Utah quarterback Brett Elliott says there's a 50-50 chance he'll transfer at season's end.
"It's the hardest decision I've ever had to make because I love these guys and I love the coaches. This whole program is going up and up," Elliott said after Tuesday's practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium. "Then, on the other side, I want to play and I have one last year to play."
Elliott, who is considering a move to Div. III power Linfield College, a 45-minute drive from his hometown of Lake Oswego, Ore., simply wants to play — something he hasn't done since fracturing his wrist on a two-point conversion attempt late in the Utes' 28-26 loss at Texas A&M on Sept. 6.
"I'm going to do some research and sort of figure some things out. I just want everybody to know it's not because I don't like it here. I love it here. It has nothing to do with my feelings toward this program because I have nothing but positive feelings," Elliott said before reiterating no final decision has been made. "It's not a for-sure deal. I'm just thinking about it right now."
Elliott started eight consecutive games before the injury. While recovering, sophomore Alex Smith stepped in and quarterbacked the Utes to their first outright conference championship in 46 years.
"I'm not mad. I have no problem with the coaches or the decision of the coaches or anything," Elliott said. "That's the way it happens. I just want to get back on the field and Alex is playing real well."
Utah coach Urban Meyer understands and told him so.
"I know Brett Elliott. He just wants to play football," Meyer said. "He loves the game."
And that's exactly why he's hoping to keep the quarterback around for another year.
"Brett's a smart player, a smart person and he's a competitive guy," Meyer said. "I think you just have to weigh the plusses and minuses. We'd love to have him back."
Though currently focused on finding a way to defeat Southern Mississippi in the Liberty Bowl, Meyer plans future discussions with Elliott before a final decision is made.
"We're going to recruit him. I want him back," Meyer said. "I think he's a good quarterback, he's a good person and he loves football."
Elliott, who has registered for next semester, said quarterbacks coach Dan Mullen has already encouraged him to stay and be a good, positive backup for Smith. While it merits consideration, Elliott admits he still has an itch to play. He doesn't want any regrets 10 years down the road.
"I love to play football. I wish it could be here but Alex is a great quarterback. Unfortunately I don't think that's going to work out here," Elliott said. "I may have to take it somewhere else and play there."
Linfield is a logical choice, geographically. The Wildcats also happen to have an opening at quarterback. Starter Tyler Matthews capped his senior season by completing 207 passes for 3,084 yards and 36 touchdowns. Linfield, where Elliott could play basketball as well, went 11-1 and reached the third round of the Div. III national playoffs.
"It's just a tough situation. You've got to respect the guy. He wants to play. He's worked hard and I don't think anybody on this team will ever question his character for leaving. He wants to play and it's unfortunate what happened here," Smith said of what he calls an awkward situation with a real good friend. "He had to make a decision. If that is what is best for him, then that's all we want. That's all I want, personally, is for him to be happy."
Elliott's possible departure, coupled with the end of Lance Rice's eligibility, would leave Smith as the only experienced quarterback next season. That could spell trouble in a spread offense where signal callers regularly take shots from opposing defenses.
"We'd have a serious problem. That would really hurt the football team," Meyer said. "So that's the approach we're going to take."
Convincing Elliott to stay is a priority. His competitiveness and experience can't readily be matched in recruiting. With Smith returning, Meyer said the Utes aren't going to draw any help from the junior college ranks.
In the meantime, Elliott has put his decision on hold. He's too busy preparing for the upcoming trip to Memphis.
"I'm No. 2. If Alex goes down I'm playing in the bowl game. I'm preparing and I'm ready to play," Elliott said. "I'm just trying to keep my options open for next year."
RECRUITING SEASON: The mid-year junior college signing period opens today and Meyer expects to receive two or three national letters of intent. Internet recruiting sites report that the Utes have landed verbal commitments from Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College offensive lineman Paul Soliai and wide receiver Fano Tagovailoa, as well as Fort Scott (Kansas) defensive back Tim Harris.
It is not known which of the recruits will be midyear signees. Utah's search for a new tailback to help offset the loss of senior Brandon Warfield next season apparently won't be completed today.
Meyer said a midyear recruit who fit the bill was not found.
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com