During a game against Texas Tech in 2006, Jamar Hunt found himself exchanging words with a linebacker on the opposing team.But it wasn't trash talk. In fact, the two weren't discussing football. They weren't even speaking their native language.Hunt, then a sophomore tight end for the University of Texas-El Paso, was on the field during a television timeout when Brock Stratton, a senior linebacker for the Red Raiders, struck up a conversation in Spanish. At the time, Hunt was two years removed from serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico. Before the game, Stratton read Hunt's biography online and discovered that they had missionary service — and a second language — in common. Stratton had been a Spanish-speaking missionary in Colorado."It's kind of a cool little moment," Hunt said.Now a senior at UTEP, Hunt remembers the confused looks of his teammates as they overheard the two opponents conversing in Spanish during a contest that Texas Tech eventually won in overtime. Hunt, however, has become accustomed to finding himself in unique situations because of his mission experience — whether it be leading the team in prayer or being the designated spokesman for the Spanish-speaking media covering the Miners. His service in the Mexico City West Mission from 2002 to 2004 has gone a long way toward defining Hunt's career and his role on the team."It's just a great opportunity to be different and to be a good example," he said.There are more than 100 returned missionaries listed on the rosters of the three major college football teams in Utah. But for those who pursue football opportunities elsewhere, the distinction of having served a two-year Mormon mission becomes even more pronounced. For several of these players, whether they be in El Paso, Texas, or Corvallis, Ore., the decision to serve has proven beneficial, and full-time missionary service continues to be a formative experience in their football careers.As a senior at Kahuku (Hawaii) High School in 2003, Walker Vave had scholarship offers from Oregon State, Utah and Brigham Young University. What was most important to him, however, was giving those opportunities up — at least for the immediate future.Vave eventually signed a letter-of-intent to play for Oregon State, but he also made a commitment to the Lord before beginning his football career."I've wanted to serve a mission ever since I was baptized at the age of 8," said Vave, who is now a special teams contributor as a sophomore linebacker. "I really wanted to give my gratitude and serve two years for him and leave everything behind."Vave, who served a mission in Ecuador from 2004 to 2006, is one of two returned missionaries playing for the Pac-10 school. His teammate and roommate, Sioeli Nau, is a backup defensive lineman as a junior transfer from Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. Unlike Vave, Nau didn't have any scholarship offers upon graduating from Spanish Fork (Utah) High School, but he hoped football was in his future and planned to walk on at Snow.But Nau, who was born in Hawaii and whose parents joined the LDS Church when he was 6, says he knew that missionary service was something that he personally "had to do." So he departed for a mission to Panama City before enrolling in school. Nau had witnessed numerous missionaries return and say that the experience was the best two years of their lives, and he resolved to put those words to the test."I wanted to find out for myself if it was the best two years like all the other RMs said it was," said Nau, who returned in 2004 and eventually earned a scholarship in his second season at Snow before moving on to Corvallis.For Mark Asper, who was a highly regarded prospect out of Bonneville (Idaho) High School, committing to serve a mission before committing to a school was imperative. Asper, who served in Barcelona, Spain, from 2005 to 2007, says talking about full-time missionary work was part of his "household vocabulary" as he was growing up in Rexburg, Idaho. When athletic opportunities began to arise, Asper received some counsel from the bishop's wife, whose husband was a former college athlete. Decide now, she said."I just made the decision ahead of time that I was going to go on a mission no matter what," Asper said.The offensive lineman bypassed offers from Arizona State and BYU to sign with Oregon, which agreed to defer his scholarship for two years. He's now a sophomore and is listed as the backup right guard on the Oregon depth chart.Hunt, who played at Mountain View (Ariz.) High School with former BYU quarterback John Beck, had several scholarship offers but delayed his college choice until after his mission. He knew a lot can change over a two-year period, but he also had a conviction that football opportunities would work themselves out in the future."I had a strong testimony," said Hunt, who decided upon his return to attend UTEP, where two of his brothers had played previously. "I felt like I need to grow up and mature, and I felt like (a mission) was the best opportunity for me ? I just figured that I'd be blessed for my sacrifices as well. I'm thankful that I did and it all worked out."Ryan Worthen remembers singing "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission" for an uncle who was about to depart into the field. But it wasn't until he began watching scholarship opportunities fade away that he began reassessing the direction of his life and decided to serve a mission himself.Worthen, now a starting tight end at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, served in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 2003 to 2005. The experience, while difficult, helped mold him into the person he is today."The Lord put me to the test," said Worthen, who walked on at UNLV upon his return and earned a scholarship two years later. "He made it pretty tough, but