Keith Nelson said his son is currently on an LDS Church mission in Barcelona, Spain and scheduled to return in March of 2009.

"He just e-mailed us and told us his intentions are to accept an offer of a full-ride scholarship from BYU," said Keith Nelson, a former USU football player. "He has thought about it and mentioned [the possibility] for a little while now. After studying it intellectually, academically and emotionally and with a lot of soul searching, this is his decision."

A 6-foot-1 Parade All-American after a record-setting prep career, Nelson earned the starting job at USU midway through the 2006 season. He led the Aggies to a win over Fresno State and had an almost perfect game against San Jose State, completing 21 of 24 passes.

When asked why his son was making the switch, Keith Nelson said the missionary may release a statement detailing his exact reasons in the next few days.

"That's a great question," Keith Nelson said. "I can't tell you any details, really. It is a decision Riley needed to make. All I can say is we support Riley in his decision."

There were rumors last fall that Nelson, who set a national record his senior year with 84 touchdowns (31 rushing, 53 passing) was considering a transfer to BYU, but they were debunked at the time by family members and former coaches, and even sources at BYU said the Cougars were not in contact with the standout QB.

However, Keith Nelson said that "casual conversations" between BYU receivers coach Patrick Higgins and Logan High head coach Mike Favero eventually led to discussions via e-mail between Riley Nelson and BYU coaches, "and the rest is history."

Keith Nelson, a physician, said when news reached him that BYU had some interest, he requested permission from his son's mission president to address the issue.

"We didn't want to disrupt the most important thing in his life right now, which is his mission [service]," Keith Nelson said. "He just loves it. But his mission president gave the OK, and we proceeded."

Riley Nelson will be available to replace current BYU starting quarterback Max Hall, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining, but may be asked to redshirt the 2009-2010 season, his father acknowledged.

Former Pine View High quarterback James Lark, who is also currently on a church mission, figures to also be in line to compete for the starting job that year.