Quarterback controversy on the horizon?

Now that Jake Heaps’ intentions are known, it’s going to be intriguing to watch how things unfold at the quarterback position at BYU.

While Heaps is on board, the Cougars have a few other top prospects waiting in the wings, including Riley Nelson, who recently returned home from a mission after playing as a freshman at Utah State. Meanwhile, James Lark and Jason Munns, two more highly touted recruits, are currently serving missions.

Granted, it’s a nice problem to have. The Cougars seem to have an embarrassment of riches at quarterback right now.

But many decisions will be have to be made over the next couple of years — by the coaches and by the quarterbacks themselves. How much patience will these players have if they’re not named the starter? It’s not uncommon, of course, to see quarterbacks leave the program, either for a lack of playing time or other reasons. Drew Miller, Kevin Gilbride, Todd Mortensen, Lance Pendleton, Bret Engemann, Ben Olson (the first top-rated prep QB that BYU signed, in 2002), Jacob Bower, Sam Doman and Cade Cooper come to mind.

Next spring, Heaps, Nelson and Lark will battle to replace Max Hall (Munns isn’t due back from his mission until April). Heaps, who is 28-0 as a starter at Skyline High in Washington, will graduate early and join the Cougars in January, eager to make an immediate impact. Nelson could back up Hall this season and get a leg up on the rest of the competition. Heaps said Thursday he has not decided whether or not he will be serving a mission.

Call your shot now — who would you like to see start at quarterback in 2010, and beyond?