I never thought about coming back. That's what shaped me."Among the blessings that come from serving a mission, Worthen counts maturity, learning how to be neat and clean, improved study habits and an appreciation for his blessings that came from witnessing difficult circumstances. Nau echoes those sentiments, saying that mission service was both a humbling and an empowering experience."It was tough, but it was well worth it," Nau said. "It taught me to handle things on my own and not rely on my parents. I was more mature coming back. I knew how to take care of myself."Asper describes himself as being arrogant and self-assured before his mission, but two years in the field afforded him some humility and perspective. The now 6-foot-7, 323-pound lineman saw his physical strength deteriorate during that time, but the "physical low" was accompanied by a "spiritual high." Asper says he also developed a better work ethic."I feel like the lessons I learned from my mission are irreplaceable," he said. "I'm a totally different person now than I was."There have also been temporal blessings, as well. Asper now believes the time away from athletics was beneficial because it gave his knees and back "time to piece themselves back together" after playing sports year-round in high school. He's also decided to pursue a Spanish major, and could graduate next year and begin a master's program before his eligibility expires.In addition to humility and improved work ethic, Vave lists time management among the qualities he learned as a missionary. A full-time student, intercollegiate athlete and active participant in his local LDS ward, Vave tries to prioritize prayer, scripture reading and church attendance. His mission helped prepare him for the rigorous schedule, he says.Vave advises other athletes who are considering full-time missionary service to prepare and focus."Give everything you've got for the Lord," he said. "Leave everything behind ? and he'll bless you in the future."Vave considers himself still very much involved in missionary work. In addition to using his people skills as a greeter in his local Young Single Adult ward, Vave has been able to educate other Oregon State players about his faith — many of whom have inquired about his mission experience."There's a lot of teammates that don't know anything about the Mormons," he said. "I'm grateful to be here."Being a returned missionary on a team where there are few LDS Church members is a vivid distinction. For players like Vave and Hunt, it creates unique opportunities that range from being a catalyst for religious discussion to providing mature leadership and service.Hunt has been designated to give interviews for Spanish-speaking media covering the Miners, but there are some unofficial duties that have emerged from being the only returned missionary on the team. Hunt says he's constantly asked about his mission experience by teammates and fans, and those who want to discuss matters of faith often seek him out."If they want to talk religion, it comes to me," he says.Hunt is often called on to give prayers at pregame meals, and the coaching staff relies on him to help provide service in the community. Recently, he visited an El Paso-area elementary school and spoke to the children in Spanish.He's also seen as an older influence on the team. Hunt has been married for his entire playing career, and he and his wife, Lacie, recently welcomed a newborn son.Worthen, who has also been married for most of his career and has an 18-month-old daughter with his wife, Brittany, says he's been able to take on somewhat of a leadership role on the team. He's had several long discussions on faith with teammates."It's just been real neat, because I can share stories," he said.Asper has had a similar experience, and so have two of his teammates — defensive linemen Will Tukuafu and Brandon Bair, who both served missions prior to their arrival in Eugene, Ore. Asper and Bair say teammates direct plenty of questions their way regarding the church and missionary work, especially when they're in meetings with other offensive or defensive linemen."It's just kind of fun, especially amongst the other defensive linemen," Bair said.Nau knows that being a member of the church and a returned missionary means that he and Vave tend to "stand out." Nau says he's asked by teammates why they can't smoke or drink, or whether they were forced to go on a mission. It's been a different experience from growing up in Utah County, but Nau calls it a "blessing" — especially when he's able to interact with younger fans who show up at practice with notepads or footballs seeking an autograph."That's just something that touches me, because us as athletes have an impact on these kids," he said. "It's been so memorable, something I'll never forget."The returned missionaries continue to be active in the church in their area and have carved out many positive religious and social experiences. Worthen, who plays on the team with his brother Rusty and whose sister is a cheerleader for the Rebels, lives close to most of his family and enjoys being part of the large LDS population in Las Vegas. Recently, he was able to observe his teammates' reaction toward the atmosphere when UNLV traveled to play BYU, which is owned by the LDS Church.Asper met his wife, Michelle, at a Young Single Adult ward in the Eugene area, and Bair has always been actively involved in the LDS institute program close to campus. He currently serves as the president of the school's Latter-day Saint Student Association.Bair says he's aware of LDS players on other teams and points them out during film sessions. He'll often interact with them on game day — much like the impromptu conversation that took place between Stratton and Hunt in El Paso two years ago."It's just kind of that bond you have that you wouldn't otherwise have," Bair said.
