A PAC-10 quarterback is headed back to Utah.
Former EA Sports Elite 11 quarterback Mike Affleck will transfer from Arizona State and hopes to land at BYU, Utah or Utah State in the next two weeks.
"I've received a release from ASU, and it's been sent to BYU and Utah State, and today I should have one sent to the University of Utah," Affleck said on Friday.
A 2003 Deseret Morning News first-team all-state selection, Affleck is a 6-foot-3, 240-pound graduate of Timpview High School. He earned a No. 11 in the nation rating by SuperPrep Magazine.
Affleck said he made the decision to leave the Pac-10 school, which he'd committed to early, because he felt ASU reneged on a recruiting promise. "I was told by ASU I would be the only quarterback they'd sign in that recruiting year, and on signing day they added a quarterback from Michigan at the last minute," he said. "That didn't go over well because that's not what I was told."
Coaches at BYU, Utah and USU cannot comment on potential recruits until signed or enrolled.
This past year, Affleck redshirted at ASU as a freshman. He has four years to play. He plans to petition the NCAA for a waiver to the rule that requires a Division I transfer to sit out a year.
"I think because of the situation with recruiting, I may have a chance to play this year without sitting out," he said. "At least that's what I'm hoping for. If I need to sit out, I'm OK with that because I could use the time to learn the system."
Affleck is leaning toward BYU but said the Cougar situation with highly touted quarterback Ben Olson, currently on a mission to Canada, will weigh heavily on his choice. "I'm not afraid of competing for a job, but I want to be in a situation where I can play as soon as possible for a team that needs and wants me," he said.
In two weeks, Olson will be on his mission 18 months and he will be released from his obligation with the Cougars if he chooses. Other schools can openly recruit Olson at the end of June, including BYU.
"I've heard the talk that he may or may not return to BYU, and I'd like to find out what his situation is if I can, but that may not be known for months," Affleck said.
"I'd like to play for BYU. It's been a lifetime dream of mine growing up here. But I wouldn't be opposed to going to Utah or Utah State if that is my best chance to play because I'd still be close to home and family. I liked ASU as a school and had fun there, but I couldn't see myself living there for five years."
Affleck has already spoken to BYU coach Gary Crowton and plans on a discussion with Urban Meyer in coming days. He's already talked to U. assistant Kyle Whittingham. On Friday, he spent time talking to former BYU quarterback coach Robbie Bosco.
"He gave me some good advice, that I've got to make the decision that I can be happy with and have the best opportunity to compete for the job," Affleck said. "Crowton was honest with me and gave me a realistic view of what the situation is at quarterback at BYU."
The Cougar situation may be his first choice, but it might be the cloudiest because of Olson. Plus, there are quarterbacks John Beck, Jason Beck, Matt Berry and Todd Mortensen. "I like the fact former ASU line coach Jeff Grimes is at BYU. I was excited when he made the move. I also know Lance Reynolds (assistant head coach) and grew up playing with his son Lance, and I know many of the players."
The Utes return the MWC's best quarterback in Alex Smith, but a backup role is open and an injury could change Utah's landscape fast.
Dixie State transfer Adam Madsen made a move for the backup spot in spring practice and another transfer, Fano Tagovailoa, has turned into a utility player who could play safety, receiver or quarterback.
Texas freshman Brian Johnson hopes to make his mark this fall and could be Utah's quarterback of the future.
In Logan, senior Travis Cox returns and could be backed by redshirt freshman Leon Jackson III, redshirt sophomore Bryan Black or senior transfer Matt Crivello, who broke his collarbone against New Mexico in 2003 and was out for the season. Black played sparingly last year, including the second half of the Troy State game.
Affleck's father, Dave, played at Orem High and was a receiver on BYU's first team to earn a bowl invitation — the 1974 Fiesta Bowl. "I think my father wants me to play at BYU, but he's really looking out for where I will have a chance to play as soon as I can," he said.
Affleck is the highest-rated passer in Timpview High history, according to Arizona State's media guide. As a senior, he completed 129-of-212 passes for 2,063 yards and 22 touchdowns (nine interceptions). That season, the Thunderbirds went 12-1. For his high school career, Affleck completed 234-of-407 passes for 4,173 yards, 37 touchdown and 17 interceptions. He earned MVP honors at the Colorado Nike Camp in 2002.
"I hope to make a decision in about a week," Affleck said.
E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com