Max Hall knew about Quarterback U. He understood the storied list of players who gave the Brigham Young University football team that nickname.
That is exactly why Hall wanted to be part of it.
There are major challenges, but joining the ranks of a list that includes Steve Young, Ty Detmer, Jim McMahon, Marc Wilson and most recently John Beck can put a quarterback at the top of college football.
“With all the quarterbacks who have come through here, the program expects a lot out of the position,” Hall said Wednesday by phone. “It can be nerve- wracking, but I like that. A quarterback on any team has to be a leader, but the standards here are pretty high.”
Hall elected to take on the challenge after attending Arizona State for a year. He had to sit out last year but still was Beck’s understudy.
BYU quarterbacks must live up to more than history. The caliber of the past puts the player of the present under scrutiny.
Coach Bronco Mendenhall said analysis from the fans and media goes with the territory at BYU.
“Any player at quarterback here has a unique and difficult job,” Mendenhall said. “Max Hall has improved each and every week of our season so far. But that really doesn’t take him out from under the microscope.”
The Cougars (1-2) are at home for the first time in three weeks, opening Mountain West Conference play against league surprise team Air Force (3-0, 2-0).
“I was here on a recruiting trip a couple of years ago when they played Air Force,” Hall said. “I watched the game. It looked as if Air Force plays hard, and that’s the way we play.”
Hall, who said it was invaluable being on the sideline while Beck played, is coming off an experience that would stick in any young quarterback’s mind. Last week, he threw for 537 yards and four touchdowns in a 55-47 loss at Tulsa.
“I’ve never been in a game like that where it was a shootout involving both teams,” Hall said.
Hall doesn’t believe he’s facing the task of turning around the Cougars by himself. He credits a strong supporting cast that includes running back Harvey Unga, the leading rusher with 195 yards and two touchdowns, and receiver Austin Collie, the leading receiver with 241 yards and three touchdowns.
“When we started the season, we felt we were capable of winning every game on the schedule,” Hall said. “We’re not at a crossroads, but we have had a bump in the road. There’s no need to panic. We’re starting conference play, and every team’s goal is to win the conference.”
Staff writer Irv Moss can be reached at 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
