BYU Football: The strengths (and weaknesses) of each QB
By Adam Gibby
Jacob Conover
Brief Bio: Jacob Conover is one of the best QB recruits that BYU has had. During his senior year in high school Conover threw for 3,306 yards and 38 TD’s while adding 264 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Conover was recruited by Alabama, Ole Miss, Arizona, Arizona State and other P5’s before committing to BYU. Last season he played as the Scout Team QB.
Strengths: Max Hallish. Is that a particular trait, no, but does he remind me of Max Hall? 100%. Jacob Conover is the typical pro style quarterback that loves to sling the ball around. Small windows, tough angles or creating a play are all in his wheelhouse. Conover seems like the kind of player that in most years would be the obvious starter for BYU, and he very well may end up being that guy in the future.
Weaknesses: Experience. While this is no fault of Conover, there are four other quarterbacks that have at least taken snaps in a live college football game. That fact will weigh on the coaching staff especially is Jaren Hall goes down with an injury early in the season. Even if Conover is the better practice player, I can’t see Sitake or Roderick going with Conover over Romney unless Conover has gotten some quality snaps in during a game. This problem can be fixed quickly, but it still does need to be fixed.
Maybe, just maybe we will get more of these Conover to Nacua connections this year!
How to get in the game: Hope that BYU Football is winning games by a bunch of points. Conover won’t be brought into the game as a replacement in my opinion. If the Cougars are needing a running quarterback, they will likely go with Maiava. If they need a good passer, they will go with a more experienced Romney. However, if the Cougars are up by 30 points late in the game, I think Conover may be the next guy in. Eventually if he gets enough snaps in this kind of position, he may become the full time backup.