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Brad Rock: Commitment is a smash with Cougar nation

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Don't compare Ben | 11:13 p.m. June 4, 2009
Olson committed to Gary Crowton and the change in coaches had to have a big impact on his decision to transfer. Too bad he got hurt, but Hall is better and Heaps is more like Hall.
Holy Moly | 5:20 a.m. June 5, 2009
Whats with all you BYU fans????? You sign a guy with 28 wins and you act as if you just confiscated the National Championship trophy for years to come.

What happens if this kid doesn't pan out???? Then what? Many of you will run up to Utah and buy your season tickets?

Those ICE CREAM socials are really taking a toll on you guys, chill out!!!
Charles Stewart | 6:28 a.m. June 5, 2009
Heaps seems like a great person and has great credentials. I hope he made the right choice. Steve Sarkisian knows football and especially quarterback oriented passing football as well or better than anyone in the country. He would certainly develop Heaps potential. On the other hand Mendenhall is a disciplinarian and company man. He projects the image that the church wants. But does he know football? Can he really coach? He is pretty much a bust as a defensive coordinator and Robert Anae is now Sarkisian or Norm Chow. It is rumored that Robert Anae has a bias in favor of polynesian players and a prejudice against white athletes. The news conference was a success and these kids may be great missionaries. But are they playing for the right people to help them develop their football skills. I certainly hope so.
Comments continue below
Current Situation | 6:57 a.m. June 5, 2009
Unfortunately for the QBs at BYU, this kid coming in is and has been promised a starting job ASAP. Thus, you committed for nothing other than a good education which shouldn't be a bad thing unless your goal is to move to the next level.

As for this kid, it is a shame that he would even have to think twice about serving a mission regardless of how it plays out on his playing career. I believe that BYU sports is making this more and more acceptable. I hope that the Church makes a stand on this possible trend. These kids need the Church more than they need football. Don't give me the idea that this is a missionary tool, as I know, living outside of Utah, that it is not, not the way local Utahns believe it is. If this kid served a mission, then was successful, yes then it would be for missionary reasons b/c one could say "I was taught the gospel by Steve Young etc...".

These kids need to recognize priorities for elements beyond this life.
Magic Happens | 7:07 a.m. June 5, 2009
Sounds like a great catch for BYU. Hopefully the offense modifies itself and builds around him and doesn't try to change him. And hopefully he is much better than Hall. If he is only as good as Hall it could be another round of highs and lows with overachieving expectations and underachieving results. I also wonder if Lark, Nelson and Munns are going to satisfied with watching from the sidelines. They all came to Provo with outstanding credentials and now they learn they may become spectators. Unfortunate for them.
re:holy moly | 7:15 a.m. June 5, 2009
Just ask your self-righteous self, how would the Utes act if they just signed the top qb in the nation, and he brought 2 other blue chippers along? Certainly you can wrap your mind around the excitement.

What's the ice-cream social comment about, you wouldn't be taking a jab at the LDS Church would you? Never mind, I know the answer, thanks for enforcing the perception that U fans have no class.
Hey, Holy Moly | 5:20 a.m. | 7:24 a.m. June 5, 2009
Dude, Heaps made the comment as well as Apo and Stout. Not BYU fans. If their goal is to win one, why not??? You land some key players in key positions, you never know what can happen. After all BYU already has a National Championship and they can do it again.

Yes, I will run up and buy my utah tickets, Utah Jazz that is. Who cares about the utes. I don't.
Heaps it on! | 7:34 a.m. June 5, 2009
And Jonny Harline is STILL open!!!
BYU | 7:38 a.m. June 5, 2009
Acts like a fan base desperate for anything good to happen. 3 or 4 years from now this kid might actually play, sorry that's to far off to get excited about.
Levin | 7:52 a.m. June 5, 2009
I was impressed until I read the quote by Heaps that he has "swagger." If you have to say you have it, you don't.

Last QB I heard proclaim his own swagger was Bret Engemann, in an interview played during the 2000 Pigskin Classic. If you recall, that was a 29-3 pasting by Florida State.
Congrats | 8:04 a.m. June 5, 2009
Congrats to the Cougs from a Ute fan.

