shade of blue stolen. Because it is their and only their shade of blue. Therefore, if you wish to perceive the particular wavelength of light that produces "Aggie Blue", you must pay a royalty to Logan.

Also, students are not allowed to change their minds about attending Utah State. Once there, they are locked into attending. In addition all USU grads are obligated to repeat that other highly performing teams in the state are too afraid to play them on their home field. Apparently USC, OSU, and LSU are too afraid to play the Aggies in Logan. One last USU rule, Aggies should maintain the illusion of a "rivalry" between themselves and other highly performing teams in the state, even though the other team usually forgets that USU is there.

Have fun patenting your shade of blue!

Re: Tim | 6:40 a.m. May 28, 2008

Nelson's old high school coach bumped into a BYU recruiter and had a casual conversation about how Riley was doing and the high school coach asked if BYU had any interest. That's according to Riley's father. BYU did not take the first step, the high school coach did and then went back to the parents and told them BYU liked their son. Of course if people want to be negative about BYU, they'll use this as another excuse.

Philly | 6:43 a.m. May 28, 2008

BYU took their spirit? come on, this is a smart move by the kid. The article states that Nelson will be surrounded by more talent in Provo, but the article should state that he will be surrounded BY talent, not more. The Aggies have not had a football program in years, and if Nelson has any aspirations beyond Logan, he needs to be somewhere else.
It seems as though Utah State spends so much time and energy worrying about what everyone else is doing that they are losing their own identity/spirit. Nobody is taking it from them.

big dog | 7:03 a.m. May 28, 2008

Dana Bright encourages Nelson to come to BYU for the finest ice cream and to "Ride the BCS Wave."

First things first - I live in Provo and BYU creamery is the ice cream of choice if you've the taste buds of an antelope.

Next and most obvious - which BCS wave is Nelson going to be a part of as a Cougar? As far as I can tell, when it comes to the BCS wave, the Cougars are still standing on beach praying for a surfboard that isn't dropping from heaven any time soon!

Keep hoping, praying and dreaming Cougar Dana.

Your off your "Rock"er | 7:08 a.m. May 28, 2008

Let's be very honest with ourselves USU cares about Football the same way BYU cares about basketball, granted we are far worse in football than the Y is in basketball but nonetheless USU lives and dies by its basketball program. How many show for football games? Exactly.

Maybe there was a day when USU was concerned with football. The last time I saw USU beat BYU was the weekend before my LDS mission when USU won 58-56, surely this was a sign, actually probably not. We haven't won since and I quite frankly have not seen the Aggies be remotely competitive since I was there or since I have left. I no doubt hold out hope but let's face it USU is third on the list in Utah, keep in mind Utah is a 3rd tier football state at best.

It is another blow for us but luckily I don't define my existence by USU football, it would surely take away my very life force and free agency. I have a deep dislike for all things BYU, Provo, Brad Rock and the D News breath arrogance but again the reality is Riley made by far the better choice for himself.

Hang Loose | 7:11 a.m. May 28, 2008

Come on Dana, enlighten me on which BCS wave BYU is currently riding? The last BYU-BCS wave ended in Hawaii.

Mark | 7:28 a.m. May 28, 2008

Nelson's dad said on the radio that BYU initated the contact. He spelled it out very clearly. Bronco has preaced from day one that his program would be different. I guess that is not the case. I have no problem with Riley becoming a Coug, but the way it happened is underhanded at best.

USC Fan | 7:35 a.m. May 28, 2008

BYU can have Riley notice that no top quality programs even showed interest in the kid outside of this state USU and BYU are no name schools in sports they are never in the top maybe one decent year here and there Riley is not gonna get either of your programs anywhere so keep dreamin

To big dog and Hang Loose | 7:37 a.m. May 28, 2008

Ummm read ESPN.com once in a while, dudes.

usu fan in md | 7:41 a.m. May 28, 2008

the self-righteousness of byu fans has long annoyed and continues to annoy me. usu is a great school, not because of its football program (obviously) but because of its faculty and students, the breathtaking beauty of cache valley and all it has to offer. i hope nelson has a good experience at byu, academically and athletically, but we aggies know what he'll be missing.