E-mail: ashill@desnews.com
Returned missionaries playing Division I FBS college football
BYU Matt Ah You / BYU / Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. / Jr. / LB / Backup
Nick Alletto / BYU / Parker, Colo. / So. / OL / Backup
Luke Ashworth / BYU / Provo (Timpview HS) / So. / WR / Backup
Matt Bauman / BYU / Salt Lake City (Skyline HS) / Jr. / LB / Starter
Jeff Bell / BYU / Ashburn, Va. / Jr. / LB / Played in 7 games
Brandon Bradley / BYU / Tallahasse, Fla. / So. / DB / Starter
Travis Bright / BYU / Queen Creek, Ariz. / Sr. / OL / Starter
Braden Brown / BYU / Salt Lake City (Highland HS) / Fr. / TE / Has not played
Rhen Brown / BYU / Alpine (Lone Peak HS) / Fr. / WR / Has not played
Terence Brown / BYU / Summerville, S.C. / So. / OL / Backup
Coleby Clawson / BYU / Wales (North Sanpete HS) / Jr. / LB / Starter
Austin Collie / BYU / El Dorado Hills, Calif. / Jr. / WR / Starter
Stephen Covey / BYU / Provo (Timpview HS) / Fr. / QB / Has not played
Brett Denney / BYU / Thornton, Colo. / Jr. / DL / Starter
Steven Fisher / BYU / Orem (Timpanogos HS) / Fr. / DL / Has not played
Kellen Fowler / BYU / Kaysville (Davis HS) / Sr. / DB / Starter
Jameson Frazier / BYU / Draper (Alta HS) / Fr. / DB / Has not played
Mark Freeman / BYU / Orem (Orem HS) / Fr. / OL / Has not played
Brenden Gaskins / BYU / Farmington, N.M. / Jr. / QB / Backup
Andrew George / BYU / Englewood, Colo. / Jr. / TE / Backup
Dustin Graham / BYU / Glendale, Ariz. / So. / LB / Has not played
Spencer Hafoka / BYU / Kahuku, Hawaii / Fr. / WR / Played in 6 games
Max Hall / BYU / Mesa, Ariz. / Jr. / QB / Starter
Tevita Hola / BYU / West Valley City (Granger HS) / Jr. / DL / Redshirt
Tyler Holt / BYU / Granite Bay, Calif. / Fr. / K/P / Has not played
Shane Hunter / BYU / Idaho Falls / So. / LB / Played in 2 games
Landon Jaussi / BYU / Wylie, Texas / So. / WR / Played in 5 games
Scott Johnson / BYU / Provo (Timpview HS) / Jr. / DB / Injured starter
Jan Jorgensen / BYU / Helper (Carbon HS) / Jr. / DL / Starter
Rockey Kalamafoni / BYU / Portland, Ore. / Fr. / DL / Has not played
Bryan Kariya / BYU / Kaysville (Davis HS) / Fr. / RB / Played in 9 games
Tyler Kozlowski / BYU / Wildwood, Ill. / So. / WR / Played in 9 games
Wayne Latu / BYU / Provo (Timpview HS) / Sr. / RB / Backup
Bryce Mahuika / BYU / Vancouver, Wash. / Sr. / WR / Played in 7 games
Parker Mangum / BYU / Boise / So. / WR / Has not played
Kurt McEuen / BYU / Heber City (Wasatch HS) / So. / QB / Played in 2 games
Jonathan McCullough / BYU / Hillsboro, Ore. / So. / TE / Has not played
Chris Muehlmann / BYU / American Fork (Am. Fork HS) / Sr. / DS / Starter