Now, and more importantly, does anyone else think that it is ridiculous that a 16 or 17 year old kid calls his own press conference and then a bunch of grown men show up at the conference to cheer him on? I don't care what school you root for, that is a set of misplaced priorities.
to heaps it on | 8:16 a.m. June 5, 2009
more to date: So is the Utah Defense. Thanks Max. Only kidding, good snag BYU
RE: Charles Stewart | 8:19 a.m. June 5, 2009
That was one of the most uninformed posts I've ever read. Does Bronco know football? Is his team one of the most successful in college football over the past 5 years as far as wins are concerned? Did he just miss a 3rd straight MWC championship because Robert Anae seemed to be prejudice towards a WHITE QB by the name of Max Hall throwing to another WHITE WR by the name of Austin Collie? And if you recall, BYU's run defense was one of the best in the nation with Bronco as the D-Coordinator, and he was dang good when he was with New Mexico. What a ridiculous comment on so many levels.
The Mission Question | 8:36 a.m. June 5, 2009
I know that to some, serving a 2-year mission is the golden calf of Mormonism for our young men. But I have the elders in my home for dinner and a lesson every week AND have seen the fireside schedule Mendenhall puts his players on - particularly the stars. In my opinion, BOTH can have a tremendous effect both on the young man and on potential converts. How many years would someone like Heaps have to actually serve in the mission field to equal the number of people he will teach and affect by being the starting QB at BYU for 3 or 4 years. I am very pro "mission" but let's expand beyond our typical LDS boxes to recognize that being the starting QB at BYU gives you "mission" opportunities that 50 full-time elders could not match. And this Heaps kid seems to have the personality and confidence to take full advantage of it.

As far as the "ice cream social" comment - good one! Actually I love LDS humor and we LDS have a ton of unique, quarky things about us. But I'll be chearing my way to Coldstone all weekend after these announcements!
re re; holy moly | 8:48 a.m. June 5, 2009
stout and apo are not bluechippers. do the research
Put Ben Olson to Rest! | 8:56 a.m. June 5, 2009
Are we doomed for a negative Ben Olson comment every time we pull in a top recruit? Ben Olson is an outstanding kid, husband, and member of the Church. He served an honorable mission. He was stuck in a very bad situation with Crowton. He actually won the starting QB spot at UCLA three times only to have terrible luck with injuries. Anyone who saw him throw was in awe at his raw physical skills. He just didn't translate that to on-field success. He was even injured AGAIN prior to his scheduled on-campus workouts with NFL scouts a couple of months ago. He still may make a team but he will definitely have to make it the hard way. He did nothing wrong. He was very talented, worked hard and unfortunately had Luke Staley-like luck with injuries. Let's all please show both class and intelligence when commenting about Ben Olson!!
To -- The Mission Question | 9:05 a.m. June 5, 2009
Playing BYU football DOES NOT equal serving a mission! Not for the people he could have (and should have) taught, and CERTAINLY not for the player!

I will give you that a successful football program at BYU helps project a mostly positive image of the church to non-members, but lets not cheat our athletes out of a mission when they can easily do both. If Heaps isn't QB at BYU someone else will be, and chances are pretty good that he'll be better anyways.
re re re; holy moly | 9:07 a.m. June 5, 2009
National media sites say Stout and Apo are bluechippers. You're just jealous.
Max Hall | 9:08 a.m. June 5, 2009
Maxie is the top Utah defensive player. How many turnovers did he get for Utah last year against the zoobs? What was it? 12? 30? I've never seen a defensive effort like that before. Thanks Maxie.
@ Congrats | 9:11 a.m. June 5, 2009
I'm a BYU alum and fan and I agree. But then I think NCAA football and basketball have gotten completely out of hand generally. Why should schools distort their academic mission and spend huge $$ to act as minor leagues developing public entertainers for professional leagues? How is that consistent with any university's mission?
Samurai Jack | 9:25 a.m. June 5, 2009
Re: "Re re; holy moly"

Did the research.

Stout and Apo are blue chippers.

Scout has Stout as the #5 middle linebacker IN THE COUNTRY for the 2010 class.

They also have Apo as the #56 receiver with rapidly rising stock. Check Texas Longhorn sources to see how they feel about losing him and the ESPN source for his recent performance at NIKE camps.

Because BYU landed these athletes as well as the others already, why don't you do some more research to see where Scout rates the BYU 2010 recruiting class.