From WA | 7:41 a.m. May 28, 2008

Hopefully someone here will notice that BYU didn't instigate the contact. That said I still think these kids should still have to sit out a year so these kids don't get bombarded on their missions.

geezer | 7:45 a.m. May 28, 2008

I don't blame Aggie fans at all for being upset. It's a big loss for USU. Whether or not Nelson blooms at BYU remains to be seen. I know some USU fans hate BYU for things like this, but I can't blame Nelson for wanting to join a great BYU football program. Basketball players want to be a part of Aggie basketball for the same reasons.

Disappointed Aggie | 7:44 a.m. May 28, 2008

Well - we've all heard it, "You better be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it."

He's gonna have a tremendous challenge on his hands with the competition he'll be surrounded by. He may have already had his last college start (as a quarterback). He may get some clean up duties his senior year.

Ted | 7:47 a.m. May 28, 2008

This isn't the first time Bronco has preached doing things the "Right Way" and then did them the complete opposite.

BYU initiated contact, which goes against their own policy on recruiting missionaries.

He said, she said | 7:57 a.m. May 28, 2008

Riley's dad said it was BYU who initiated the contact, Riley's dad said he initiated the contact. Frankly, I don't know who to believe, but I strongly lean towards Riley contacting BYU. Lets look at the facts- BYU has no trouble recruiting quality quarterbacks. They already have JuCo QB's lining up to play for them. Riley plays(ed) for a team consistently rated in the bottom 10 of BCS teams. Who had the bigger motivation here? Judging by the article he was the perfect stopgap between Hall and Lark/Munns and would pretty much be guaranteed playing time. Alright, look Aggie fans- would you rather have Riley have a chance at success or have him toil in a program in the utter dregs of failure? Frankly, with Jaycee leaving, even your basketball team is starting to sink into mediocrity. (I've always enjoyed AggieBall. I was biased towards Spencer Nelson days being a friend of his family) So, all in all, I'm happy for Riley, hope the remainder of his mission goes well, and look forward to seeing him play when he returns.

It doesn't matter | 7:57 a.m. May 28, 2008

It doesn't matter who initiated the contact. After a player has been away from a program for over a year they are a recruitable athlete according to NCAA rules. Everyone needs to stop making a big deal out of nothing.

Adam | 7:58 a.m. May 28, 2008

Beyond this incredibly mind-numbing and pointless argument about recruiting, this article brings up a very good point. It is a very sad commentary on the state of USU athletics when one of their most prized sons - and fans - so readily transfers to another school.

It's the equivalent of someone like Bryan Kehl, who grew up a BYU fan his whole life and whose BYU roots run deep, signing with Utah.

From what I've seen, Riley Nelson looks like a gifted athlete. I don't think he's the second coming, but it's definitely a good get for BYU. As a Cougar fan, I'm happy to hear this news, but as a USU sympathizer I feel bad for the Aggies. Just when you think they've hit rock bottom, somebody throws them a shovel.

Cougar Gal | 8:02 a.m. May 28, 2008

That is a rather bitter article. As a player, Nelson and his family are looking for the best playing opportunity that can be found. BYU is always looking for the best possible LDS players for every position. It is an obvious fit for both Nelson to play in a passing oriented program and BYU to be interested in an great potential quarterback.

Missionary Dad | 8:05 a.m. May 28, 2008

For all you mission minded athletes I hope you are aware this is a real issue. Coaches go through a lot of effort to recruit and often times lose athletes across this two year period. Granted other athletes move on besides missionaries, but it may end up costing them a year of eligibility. There are benefits and cost to each program of allowing missions, but as my sons approached college coaches this seem to loom big in the picture. Especially with smaller programs that after a year or two of training worried about losing good athlete to more prestigious programs like UCLA, USC, and yes, BYU. This is not a non issue as some have commented. It has a real impact on mission minded athletes and thier ability to be recruited.

Wassup | 8:05 a.m. May 28, 2008

Mark, his dad did not know who contacted who first that's why he said the media should check with BYU. Riley's dad DID NOT say that BYU initiated the contact. Clean out that ear wax!

St. George Aggie Fan | 8:10 a.m. May 28, 2008

Come on Rock, Dick Harmon has already thrashed this story!

Don't jump on the bandwagon just to get views and comments.