Grant Nelson / BYU / Hopewell, Pa. / So. / LB / Played in 1 game
David Nixon / BYU / College Station, Texas / Sr. / LB / Starter
Brandon Ogletree / BYU / McKinney, Texas / Fr. / LB / Has not played
David Oswald / BYU / Sandy (Brighton HS) / Sr. / OL / Starter
John Pace / BYU / Yorba Linda, Calif / So. / DS / Backup
Mitch Payne / BYU / North Ogden (Weber HS) / So. / K / Starter
B.J. Peterson / BYU / Salt Lake City (Brighton HS) / So. / WR / Has not played
Dennis Pitta / BYU / Moorpark, Calif. / Jr. / TE / Starter
Byron Putnam / BYU / Draper (Alta HS) / Fr. / DB / Has not played
Matt Putnam / BYU / Brigham City (Box Elder HS) / Fr. / DL / Backup
Garrett Reden / BYU / Valley Center, Calif / So. / OL / Backup
Dallas Reynolds / BYU / Provo (Timpview HS) / Sr. / OL / Starter
Matt Reynolds / BYU / Provo (Timpview HS) / Fr. / OL / Starter
Andrew Rich / BYU / Ogden (Bonneville HS) / So. / DB / Starter
Brock Richardson / BYU / Idaho Falls / Sr. / DL / Played in 4 games
Tom Sorensen / BYU / Salt Lake City (Brighton HS) / Jr. / OL / Injured
Jason Speredon / BYU / West Valley City (Granger HS) / So. / OL / Backup
David Tafuna / BYU / Mesa, Ariz. / Sr. / DB / Injured starter
Jesse Taufi / BYU / Long Beach, Calif. / Jr. / OL / Redshirt
Isaac Taylor / BYU / Camino, Calif / Sr. / RB / Played in 9 games
Stetson Tenney / BYU / Show Low, Ariz. / Fr. / OL / Has not played
David Tuitupou / BYU / Orem (Mtn. View HS) / Jr. / DL / Has not played
Travis Uale / BYU / Hawaii Kai, Hawaii / Fr. / DB / Has not played
Tana Uyema / BYU / Honolulu / Sr. / DB / Has not played
Fui Vakapuna / BYU / Glendale (East HS) / Sr. / FB / Starter
Dan Van Sweden / BYU / West Point (Northridge HS) / Jr. / LB / Injured
Jadon Wagner / BYU / Lethbridge, Alberta / Fr. / LB / Played in 5 games
Reed White / BYU / Gilbert, Ariz. / Sr. / WR / Backup
R.J. Willing / BYU / Kahuku, Hawaii / Jr. / OL / Backup
UTAH
Matt Black / Utah / Washington (Pine View HS) / Fr. / DL / Has not played
Bryce Bennion / Utah / South Jordan (Bingham HS) / Fr. / DB / Has not played
Tony Bergstrom / Utah / Salt Lake City (Skyline HS) / Fr. / OL / Backup
Greg Bird / Utah / Mesa, Ariz. / Fr. / LB / Played in 4 games
Daniel Bukarau / Utah / Kailua, Hawaii / So. / OL / Played in 1 game
TJ Canales / Utah / Layton (Northridge HS) / Fr. / QB / Has not played
Tysen Clements / Utah / Salt Lake City (Skyline HS) / So. / DB / Played in 9 games
Brad Clifford / Utah / Salt Lake City (Olympus HS) / So. / TE / Played in 1 game
Tage Clifford / Utah / Roy (Northridge HS) / Fr. / WR / Has not played
Christian Cox / Utah / Bountiful (Bountiful HS) / So. / DL / Played in 4 games
Grayson Dart / Utah / Layton (Northridge HS) / Fr. / DB / Has not played
