State of BYU Football: Quarterbacks

This is the first installment in a position-by-position breakdown analyzing the personnel within BYU Football at each position for 2008 and in years to come.  It's not the State of the Union, but to people in Provo, a.k.a. Cougar Town, on game days it might be more important.

It was easy to pick what position to start off with when talking about BYU, who is better known for being the “Quarterback Factory.”

Projected Depth Chart for 2008

#15 Max Hall, Jr.

Hall came to BYU via Arizona State back in 2006.  He was expected to be the backup behind current Miami Dolphins QB John Beck that season but was ineligible due to a NCAA transfer rule, so Hall sat out and prepped himself to take over in 2007, a year after the best season in BYU’s program since the 1996 14-1 Cotton Bowl team.

It was a daunting task to follow Beck, but Hall indeed prepped himself and was named starter during that spring, beating out Cade Cooper who shortly after spring ball transferred to Oregon and has since left for Southern Utah.

Going into the season opener against Arizona last season, no one knew what to expect out of Hall, a guy who hadn’t played in a meaningful game in four years.  Hall by far exceeded expectations in the opener.

With the exception of a blindside fumble caused by recent first round draft pick Antoine Cason, Hall had a flawless game in a offensive scheme that set him up to succeed and he led BYU to the win—the first season-opening victory of the Bronco Mendenhall era.  Hall displayed a grittiness and toughness that would later lead him and the Cougars to a 11-2 record and the No. 14 ranking to end the season.

Now, Hall is a known commodity to everyone, but don’t expect that to slow him down.  He has a year under his belt, along with everyone else in this offense.  His production will be more impressive this season with the offensive playbook opening up more this season.

Hall has established himself as a vocal leader on the team and his teammates believe in him, as do the Cougar faithful—including this one.  The moment I was a believer in Hall was during the preseason Salt Lake Cougar Club night last year at the downtown Sheraton.  He said his goal at BYU was to win a National Championship, and when he said that I believed in him.

It would take a lot to happen in a season for BYU to have a shot at the National Title, but with Hall leading the way Cougar faithful believe the sky is the limit.  The nation will shortly start to take notice as well in Provo’s latest edition in the Quarterback Factory.

#6 Brenden Gaskins, Jr.

A JUCO transfer who was originally at Nevada, Gaskins had a good Spring Game back in 2007 in place of Cade Cooper to establish himself as the No. 2 guy.  He didn’t see many reps during the season so is still inexperienced, and didn’t perform very well to solidify himself to be the guy behind Hall for ’08 last spring.

He has good measurements at 6'4", 215, and with a year under his belt should know the offense better to be insurance for Hall.

#4 Kurt McEuen, So.

While at the Blue-White scrimmage this past Spring, McEuen seemed to outperform Gaskins, with McEuen’s unit scoring a touchdown.  He will battle Gaskins for No. 2 spot during Fall Camp.

#10 Stephen Covey, Fr.

A return Missionary who switched from Safety to QB during the spring.  Covey played QB during his days at Timpview High (Provo) and would be a player who changes things up on the offense.  He is more mobile and can run out of the pocket.  With the lack of depth at Safety, he is a possibility to move back if needed.

Players currently serving Mormon missions

James Lark

Serving in St. Petersburg, Russia.  Lark who was expected to go on a mission prior to the 2007 season but opted to stay in school another year.  When he gets back in January of 2010 he will be a Sophomore.

Jason Munns

Serving in Oaxaca, Mexico.  Munns was a heralded four-star recruit out of Kennesaw, Washington in the 2007 class.  At 6'5" he has great size and a strong arm.  He will return in 2010 and compete for the starting position with Max Hall gone.

Riley Nelson

Nelson caused a big stir in the Utah football world this past Memorial Day when he and his family contacted BYU coaches to let them know he would be transferring to Cougar Town from Utah State when he was done serving his mission in Spain.  Nelson will be back before Spring Ball in 2009, so he will have an inside track on the other competitors to take over for Max Hall in 2010.

Christian Stewart (Preferred Walk-On)

A talented player out of Timpanogos HS who wasn’t recruited until late in the recruiting process due to three coaching changes and different offenses.  He set a Utah HS record for touchdown passes per game in his career with four.  Stewart will be leaving for a mission shortly.

Dallin Cutler (Walk-On)

A “hybrid” athlete who led Alta to the state championship game his Senior season back in ’06, but lost to Bingham.  He will be back before spring practices in ’09.

Player(s) BYU has offered for 2009 recruiting class

Josh Nunes – Upland, CA

Nunes is a Top 100 recruit and is receiving offers from numerous schools.  He recently revealed his “Top Eight” and BYU was one of his schools.  He visited the campus and was impressed.

With Riley Nelson transferring and limited scholarships, the QB position isn’t a glaring need, but BYU is still going after Nunes.  If they land him he would be a huge get and add depth down the road.

OUTLOOK

The next two years, barring injury, are Max Hall's years.  He has the talent around him to do some great things and win many games.  The key will be to get those Non-Conference road wins.

The last BYU QB to win a non-conference road game was Larry King's brother-in-law, Bret Engemann, against Utah State back in 2002.  Hall has opportunities against Washington and Utah State this season, then Arizona State, his former team, in 2009.

After Hall the future is still bright with Nelson, Munns, and Lark, who will all compete for the starting job in 2010 and are talented players who bring a lot to the table.  The QB position, with the exception of a few years, has always been a strength at BYU and shows no signs of letting up in the future.

Next Preview: Defensive Line