BYU Football QB Competition: Jake Heaps the Favorite To Start in 2010?

After three years, one conference title, two bowl victories, an upset over the No. 3 team in the country, and more victories than any QB before him, the Max Hall era is over.

Hall, love him or hate him, has left quite a legacy, and big shoes to fill for his replacement.

Not to mention the fact that BYU may be the most tradition-rich quarterback position in the entire country.

So who is the heir apparent?

Bronco says it will be an open competition come spring.

The Candidates

James Lark

Lark was the 16th rated QB nationally and highest regarded recruit in BYU's 2006 recruiting class. BYU chose to offer him a scholarship instead of Riley Nelson. Lark redshirted his first year, then left on a mission. He just returned from his mission earlier this year.

He has been praised by scouts for his accuracy, consistency, arm strength and field vision. But scouts have been critical of his release and his technique, and he may have difficulty adjusting quickly back to football after his mission.

Odds of being named the starter: four percent.

Jason Munns

Munns was the 27th rated QB nationally in BYU's 2007 recruiting class. He won't be back from his mission until the summer, so he won't get a chance to compete in spring ball, but will still get a chance to impress the coaches in summer and fall practices.

Scouts like Munns because of his size (6'5"), his arm strength and his pocket awareness. They don't like his lack of mobility and escapability in the pocket. Many compare him to Drew Bledsoe.

Odds of being named the starter: one percent.

Riley Nelson

Nelson broke several high school records in his senior year, accounting for 84 touchdowns (yes, 84!) on the air and the ground, while leading his team to the state championship.

Nelson has a year of experience in BYU's offensive system after backing up Max Hall this last year. In limited action, mostly in blowouts, he was very effective. He completed seven of 10 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown, and ran 21 times for 122 yards and three touchdowns.

He has the potential to be BYU's best dual-threat QB since Steve Young. And he can make all the throws with accuracy and consistency. Max Hall has even been rumored to say that he thinks Nelson is better than him, praising his accuracy and decision making.

Odds of being named the starter: 45 percent.

Jake Heaps

Jake Heaps is the highest regarded QB recruit of the Bronco Mendenhall era. The number one overall QB recruit in the entire country, according to Scout.com. His ability to read defenses, lead a team, and throw accurately with solid fundamentals are unquestioned. He is also regarded as the most ready of any QB to start from day one.

Most reports seem to indicate that Heaps will forgo serving a mission, but Heaps has yet to either deny or confirm these reports.

Many scouts compare him to Drew Brees. If he really is the next Drew Brees, maybe he will be the one to finally lead BYU to a BCS bowl berth.

Odds of being named the starter: 50 percent.

Right now it is effectively a two man battle between Heaps and Nelson. Nelson has the advantage in terms of experience and running ability. But Heaps has an advantage in talent, and is far more mature than the typical 18 year old. Plus, he ran an offensive system similar to BYU's in high school.

But it's almost a toss up at this point. Whoever wins the starting job looks likely to continue the embarrassment of riches and success BYU has had at QB.

Look for a starter to be named before the conclusion of spring ball.