The Broadcasting Qualifications of Riley Neslon

        Riley Nelson is Greg Wrubell’s new sidekick on football game day. Nelson reported to Cougar Claw that he went through a series of interviews with Wrubell and other broadcast members with BYU before he was hired for the job. “I have known Greg since I was a player at [BYU] and have kept in close touch.” said Nelson. 

What was the process like? Nelson had been paying attention to the broadcast booth and made his move when Mark Lyons announced his retirement. Nelson said, “I reached out to Greg when Mark announced his retirement, and asked to be considered. I was one of a handful considered and after the interviews, I was selected.” 

Bold, tenacious, gritty. Who does that? A person who played like Nelson did when quarterbacking BYU. A person who has a vision and is willing to work at something to become above average. A person who believes he is qualified to add quality color commentary to a radio broadcast. “I’ve experienced it all and can bring context and perspective to not only the in game action,”Nelson said, “but to the pre and post game shows.”

Nelson’s perspective is born out of success and adversity. Nelson listed his qualifications and perspective saying, “…when it comes to college football there was nothing as a player I didn’t experience, from the highs of being a starter, last second wins, bowl games, ranked teams, comeback victories; to the lows of getting hurt, being benched, battling injuries, criticized by fans and media, losing close games, putting out poor performances…I’ve experienced it all.”

BYU fans will listen this fall to a tried and true athlete turned commentator. But that’s not unique in the world of sports broadcasting. What will be noticed is an aggressive commitment to being as good as possible, not taking this opportunity for granted.

“My focus over these next 100 days is mostly to collect as much advice about on air performance as possible,” said Nelson, “I have always stayed close to the program and have maintained a friendship with Greg, Jason, and Mitch.”  

Nelson says he will continue to focus on those relationships and the mentoring process so by August 29th, those fabulous four will be an, “informed and cohesive team and put a great product out over the radio waves.”

O, football season, how I long for thee!

Greg Wrubell Believes Riley Nelson will be Impressive

Greg Wrubell lavished praise on his new color commentator calling Riley Nelson, impressive, charismatic and clever. Wrubell said, "I'm excited to work with Riley! He always impressed me as a competitor on the field, and I know he'll be impressive as a broadcaster."

Wrubell always has his audience in mind. His preparation is legendary and authentic (for insight to his preparation for a game read, How Greg Wrubell Became the Voice of the Cougars ).

What does Wrubell think Nelson will bring to the audience? "Our listeners will enjoy his analysis and appreciate his personality. He's clever,  charismatic and knowledgeable- all great qualities for a color commentator," Wrubell said.

So a quarterback will replace a quarterback in the booth.  Mark Lyons had his personal broadcast style and Nelson will bring his own. It's something interesting to look forward too as athletes report June 21st to school, one month away!  Wrubell is excited for his new partner and the season saying, "I know he'll be a natural in the booth and I can't wait for the season to get here!"

Me neither.

 

 

Announcing Riley Nelson

Greg Wrubell has invited Riley Nelson to join him in the broadcast booth announcing BYU football games. Could there be a better job?

Nelson played for BYU during the 2009-2012 football seasons. He threw for 3913 yards and rushed for 793. He broke ribs, defenders ankles and high fived a referee. He played intense, ran hard and would not take himself out of a game, which may have cost BYU some games but Mendenhall loved his grit.

How does this translate into the broadcast booth? Nelson will be colorful, insightful and may step on Wrubell's toes a bit. But Nelson is good on radio, good with interviews and is a football junkie.

From his twitter account, "I could not be more excited about this opp. To be able to be part of every game day again and to be part of sharing the great BYU football moments to come with Cougar Nation!!! Now these 100 days need to go quick so we can get to kickoff!"

Welcome to the broadcast booth Riley, you get to work with a legend. Don't muff it.

Jason Buck is short sighted looking at BYU Independence

Brad Rock writes this article sharing an overused opinion from Jason Buck, Jason Buck...BYU Independence

Once again, Buck's rehashed opinion is BYU should join a G-5 league. All BYU fans remember Craig Thompson, Buck evidently doesn't.  There is no going back to the MWC, there is no going back to G-5 unless it allows BYU to rake in $67 million a year.

I am sure the talent level will increase in the program, the ease of independence won't, but we make and control our own money!

Before bashing BYU independence, consider all the venues they've played in, consider ESPN's love affair with the program and consider this excellent article from Ryan Teeples, BYU Football Revenues...

Also, BYU is not dead in sports. Athletes from Track and Field, Volleyball, Golf, Women's Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Baseball are stirring national waters all the time! I am sure Football and Basketball will soon join making headlines. Independence and the money being generated is making the entire athletic University successful. Full speed ahead!

Go Cougs!

Must Read on Adam Pulsipher and his time at BYU

Adam Pulsipher gives recruitment quotes all over this article by Jeff Call (Deseret News).

"For me, greatness was what my parents taught me, which was faith, service and education...I found that at BYU." Athlete and a Scholar