I see it was you that did not do your research.
bakerb | 9:42 a.m. June 5, 2009
re re,

The term 'Bluechipper' is somewhat nebulous. Considering that Apo and Stout are both 4 Star Recruits, I would consider them 'Bluechippers' for any MWC Team.
Too Bad... | 9:42 a.m. June 5, 2009
Bronco won't be around long enough to see these boys through. They'll get to deal with a transition of having a new coaching staff and all the hassles that go with it.
BYU,the Oral Roberts of the West | 9:49 a.m. June 5, 2009
I can't wait to watch these new players show their stuff in the Vegas Bowl year after year.
Utes Love it | 9:59 a.m. June 5, 2009
I just love how up in arms this makes Ute fans! They get so mad, saying how ridiculous it is. This is a BYU story, but I just love the hatred it brings out in Ute fans. It's quite funny!
Cant wait... | 10:02 a.m. June 5, 2009
for you to meet Mr. Kruger. He'll give you a nice welcome to our state.
Anonymous | 10:33 a.m. June 5, 2009
They are meetting Mr Kruger today. Joe Kruger is with them at BYU today. Hopefully he won't decommit.
Whoa... | 10:34 a.m. June 5, 2009
Mr. Kruger? Are you talking Freddy? Because Paul, the D-end is now in the NFL. Thanks for playing...
Mission | 10:34 a.m. June 5, 2009
Give the kids a break! Last I heard going on a mission is a choice and certainly not for everyone. Who are we to judge someone who chooses not to go. Just because a kid doesn't don a suit and tie and move away for two years doesn't make him any less able to recieve ALL blessings the church...and life..have to offer.
Hey Ute fan | 10:57 a.m. June 5, 2009
When you win something more than an overhyped bowl game you might have a little more credibility with the big boys down south. Cougs have already been there done that..and then some. BYU already has a respected football program, history...and a National Championship. If you keep working hard and winning your bowl games little bro you'll get there some day too..in about 25-30 years.
Mission bla bla | 11:27 a.m. June 5, 2009
this guy is not only a great athlete but also a leader. already "converted" his first two. he needs no "mission" to carry a message or the byu football program effectively.
Beyond the Hyperbole | 11:42 a.m. June 5, 2009
Uh, everybody, we're all aware that nearly every "hurray-for-us" comment on this board is PURE HOPE AND SPECULATION until Jake Heaps actually throws a Cougar TD pass--much less wins the (mythical) National Championship or the (beauty pageant) Heisman Trophy? Right?

I've seen the highlights. Heaps does look good, sure. But that's in his HIGHLIGHTS. Hey, everybody looks good in highlights! That's the point, right? That's also HIGH SCHOOL football. He STILL has to prove himself in COLLEGE, in class/on the field.

Sure, the future looks bright for BYU--assuming Heaps makes the academic grade, avoids injury his senior year and beyond, beats out the current starter (Bronco can't even comment, much less promise him the starting job), and his friends contribute likewise.

As for the mission question, let's consider that: a) the Church is true, b) there are more important things in life than football (yes, really!), c) Heaps has a testimony and moral agency, and d) The guy hasn't even played a down yet. Bottom line: Any BYU fan's out of line already trying to make his mind up for him.

ENOUGH ALREADY.
Re: Mission | 11:44 a.m. June 5, 2009
Going on a mission is a choice. The prophets of our time have said as much. They have also said that every worthy young man should serve a mission. Just remember though, it's also a choice to go to church or not, to kill, to steal, to break any commandment. Those who choose not to go aren't condemned, of course not, but having been on a mission, choosing not to go is to choose not to receive a myriad of spiritual blessings that NOTHING can replace. I don't care how spiritual BYU football is, it's not a mission. Period. So yes it's his choice if he wants to receive those personal blessings he can't receive elsewhere.
2016 | 1:07 p.m. June 5, 2009
This is sooooooo awesome. I'm really stoked for the Zoobs. They should start getting the presses ready to make a bunch of the quest t-shirts for the year 2016. That is unless Heaps:
1. Doesn't go on an LDS mission.
2. Doesn't change his commitment.
3. Doesn't get injured.
4. Is better than the other kids that are competing for the starting job.

Need I list anymore? Keep dreaming. This is about as newsworthy as the bird migration every fall.
?????? | 1:12 p.m. June 5, 2009
When the Zooooobies bust the BCS once, maybe they can stop talking about what happend in 1984
on you tube | 1:17 p.m. June 5, 2009
I did a search for Jake Heaps on You tube. What turns up is a number of videos of game highlights. The kids amazing. He plays in the pocket very well taking shot gun snaps. Even under pressure he finds the open receiver. Some of the passes I wonder, how did he find that guy to throw two with some one in his face. Great player. Great pick up for BYU.
Free Agency | 1:33 p.m. June 5, 2009
As for a mission, well, what it amounts to is free agency. But to claim that playing for the Y is a better way of spreading the Church is very narrow minded. Ask yourself this, would I prefer to watch TV knowing that this NFL QB was once in my home preaching the gospel to me and my family, or on a Saturday afternoon I watched a BYU football game and watched this, now NFL QB, play (assuming he makes it that far).