One thing that Rock pointed out that Harmon will never point out is how unoriginal BYU is. They have already stole the Aggie ice cream idea, Rock! The day that BYU comes up with their own ideas and create their own inspiring thoughts for THEIR school, is a sign of the 2nd Coming.

BYU needs a slap in the face of reality. They are also a nobody school. In this BCS era they are just as small as USU.

Hate to see Nelson go, he was what I was excited about in USU football. I am more mad at USU athletics for letting him get away. How does that happen!?

kw | 8:10 a.m. May 28, 2008

Hey Rock, I got a red truck and now a whole bunch of people in town got red ones too, I can't beleive it! get real, and do you think BYU sits around and dreams about how they can get all that talent at USU to go to provo. Maybe the kid didn't want to hear the church he served for 2 years being made fun of 24/7 by the classy ag fans.

Ikaika | 8:12 a.m. May 28, 2008

The talk between the Nelson's and the "Y" had been on going from the end of his Highschool day's, nothing new about that...Riley had several options the "Y" was one of them. Get off the "Wana be Riley envy train" and live your owen lives...The kid has skills or D1 schools would not be after him. Is Riley going to live up to all the arm chair QB's that blog, never!!!!

Whiners | 8:14 a.m. May 28, 2008

Aren't we all whiners? BYU complains about USU being whiners but every year BYU whines about what bowl they're playing in or whining how they are snubbed by the NCAA selection committee. Whining about the BCS and whining about USU whining. etc, etc. When it comes to whining BYU leads by example.

Riley made a smart move for himself. No Aggie denies that. But Riley gave Aggies fans something they haven't felt in years and thats hope in the future.

As far as the ice cream debate, I've tasted both and I have to say Aggie Ice cream is better.

Fully invested in garbage | 8:21 a.m. May 28, 2008

Bronco Mendenhall is fully invested in unethical conduct. This guy is a joke...preach one thing, then do another. What a hypocrite.

Cynic | 8:22 a.m. May 28, 2008

A. Attention all BYU haters. Bronco initiated the contact and is a filthy hypocrite. No one at BYU practices what they preach and they're all secretly immoral. (some not even secretly)

B. Attention BYU fans. Riley Nelson and his high school coach initiated the interest in going to BYU. What's Bronco supposed to do? Should he have told the kid he's not interested in a high school all-american?

Please choose choice A or B depending on if you hate BYU or not.

Super Dave | 8:27 a.m. May 28, 2008

Don't blame Aggies for being upset, but....kid can do whatever he wants. So he goes on a mission and decides he'd rather go to the Y. Okay, fine. It's a free country. I went to Ricks for a year and decided the University of North Carolina was a better school for me and I left for the east coast instead of staying for another year in Rexburg.

Who initiated the contact? | 8:31 a.m. May 28, 2008

I love how people sit here and debate who initiated the contact. You all seem to be positive it was BYU or Nelson, when in reality you have ZERO evidence of either one.

One correction | 8:34 a.m. May 28, 2008

"Raised in Logan, he was Big Blue right down to his mitochondria. His father played football at USU, and his grandfather is Rod Tueller, former Aggie basketball coach and athletic director."

Not that it really matters, Brad, but mitochondria come through the mother, not the father. :)

Ted's Daddy | 8:42 a.m. May 28, 2008

Really, this whole transfer thing is a non-story. The kid's on his mission and wants to change schools. Big deal... happens all the time. For the kid that has options, it ends up being a free transfer and can mean more competition.

People complaining about this need to step back from their fandom and do a little reality check. Moaning about one player transferring when it happens all the time? Seriously, is that what your program and life is built on?

Re: Ted | 8:44 a.m. May 28, 2008

How do you know that BYU initiated the contact? Are you a personal friend of the family or were you there when this happened? There have mixed reports about the whole thing, so unless you know for a fact, you should hold your judgements about Bronco. But that's probably not possible, because the haters just love to jump to conclusions about anything and everything that goes on in Provo.. Oh and what was the other time that Bronco did the opposite of what he preached? Please enlighten me?

Cloudy Eyes | 8:46 a.m. May 28, 2008

Everyone calm down. It is OK if BYU assistant coach Higgins contacted Riley's High School coach to get the process started.

Also, there is not a problem contacting him while he is on his mission. Missions after all are not that important. Even the church does not believe missionaries should be fully focused. What is more important saving souls or playing football? Bishop Bronco said it best after Collie choose another university "it is a shame that rival schools do not see the big picture." I for one am glad he sees the big picture now.

