PROVO — Junior Riley Nelson will start for BYU when the Cougars open the 2010 season against Washington on Sept. 4.
Coach Bronco Mendenhall said Nelson will take the first snaps against the Huskies, but reiterated that true freshman Jake Heaps will also play.
"Against the University of Washington, Riley will take the first series and will be listed as the starter," Mendenhall said. "The quarterbacks have been so similar in terms of production (in fall camp). They're both excellent leaders and they both bring different styles of play. Ultimately, we're going to need both quarterbacks to help us reach our goals this year."
Offensive coordinator Robert Anae said of the two-quarterback system: "We have two starters."
Mendenhall said he met with Nelson and Heaps to explain the situation, characterizing that meeting as "an awesome experience" and that both quarterbacks understand what the coaching staff is trying to get done.
Nelson characterized the two-QB system as "nasty and lethal" because it gives opposing defenses a lot to prepare for when facing the BYU offense.
Earlier today, BYU issued a news release reiterating what Mendenhall told reporters Thursday — that the Cougars are planning to use a two-quarterback system this fall with Nelson and Heaps at the controls of the offense.
"We plan on playing both Riley and Jake at quarterback and feel both will be effective leading our team," Mendenhall said. "Each is a talented player with a different style, which will pose some difficulties for opposing defenses. Both players are committed to this decision and excited to lead our team."
Nelson appeared in seven games last year as the backup to Max Hall, completing 7-of-10 passes and one touchdown with a strong 186.16 efficiency rating while running for 122 yards (5.8 ypc) and three touchdowns. A transfer who started eight games as a freshman at Utah State in 2006 prior to an LDS Church mission, Nelson completing 55 percent of his passes for 925 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 290 yards with the Aggies. He was a Parade All-American and Deseret News Mr. Football for Utah coming out of high school in 2005.
Heaps, a true freshman out of Skyline High School in Sammamish, Wash., was ranked the No. 1 high school quarterback in the nation by Scout.com and the top pro-style signal caller by Rivals.com. He led Skyline to three state championships while posting a 40-2 record as a three-year starter. In doing so, he amassed 9,994 yards and completed 63 percent of his passes while connecting on 114 touchdowns with only 18 interceptions. Including 30 rushing touchdowns, he totaled 144 scores overall during his three-year career.
"I know this will give us an opportunity to have a highly successful season," Nelson said. "Jake and I both have the ability to lead our team and offer unique skills that will help us be successful as an offensive unit. I am excited about this opportunity and fully expect that we will carry on the great tradition and legacy of the quarterback position here at BYU."
"I am 100 percent behind this decision," Heaps said in a statement. "I feel the coaches have made the right decision for both Riley and I and this football team. Riley is a great player and I'm excited to have the opportunity to contribute. This isn't about me or him; it's about us-it's about doing what we can to help our team."
e-mail: jeffc@desnews.com