More on Riley Nelson's controversial transfer
Classified as a "newcomer," BYU backup quarterback Riley Nelson could officially talk to reporters after the Oklahoma game. But with the Cougars playing Nelson's former school, Utah State, this week, we decided to hold off on a story about Nelson's transfer until now.
That story is in today's Tribune, and here's a link if you missed it.
I spent quite a bit of time talking to people about Nelson's situation, and Nelson was gracious enough to talk at length about the transfer (although he still prefers to not divulge all his reasons, saying some are personal).
Anyway, here are some comments that didn't make it into the story, but are still helpful nevertheless in understanding what happened.
Quarterbacks coach Brandon Doman on Nelson's progress:
"We are really pleased with it. He's had two drives and two touchdowns. He has a long ways to go, but in overall ability and leadership, work ethic, all those types of things -- intangibles -- I think he possesses all that stuff.
"Now it is just a matter of poise, and poise comes from confidence, which comes from repetition. He just doesn't get enough reps as we would like. But boy, to get in a game and play, that is why he is here. That is why he is our backup.
If he can get into eight or 10 games, which would be a remarkable thing. That would be ideal."
Nelson on how things are going overall at BYU:
"Things are going well. I am adjusting to both football and school. It is different from fall camp, where everything is just football. Now there are other demands on your time. I am slowly but surely adjusting, and I am loving it."
Nelson on the reaction he expects to get Friday from USU fans who attend the game in Provo: "I haven't thought about it, and I am not going to think much about it. Whatever it is, it won't effect the game or how we play or anyting like that, so I am not going to worry too much about it."
Nelson on feedback he has received from friends and former teammates regarding his transfer:
"When I go back up to Logan, it is to be with my family. So I spend the majority of my time with them. When my friends drop by, or I go out with them, there is no negative feelings -- at least from what I have experienced."
Nelson on rumors of a gag order on Riley Nelson comments at USU (Aggie players have said there's a gag order; school officials said there is not):
"I find that funny. But I think it is good. The focus needs to be on the field and the football that is going to be played, and not so much on the off-the-field things that really have no influence on what is taking place on the field."
Nelson on his opportunities at BYU so far:
"I am happy with the opportunities that I have been given, and I just prepared mentally throughout the week to be prepared for whatever situation I am placed in. Whether it be at the end of the game, or whether I am called on during the course of a game.
I just prepare to be ready, and to take advantage of the opportunity and do whatever I can to help our team progress and to win."
Nelson on his reaction when backup QB Brenden Gaskins stepped aside and demoted himself so Nelson could be the No. 2 QB:
"The word I would use to describe it is admiration. I feel like that shows the measure of his character. And I am very fortunate to be able to interact day in and day out with both him and Max. They are both men of great integrity and great character. And to be able to interact with them and learn from them and be on the same team as them, it is a great opportunity."
Nelson on his reaction when Jake Heaps committed to BYU:
"Excitement. It really shows the direction that this program is headed in -- which is obviously onward and upward. It is really exciting to have Jake come, along with all the other recruits. Because they are very good ball players and they will contribute a whole lot to our team, and contribute a lot to accomplishing the goals that we have."
Nelson on how is deep-rooted USU family has handled the transfer news:
"The are definitely going to be cheering for the Cougars next Friday. They are Riley Nelson fans all the way, and my grandfather and my father and my whole family has a deep love for me, and I know that, because I feel like they are going to support me in whatever righteous decision I make."
Nelson on their initial reaction:
"They had very little to do in my decision-making process, and were probably just as surprised as anybody. But like I said, I have felt nothing but support and love from them. Because my decision was such a personal one, I didn't really receive much advise, whether to go here, or whether to go there. I was presented with the opportunity, and it was left up to me, and it was the decision that I made."
That story is in today's Tribune, and here's a link if you missed it.
I spent quite a bit of time talking to people about Nelson's situation, and Nelson was gracious enough to talk at length about the transfer (although he still prefers to not divulge all his reasons, saying some are personal).
Anyway, here are some comments that didn't make it into the story, but are still helpful nevertheless in understanding what happened.
Quarterbacks coach Brandon Doman on Nelson's progress:
"We are really pleased with it. He's had two drives and two touchdowns. He has a long ways to go, but in overall ability and leadership, work ethic, all those types of things -- intangibles -- I think he possesses all that stuff.
"Now it is just a matter of poise, and poise comes from confidence, which comes from repetition. He just doesn't get enough reps as we would like. But boy, to get in a game and play, that is why he is here. That is why he is our backup.
If he can get into eight or 10 games, which would be a remarkable thing. That would be ideal."
Nelson on how things are going overall at BYU:
"Things are going well. I am adjusting to both football and school. It is different from fall camp, where everything is just football. Now there are other demands on your time. I am slowly but surely adjusting, and I am loving it."
Nelson on the reaction he expects to get Friday from USU fans who attend the game in Provo: "I haven't thought about it, and I am not going to think much about it. Whatever it is, it won't effect the game or how we play or anyting like that, so I am not going to worry too much about it."
Nelson on feedback he has received from friends and former teammates regarding his transfer:
"When I go back up to Logan, it is to be with my family. So I spend the majority of my time with them. When my friends drop by, or I go out with them, there is no negative feelings -- at least from what I have experienced."
Nelson on rumors of a gag order on Riley Nelson comments at USU (Aggie players have said there's a gag order; school officials said there is not):
"I find that funny. But I think it is good. The focus needs to be on the field and the football that is going to be played, and not so much on the off-the-field things that really have no influence on what is taking place on the field."
Nelson on his opportunities at BYU so far:
"I am happy with the opportunities that I have been given, and I just prepared mentally throughout the week to be prepared for whatever situation I am placed in. Whether it be at the end of the game, or whether I am called on during the course of a game.
I just prepare to be ready, and to take advantage of the opportunity and do whatever I can to help our team progress and to win."
Nelson on his reaction when backup QB Brenden Gaskins stepped aside and demoted himself so Nelson could be the No. 2 QB:
"The word I would use to describe it is admiration. I feel like that shows the measure of his character. And I am very fortunate to be able to interact day in and day out with both him and Max. They are both men of great integrity and great character. And to be able to interact with them and learn from them and be on the same team as them, it is a great opportunity."
Nelson on his reaction when Jake Heaps committed to BYU:
"Excitement. It really shows the direction that this program is headed in -- which is obviously onward and upward. It is really exciting to have Jake come, along with all the other recruits. Because they are very good ball players and they will contribute a whole lot to our team, and contribute a lot to accomplishing the goals that we have."
Nelson on how is deep-rooted USU family has handled the transfer news:
"The are definitely going to be cheering for the Cougars next Friday. They are Riley Nelson fans all the way, and my grandfather and my father and my whole family has a deep love for me, and I know that, because I feel like they are going to support me in whatever righteous decision I make."
Nelson on their initial reaction:
"They had very little to do in my decision-making process, and were probably just as surprised as anybody. But like I said, I have felt nothing but support and love from them. Because my decision was such a personal one, I didn't really receive much advise, whether to go here, or whether to go there. I was presented with the opportunity, and it was left up to me, and it was the decision that I made."
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