But for heaven sakes, it is UNACCEPTABLE for return missionaries (Ben) to leave the Lord's school to go to another school. Just don't get me started on this one again.

If your from Utah | 8:46 a.m. May 28, 2008

your not a USC fan your a Ute.Cougar or Aggie fan. Stop being sellouts to a team that is 2 states away,just because they are good. I don't understand Utahn's mentality when it comes to sports. You guys are the first to stand up for your home-state and the first to be sellouts and rip it down. What's the obsession.

USU is the new Ricks | 8:48 a.m. May 28, 2008

BYU-Logan has taken over from Ricks College as the farm team for BYU Athletics.

Cougtucky | 8:54 a.m. May 28, 2008

"Missionaries regularly reference BYU football when they're in the field; they seldom talk about USU." Umm.... I'm not sure where you are getting this...? Perhaps you mean that BYU has a larger fan base and therefore you would expect BYU football to come up in conversation more often than USU football??? I don't know?

Anyway, I'm not sure Nelson did make the best decision. While he may have been the best QB at USU in 2006, he may not be the best QB available at BYU in 2010. He may end up sitting the bench while at BYU, while he could have been a starter at USU. We'll have to wait and see who emerges as the best QB in 2010. Hopefully he WILL have a great college football career at BYU.

John Galt | 8:54 a.m. May 28, 2008

Did any of you even listen to the interview with his Dad? He said that he was called at home by BYU coaches. Look, you can't blame him for leaving, but it is a fact that he was recruited on his mission. A is A. You cannot change the facts. This article is rediculous. The promotion of BYU in this newspaper is pathetic. And to state as a fact that he was not recruited on his mission is ludicrous. Do some reporting, not just kick a program when they are down. This newspaper is rediculous. Cougar fans, just admit it was shady. I don't here anyone saying it is against the rules. Just that BYU claims they don't do something when apparently they actually do.

Ernest T. Bass | 8:54 a.m. May 28, 2008

It's well known the byu initiated the contact. byu coaches contacted Riley's high school coach to get the ball rolling to which Riley responded.
It's a complete stretch of the truth to say byu did not initiate contact.
They should have taken Nelson over Lark in the first place, Lark was a mistake.

bergstro | 8:59 a.m. May 28, 2008

Patent it: This is more an issue of trademark law than patent law, not that there is any case here. Just sayin'.

Help for the confused... | 9:01 a.m. May 28, 2008

I going to type this real slow for those who won't read newspaper articles but just sound out the headlines.

B Y U d i d n o t

i n i t i a t e t h e

c o n t a c t.

Why would he stay? | 9:11 a.m. May 28, 2008

Given the fact that Ray Guy may not even be there when he gets back, Riley has to look out for himself. At least BYU knows how to help returned missionaries make a successful transition. Do I think he is the be all end all QB? Not really, but he obviously has confidence and skills, so let him go after his dream. Nobody in Aggie blue or yewt red cried when Ben Olson made the same choice, so get over it now. USU football is not good. As for the Air Force royal blue, I for one much prefer the color the cougs stole from Logan.

RE: BYU-Logan | 9:14 a.m. May 28, 2008

Utah State University is an incredible institution of higher learning located in the far more beautiful Cache Valley. With its emphasis on academic excellence, with international acclaim in advances in agriculture and space exploration.

Over the recent years of athletic struggles, USU still enjoys the undieing support of its student body, aggie alumni, and the local community. Too some, it reminds them of what BYU used to be in the early 70s, an incredibly peaceful campus focused on learning. Today, many students who have been unable to attend BYU or the UofU, have sought out Utah State and gladly found its campus environment far superior to its neighbors to the south. We are proud to call it our alma mater.

To borrow from LaVell, "Better to lose and live in Logan, than to win and live in Provo!"

Go Aggies!

tstu | 9:17 a.m. May 28, 2008

Riley will never play in Provo. How many transfer quarterbacks ever play at their new schools? I can think of just one, and that's Colt Brennan.

tstu | 9:18 a.m. May 28, 2008

. . . And that's only because he fit the offense. Is BYU going to change their whole offense to accomodate Riley's ability to run?

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