PROVO -- BYU's crowded quarterback corps just got a little bit thinner.
Citing improved chances of seeing significant action, redshirt freshman Kevin Gilbride Jr. is transferring to Hawaii."He's an outstanding young man, and we think he'll do very well there," said BYU coach LaVell Edwards, who helped get Gilbride relocated. "We've got some very fine quarterbacks in the program, and he wanted a greater opportunity for playing time."
The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder from Jacksonville, Fla., also considered South Carolina and Pittsburgh before opting to join a familiar face on the islands. New Rainbow Warriors boss June Jones was the quarterbacks coach for Gilbride's father during his tenure directing the NFL's San Diego Chargers.
In fact, when the elder Gilbride, who is now the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was fired midway through last season, Jones replaced him on an interim basis. A few months later, Jones opted to leave San Diego for his alma mater Hawaii, which has lost 18 straight games over two seasons. His first order of business is installing a run-and-shoot offense.
With former American Fork quarterback Dan Robinson back for his senior year, Gilbride Jr. could very well earn the starting job in 2000 when he can begin his final three years of eligibility after transferring.
The situation at BYU isn't nearly as clear-cut.
Even with 1998 backup Drew Miller's departure to Montana, the Cougars have an abundance of quarterbacks in the program. Senior Kevin Feterik will once again be the starter, but the rest of the pecking order is unclear as BYU prepares to open fall drills on Aug. 17.
Those battling for the No. 2 job include Brandon Doman, Bret Engemann, Charlie Peterson and highly touted high school recruit Matt Berry.
"We really would like to have it (solidified)," Edwards said in the spring and reconfirmed Thursday. "But I wouldn't be surprised if we go through the summer and still not be totally sure about who the No. 2 quarterback will be."
Gilbride Jr., who originally chose BYU after fielding offers from Michigan State, Baylor, Kansas, Houston, San Diego State, Alabama-Birmingham and Memphis, likely saw the writing on the wall during BYU's annual Blue & White scrimmage game in March. Gilbride Jr. saw fewer minutes than Doman, Engemann and Peterson in the contest. And though he started in the second half, Gilbride's first series was marred by an interception. He wound up completing just 3 of 7 passes for 31 yards.