Wilson’s rise brings back memories of BYU’s time as QB U
A generation of college football fans grew up knowing BYU as QB U.
Cougars quarterbacks consistently became first-round NFL draft picks and Heisman Trophy contenders in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. Under innovative coach LaVell Edwards, BYU offenses helped lay the foundation for today’s pass-happy game.
For the first time in a long time, BYU has that kind of quarterback again. With the help of a former Cougars QB, Zach Wilson is conjuring up memories of Jim McMahon and Steve Young in Provo, Utah.
No. 14 BYU (4-0) takes its unbeaten record and sideline dance parties to Houston to face another group of Cougars on Friday. It will be the toughest test yet for BYU and Wilson, who grew up a short drive from the school but didn’t get a scholarship offer from the Cougars until the 11th hour of his recruitment.
Being overlooked did nothing to break Wilson’s confidence. It probably added to his swagger and self-assured style.
“I had a lot to prove and at the same time, no one expected anything of me. So when I came in it was easy to take a risk.” Wilson said. “I wasn’t a huge recruit coming into BYU. Even with all the other offers I had, it wasn’t like I was some crazy four- or five-star guy and BYU was like super-happy to have me. I was just an average Joe coming in.”
Wilson’s recruitment is in some ways an indictment of the QB industrial complex that has taken over quarterback development.
Players aspiring to be the next Pat Mahomes or Baker Mayfield often enter the pipeline of personal trainers and quarterback gurus by middle school. They hit the camp circuits and are being nationally ranked in junior high.
Wilson was late to immerse himself in that world. His personal coach was his father, Mike Wilson, a former defensive lineman for the University of Utah. There was always a ball in the Wilson family car and a fatherson throwing session could break out anywhere.
“My wife would go into the grocery store and we’d stand outside and play catch in the parking lot while she’s shopping,” Wilson said.
“It’s always been highly competitive,” the elder Wilson added. “We play this target game where he holds his hand in a spot. If I hit it I get a point. I do the same for him. It’s first to 10, and it always heated on who’s cheating.”
It’s not that Zach Wilson wasn’t on the radar of coaches at Utah and BYU. It was just that neither school wanted him. At least not until after the 2017 season. BYU coach Kalani Sitake overhauled his offensive staff, including letting go of offensive coordinator and BYU Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer.
The staff turnover left BYU without a quarterback committed to the 2018 class. Scrambling, Sitake targeted Wilson, who had been verbally committed to Boise State. “It was just a little late, but it’s never too late,” Sitake said. “I mean, that’s how I got my wife. You just never know unless you take a shot and try.”