QB Heaps leaving BYU

SEATTLE – After two seasons at Brigham Young, quarterback Jake Heaps is transferring.

The sophomore from suburban Seattle, who started the Cougars’ final 10 games as a freshman and the first five in 2011, was given his release by coach Bronco Mendenhall on Monday.

Heaps has yet to decide where he will continue his college career.

Heaps, 6 feet 1, 200 pounds, will not speak to the media right away, but he explained his decision in an interview with former Washington quarterback Taylor Barton.

“I really respect and like coach Mendenhall; he’s a great man,” Heaps said in the post at www.northwesteliteindex.com. “I’ve learned a lot about football from coach (Brandon) Doman. There are so many great guys on this team, it’s going to be really hard to leave them. I’ve had some time to think about this decision and it’s not one I came to lightly. I have no idea where I’m going to end up, and haven’t talked to anyone. There are a lot of great programs out there, and I’m excited to do some research and find the right fit.”

Potential destinations for Heaps include Washington, Washington State, California and USC.