- Josh Quezada will carry the ball more in 2011 and should surprise a lot.
Between the BYU football team declaring independence and their rival University of Utah Utes joining the PAC-12, a lot of diverse opinions have been swirling around them. With the two programs only a 30-minute drive from each other and both heading in different directions, the head to head recruiting is bound to change. After researching three critical issues surrounding BYU – independence, scheduling, and the Honor Code; I am of the opinion that BYU’s recruiting will only continue to improve.
Independence
If you read any news on BYU going Independent, there is one word you’ll hear more than “BYU” and “Independent.” That is “exposure.” In 2009 BYU opened the season against Oklahoma in the first game at Cowboys Stadium. It was the most viewed game in college football that weekend and the most exposure the Cougars would get all year. That win alone propelled the Cougars into the top 10.
When BYU speaks of exposure, it shouldn’t be understated that they are talking about exposure for football and the LDS church. The general purpose of BYU athletics is to compete with integrity and be a good example of faith, not just win games. The contract BYU signed with ESPN will allow them to broadcast games not picked up by ESPN on BYUtv. Anticipating a move to independence for many years, BYU prepared themselves for this grand venture. In 2010 BYU completed construction of one of the most advanced college television facilities in the world, complete with a HD capable “broadcast bus.” BYU’s bus was hailed by ESPN as the best mobile platform west of the Mississippi. BYUtv will be accessible in homes of potential recruits across the country and BYU alumni and fans across the globe via cable, internet, or satellite.
Many assumptions are being made about head to head recruiting with Utah joining the PAC-12. One of those assumptions is that the Utes will gain a recruiting edge over BYU because of conference affiliation and access to the BCS through the PAC-12 Championship. Another is that the Utes are going to win as consistently in the PAC-12 as they did in the MWC. It’s not unrealistic to believe the Utes will have success in the PAC-12, they have posted four 10+ win seasons in the last decade and have forged a reputation as one of the best non-BCS programs in the nation. Though they have made an admiral start, a few winning seasons does not make a tradition.
Without a doubt, the Cougars and Utes have improved their situation just by leaving the MWC. Both schools will enjoy more exposure immediately. While the Utes will play mostly on regional Fox channels, BYU will have the broadcasting advantage playing at least six games on either ESPN or ESPN2. Seven games have already been picked up by ESPN.
Scheduling
BYU’s independence will enable them to play more marque teams with some games scheduled in NFL stadiums. This next year BYU will play Ole Miss in Death Valley, Texas in Austin, and make another visit to Cowboys Stadium to play TCU. Where would a possible recruit rather play, Laramie or SEC country? Fort Collins or in Big 12 county? University Stadium in Albuquerque or Cowboys Stadium? If BYU can continue scheduling top schools in interesting venues it will help their recruiting immensely. Recruits should be excited about the possibility of playing top programs in NFL stadiums. Many of these young men will not get that opportunity after their college careers. Former BYU QB Max Hall said that the Cougars’ win over the Sooners in’09 was the highlight of the season not only because they won, but because they won in Cowboys Stadium. Many other players shared that same excitement, they also played in the Super Dome in New Orleans that year. BYU’s access to the BCS will come with good scheduling and continued winning. With no conference affiliation, BYU will be playing for a National Championship every year.
The Effects of the Honor Code
While football took a break, the BYU basketball team kept the university in the news with some kid named “Jimmer” and the controversy surrounding their Honor Code. When BYU was 27-2 and #3 in the nation, starting center Brandon Davies was dismissed from the basketball team for a violation of the BYU Honor Code. Several knew about the Honor Code, but Davies’ dismissal sparked a media firestorm resulting in both scrutiny and praise. All students that enroll at BYU, including athletes, are required to sign and adhere to the Honor Code. Their code of conduct commits every student to strive to live a virtuous, chaste, and honest life.
- Cody Hoffman started slow, but ended strong in 2010.
Because BYU is sponsored by the LDS Church, coaches must recruit young athletes with a genuine desire to be part of a unique campus atmosphere and distinctive culture. Coaches emphasize the fact that young athletes who choose BYU over other institutions of higher learning based upon factors other than athletics. In a radio interview with a local sports station 104.7 The Zone, BYU offensive coordinator Brandon Doman commented on how the Davies situation has helped recruiting by shining a light on the Honor Code. Not only has BYU’s strict adherence to their conduct policy drawn support from recruits, but also their parents. There are many great football players that are members of other faiths that promote the same standards of conduct. These are what Doman likes to refer to as “BYU guys.” Believe it or not, the Honor Code has helped expand the recruiting pool.
I would argue that, based upon the much improved national and international exposure, the possibilities of interesting games verses top opponents in famed stadiums, and the uniqueness of the “BYU experience,” BYU will find their ability to attract and capture top talent expand and become easier. Winning will inevitably increase the recruiting pool.
Whether a recruit chooses BYU over some other institution, including Utah, basically boils down to personal preference. No single football program will appeal to every recruit. Some like Vanilla, others Chocolate, and still others prefer Rocky Road.