Tatum Drecksel / Utah / Salt Lake City (West HS) / Jr. / DL / Played in 6 games
Afa Garrigan / Utah / Hauula, Hawaii / So. / LB / Backup
Paul Kruger / Utah / Orem (Timpanogos HS) / So. / DE / Starter
Nick Liefting / Utah / West Valley City (Hunter HS) / Fr. / DB / Has not played
Ben Macey / Utah / Salt Lake City (Logan HS) / Fr. / WR / Has not played
Trevor Moss / Utah / Sandy (Jordan HS) / Jr. / RB / Played in 8 games
Clint Mower / Utah / Alpine (Lone Peak HS) / Sr. / DS / Starter
Jordan Nelson / Utah / Idaho Falls / Fr. / OL / Has not played
RJ Rice / Utah / Salt Lake City (Olympus HS) / Sr. / DB / Backup
Collin Robinson / Utah / Draper (Alta HS) / So. / WR / Has not played
Colt Sampson / Utah / Pleasant Grove (Pl. Grove HS) / Sr. / TE / Starter
Corey Seiuli / Utah / Provo (Timpveiw HS) / Sr. / OL / Backup
Tevita Stevens / Utah / Hemet, Calif. / Fr. / DL / Has not played
Junior Tui'one / Utah / Hawthorne, Calif. / So. / DE / Played in 3 games
Zach Wade / Utah / Salt Lake City (Cottonwood HS) / So. / WR / Has not played
Mike Wright / Utah / Bountiful (Bountiful HS) / Jr. / LB / Starter
UTAH STATE
Adrian Bybee / Utah State / Pocatello / Jr. / DB / Injured
Ben Calderwood / Utah State / Smithfield (Sky View HS) / Sr. / DE / Starter
Andy Carlsen / Utah State / Coalville (N. Summit HS) / So. / LB Played in 9 games
Leti Faitala / Utah State / Kahuku, Hawaii / Jr. / DL / Has not played
Chase Griffiths / Utah State Heber City (Wasatch HS) / Jr. / WR / Has not played
Jake Hobbs / Utah State / Preston, Idaho / So. / DE / Has not played
Derek Hoke / Utah State / Pl. Grove (Pl. Grove HS) / Sr. / OL Starter
Eric Moats / Utah State / Denver / Fr. / WR / Has not played
OREGON
Mark Asper / Oregon / Rexburg, Idaho / So. / OL / Backup
Brandon Bair / Oregon / St. Anthony, Idaho / So. / DL / Backup
Will Tukuafu / Oregon / Salt Lake City (East HS) / Jr. / DL / Starter
OREGON STATE
Sioeli Nau / Oregon State / Spanish Fork (Sp. Fork HS) / Jr. / DT / Backup
Walker Vave / Oregon State / Laie, Hawaii / So. / LB / Played in 3 games
OTHER SCHOOLS
Jacob Bower / Tulsa / Meridian, Idaho / So. / QB / Backup
Dallas Dobbs / Boise State / Las Vegas / Sr. / LB / Starter
Inoke Funaki / Hawaii / Laie, Hawaii / Jr. / QB / Backup
Aaron Gilbert / San Jose State / Half Moon Bay, Calif. / Jr. / DT / Played in 8 games
Andrew Hatch / LSU / Henderson, Nev. / So. / QB / Injured
Jamar Hunt / UTEP / Mesa, Ariz. / Sr. / TE / Starter
Ben Olson / UCLA / Thousand Oaks, Calif. / Sr. / QB / Injured
Ben Woodard / Washington State / Cheney, Wash. / Sr. / TE / Starter
Ryan Worthen / UNLV / Las Vegas / Sr. / TE / Starter