Mortensen Headed to Univ. of San Diego

Mortensen Headed to Univ. of San DiegoMortensen Headed to Univ. of San Diego

PROVO -- Quarterback Todd Mortensen has announced his decision to leave BYU and enroll at the University of San Diego. Under the direction of first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, Mortensen will compete for the Division I-AA Toreros at quarterback this season.

"I want to express how much I have loved being here at BYU," Mortensen said. "I am grateful for the chance I have had to work with Coach Crowton and for the things he has taught me as a football player, and as a person. I also wish to thank my teammates for the great experiences I have shared with them over the past four years. Although I will miss BYU tremendously, I am excited to have an opportunity to continue pursuing my football goals."

Mortensen, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound senior, graduated cumma sum laude with a 4.0 grade-point average from BYU in 2003 and was attending graduate school. As an undergraduate, Mortensen was a four-year recipient of the Gordon B. Hinckley Scholarship--the most prestigious scholarship awarded to a BYU student. According to his wife, Lori, Mortensen will enroll in a graduate program at the University of San Diego while completing his final season of football eligibility.

Among his many accomplishments, Mortensen served as chair for both the BYU and Mountain West Conference Student Athlete Advisory Councils. He and his wife were popular motivational speakers for youth organizations throughout the community. Mortensen is also an accomplished pianist and composer.

"Todd and I have had some great discussions about his goals and his football career." BYU Head Coach Gary Crowton said. "I'm excited for him to have an opportunity to play at the University of San Diego. He has our full support and we wish him all the best. We're going to miss him.

"Todd and his wife have done so much in our community," Crowton said. "The University of San Diego is lucky to get them. Todd has been an outstanding representative of this University."

The Tempe, Ariz., native was a three-year letterwinner for the Cougars and a Mountain West Conference All-Academic selection. Playing a backup role at quarterback for the Cougars, Mortensen competed in a total of 14 games over his career, completing 27 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown.

"After completing my degree and getting married a year ago, I felt a desire to pursue my dream of playing football," Mortensen said. "I feel like the opportunity I have at the University of San Diego will enable me to continue pursuing that dream. In talking with Coach Harbaugh and with Coach Crowton, I feel like it is an opportunity that is too good to pass up."

Mortensen is expected to take over the play-calling duties for the Toreros this season. USD is coming off an 8-2 campaign in 2003, finishing tied with Valparaiso for first place in the Pioneer League North Division standings.

"The University of San Diego had the top-ranked offense in Division I-AA last

year," Mortensen said. "Their quarterback led the nation in passing efficiency, and their top three wide receivers and running back are all returning this fall. I feel like the offensive system that Coach Harbaugh runs is a great fit for my strengths as a quarterback, and that I can be very successful there."

Before leaving for San Diego, Mortensen spoke to his BYU teammates Thursday, informing them of his decision. Lori said it was a difficult thing for her husband to do.

"I think he got a little emotional when he told his teammates," Lori said. ""Todd really wasn't looking to leave. This just turned out to be a custom-made opportunity for us. You can imagine how difficult this was, but he just wants the opportunity to play on Saturdays."

While completing his eligibility at the University of San Diego, Mortensen said he will always be a Cougar.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at BYU," he said. "My experience as an athlete, as a student, and as a member of this community has been outstanding. I will always have fond memories of this University, and look forward to coming back to BYU often. I have given everything I have to this university for the past four years, and I believe that I have received even more in return."

"I will be cheering harder than anyone for us to beat Notre Dame this September."