What woud Jesus have me do....? Enough said!!
Cougar Fan | 1:55 p.m. June 5, 2009
Re:BYU,the Oral Roberts of the West

When you make fun of BYU for going to the Las Vegas Bowl every year, you do realize that means they are winning the MWC almost ever year right? I agree the Vegas Bowl isn't the greatest, but it isn't an insult to play there (it usually means you are a conference champ!). Yes, I'd rather the cougars played in a BCS bowl, but consistently winning the conference ain't bad!
B Whine U | 2:08 p.m. June 5, 2009
To Cougar Fan,

Keep telling yourself that playing in the Vegas Bowl year after year after year isn't that bad and maybe you will start to believe it.

Ouch | 2:51 p.m. June 5, 2009
The hatred of Utah fans is downright Satanic.
Vegas | 2:52 p.m. June 5, 2009
Did anyone as Heaps if he's been to Vegas yet? If not, I'm sure he'll get sick of it within a couple of years.

With Love your Big Brothers & undefeated Sugar Bowl Champs.
Hey I have a great idea | 2:56 p.m. June 5, 2009
Let's argue about if some high school kid from Washignton who we don't know or have any relations to is a blue chipper. Doesnn't matter who BYu gets their DB's are slow their offense is so boring to watch and their fan base makes the most ridicoulis comments.
bighuevon | 3:37 p.m. June 5, 2009
Hey Holy Moly, you think Coug fans will run up to Utah to buy season tickets? Why buy them when Utah has a reputation of giving them away for free? Remember the Cal vs. Utah game from Urban Meyer's first year? They gave away tickets for free at local fast food restaurants in order to make their stadium look full for the national TV audience. I know because picked up a stack at a Subway restaurant on the night of the game. So, what's with you Ute fans? You won the Sugar Bowl last year and you ack like you should have been national champs. Yet you struggled to fill your 45K seat stadium for the first half of the year. Some fans!
Not just Ute fans | 3:40 p.m. June 5, 2009
Don't try to tell me that BYU fans don't post just as many comments on Ute stories as Ute fans post on Cougar stories...

No, we'd rather not talk about that because BYU fans don't do anything wrong - BYU is perfect and so are the fans.

Go ahead and reply that you're not perfect, but coming from someone who didn't go to BYU (or Utah - I chose my school based on what I wanted to go into and not what football team I liked best... funny that), that's the impression that is given off by so many BYU alums in church and elsewhere - that they are somehow better than others for choosing to go to BYU, and everything BYU is gospel and beyond reproach.

Anyway, enough of that...
Season tickets | 3:45 p.m. June 5, 2009
Maybe the season ticket sales will go back up a little after the dive they took due to BYU's inability to win a big game, and the price getting jacked up (usually you do this after you accomplish something, like a conference title or something like that... or when the economy is good - talk to the business college down there, it's supposed to be good). Too bad there aren't going to be any cool slogans this year... I was looking forward to buying a "Quest for something better than last year's mediocrity" t-shirt.
Myriad | 3:48 p.m. June 5, 2009
Please use it right - it means "many." So to say "a myriad of spiritual blessings" is like saying "a many of special blessings." The word you are looking for is plethora - which means a wide variety.

Spread the knowledge - knowledge is power (or at least it makes you seem more powerful... and educated - something BYU fans are always saying that theirs is better than others').
BYU Envy? | 3:53 p.m. June 5, 2009
"Not just Ute fans | 3:40 p.m. June 5, 2009
Don't try to tell me that BYU fans don't post just as many comments on Ute stories as Ute fans post on Cougar stories...

No, we'd rather not talk about that because BYU fans don't do anything wrong - BYU is perfect and so are the fans.

Go ahead and reply that you're not perfect, but coming from someone who didn't go to BYU (or Utah - I chose my school based on what I wanted to go into and not what football team I liked best... funny that), that's the impression that is given off by so many BYU alums in church and elsewhere - that they are somehow better than others for choosing to go to BYU, and everything BYU is gospel and beyond reproach.

Anyway, enough of that..."

Well, like they say, you tend to attack what you can't become....
bighuevon | 3:58 p.m. June 5, 2009
To you Ute Fans...It says something to all of us Coug fans that you are even here reading this article and adding comments. You don't think this is news worthy? Then what brings you to this article anyway? Keep reading articles about your enemy. It shows we're getting to you. We love it!
Quest for Perfection | 4:03 p.m. June 5, 2009
Magic is going to happen with these new recruits!
re: bighuevon | 4:22 p.m. June 5, 2009
Hey, way to bring up the stadium attendance, but I guess if you have nothing else to brag about then you should always bring that up. Who cares. 45k fans or 10, the Utes will still dominate the whiners. GO UTES!!

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