Editor's note: Fourth in an occasional series exploring the pros and cons of starting a true freshman at quarterback, and the experiences of the six freshmen who started for BYU.
PROVO — John Beck was one of the last recruits that committed to legendary BYU coach LaVell Edwards not long before Edwards announced his retirement in 2000.
After serving an LDS Church mission to Portugal, Beck enrolled in January 2003, participated in spring drills and couldn’t wait to embark on his college football career, but under a new coach, Gary Crowton, who was entering his third season at the helm.