PROVO — BYU redshirt freshman Alex Kuresa spent last season quarterbacking the scout team.
Prior to arriving in Provo, Kuresa became the most prolific passer in state high school history. He set state records in total offense (12,917), passing yards (10,951), passing touchdowns (101), completions (751) and attempts (1,543) at Mountain Crest High.
But after spring ball concluded, Kuresa was switched to a position he had never played before — wide receiver.
"I'm leaving on my mission after this year, so it wouldn't make sense to take away reps from (quarterbacks) Taysom (Hill) and Jason (Munns) and Ammon (Olsen) when they need to be getting ready for next year," explained the 5-foot-11, 180-pound native of Millville. "They need that experience. Rather than let me sit around, they made the decision to move me (to receiver)."
Apparently, he's a fast learner — last week, Kuresa caught a couple of touchdown passes in practice.
"It's definitely been a transition," he said. "Luckily for me, going from quarterback to wide receiver, I'm able to understand a lot of things because I know what it's like from a quarterback's perspective. That gives me an advantage … I've never done it before. It's totally different, but it's a lot of fun and I'm enjoying it."
When he returns home from a mission in a couple of years, Kuresa would like to be a quarterback again.
"I'm hoping to. I'm a quarterback, and that's my first love," he said. "At the same time, when I come back, Taysom will be a senior. If I can get onto the field in another way, having already used my redshirt, then I'll do that. I just love playing the game. I'll do what I need to. If I happen to stay and play there, then I'll enjoy it. I just like playing football and however I can help the team, I'm happy with it."
Kuresa is one of several wide receives that will be fighting for playing time behind Cody Hoffman, Ross Apo and JD Falslev. He could also see time on BYU's special teams.
What does Kuresa bring to the offense?
"I feel like I'm a pretty shifty guy," he said. "I'm not the fastest guy, but I'm fast enough to get to where I need to be. I feel like if I get the ball in the open field, I can make some plays. Hopefully, I can do that this year and help the team out. I'm having so much fun. As long as I'm playing, I'm going to enjoy it. I'm trying to do that. I'm trying to battle for that spot."
Offensive coordinator Brandon Doman has been impressed with Kuresa's versatility.
